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This book describes the GR221, a 140 km (87 mile) long-distance trail through northwestern Mallorca, from Port d'Andratx to Pollença. Also known as the 'Ruta de Pedra en Sec' ('the Drystone Route'), the GR221 is a celebration of Mallorca's limestone heritage, taking in many historic drystone structures as it traverses the rocky peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana. Following old stone-paved paths and mule trails, it showcases the region's beautiful landscape of mountains, forests and cultivated terraces, as well as its spectacular coastline.
The GR221 can be walked in 1–2 weeks, although Trekking in Mallorca also covers 3 alternative start-points and 3 alternative finishes, which would allow for a shorter trek. The main route is presented in 10 stages of 8.5–20.5 km (5–13 miles), with a handful of optional detours to bag neighbouring summits. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:25,000 mapping and inspirational photography, plus a wealth of information on local points of interest. Accommodation and travel are also thoroughly covered: the trail boasts good transport links and plentiful facilities on route, with accommodation in welcoming mountain villages and the occasional refugi. A comprehensive introduction offers the opportunity to discover more about the region's diverse plants and wildlife and unique history and culture, and an English-Spanish-Catalan glossary can be found in the appendix.
With a favourable climate and stunning scenery, the Serra de Tramuntana has much to tempt the walker. The GR221 Drystone Route represents an ideal way to explore this fascinating World Heritage Site.
Introduction
Serra de Tramuntana
GR221 – Ruta de Pedra en Sec
Brief history of Mallorca
Plants and wildlife
Travel to Mallorca
Travel around Mallorca
When to go
Accommodation
Language
Money
Food and drink
Water
Walking the GR221
Emergencies
Using this guide
GR221 – The Drystone Route
Stage 1 Port d’Andratx to Sant Elm
Stage 2 Sant Elm to Ses Fontanelles
Stage 3 Ses Fontanelles to Estellencs
Stage 4 Estellencs to Esporles
Stage 5 Esporles to Valldemossa
Stage 6 Valldemossa to Deià
Stage 7 Deià to Sóller
Stage 8 Sóller to Tossals Verds
Stage 9 Tossals Verds to Lluc
Stage 10 Lluc to Pollença and Puig de Maria
Alternatives
Alternative start A s’Arracó to Ses Fontanelles
Alternative start B es Capdellà to Estellencs
Alternative start C Calvià to Estellencs
Alternative finish D Sóller to Cala Tuent
Alternative finish E Tossals Verds to Alaró or Orient
Alternative finish F Lluc to Caimari via GR222
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Glossary
Appendix C Public transport
Appendix D Accommodation
Appendix E Useful contacts
Paddy Dillon is a prolific outdoor writer with over 70 guidebooks to his name, and contributions to 30 other publications. He has written for a variety of outdoor magazines, as well as many booklets and brochures for tourism organisations. Paddy lives near the Lake District and has walked in every county in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales; writing about walks in every one of them. He enjoys simple day walks, challenging long-distance walks, and is a dedicated island-hopper. He has led guided walks and walked extensively in Europe, as well as in Nepal, Tibet, Korea, Africa and the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the United States.
