Massanella

Worth going large for the view down to the coastal plain.

We had no real plans for this trip so our days have very much evolved, often through chance encounters with people and getting recommendations for things to do. Near the top of Teix we met a lovely Irishman, Mick, from Dublin, who has done a lot of walking on Majorca. He steered us towards Massanella as possibly the most beautiful and impressive hike on the island. I have to admit that the fact that it took us to the very highest accessible point in Majorca was a big attraction also.

The day did not start too well when the bus we needed from Soller turned up almost full and only a couple of people were let on before the driver rather brusquely closed the doors and drove off without us. The buses here are very punctual and remarkably cheap but not so frequent, especially in the evenings. It hasn't been too difficult getting around without a car. On this occasion there was no choice but to get a taxi to our start point - and also to return, as there was no way we were going to get to the end of the walk in time to get the one bus back, even if we could get on it.

The hike was as beautiful as Mick suggested it would be, taking in a variety of different zones, evergreen oaks at the lower altitudes, then through pines before getting out into the open where just the odd solitary tree has managed to get a purchase on life and flourished up high. The view from the top offered a panorama of the whole of Majorca, the views stretching out to the plains to the east some four thousand feet below. The scope for further walking is immense.

We descended the old pilgrim's route to the Monastery at Lluc on a well engineered trail which zig-zagged down the mountain, a lot further in distance than the map suggested. By the time we arrived there was really only time for a much needed beer before getting a taxi back to Soller to catch the last bus back to Deia.

A magnificent day - with wonderful memories. And we met a lovely Frenchman en route, Alain from Borfeaux, who gave us a great recommendation for a walking tour on Menorca. TJ is very excited about that one!