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Way back in time before the onset of adulthood I enjoyed countless days heading into the hills of Yorkshire with nothing more than a squashed sandwich & youthful sense for adventure! Despite long past youthful and work commitments keeping me in the city, the sense of adventure and love for the outdoors never left me. After digging my boots out and returning to the hills I attended a number of courses to improve my hill knowledge and skill base, during one of these courses it was suggested I join the Mountain Leader Training scheme and was delighted go on to gain the MOUNTAIN LEADER Award in April 2012. As well as spending time on the hills and mountains of the UK I have also enjoyed trips to the Nepalese Himalaya, Swiss & French Alps, Mallorca’s Tramuntana, Andorran & French Pyrenees, Morocco’s High Atlas, Tanzania’s Mt Meru & Kilimanjaro, Argentinian & Chilean Patagonia and winter expeditions to Norway’s Hardangervidda. Since gaining the ML I have also gained the SINGLE PITCH AWARD, INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN LEADER AWARD and the WINTER MOUNTAIN LEADER AWARD. I am now enjoying working in a freelance role whilst trying to get out climbing as much as possible.
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Sunday 24 June 2012

Mallorca - Serra de Tramuntana

During a recent trip to the 'Brit' holiday favorite destination of Majorca I took the opportunity to visit the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range which dominates the the northern coast of the Island, reaching a height of 1436m at 'Puig Major' (which is the site of a Spanish military base and only accessible with pre arranged permit - Doh!).

Puig de sa Retata over Embassament de Cuber (reservoir serving Palma)
 


From the summit of Puig de Massanella (1365m) looking North to the Mediterranean
From the summit of Puig de Massanella looking SW over the Serra de Tramuntana

Embassament de Cuber (reservoir water for Palma)
Sanctuary de Lluc
   Day 1 - Full of enthusiasm and feeling fresh I thought I'd try avoid the beaten track, not the wisest decision I've ever made! The going was very tough and the local goats seemed surprised to see me as i made my way through lots of waist high, thorny bushes and razor edged grasses as well as over and down craggy, sharp edged limestone peaks & gorges, though the stunning views of the  'spaghetti western' like landscape took my mind off my scratched, bleeding legs!!
  Day 2 - Feeling slightly 'jaded' from the previous days adventure I set my sights high and headed up the highest publicly accessible peak of 'Puig de Massanella' (1365m). The walk in was on a good track through forested land before it took a turn to head steeply up the mountain, forest gave way to brush, gave way to grass, gave way to bare rock as the track rapidly gained height. Cloud cover and a slight breeze at the summit produced goose bumps and a shiver in stark contrast to the heat of the previous day, so after a brief stop to take in the views over the Island and of the 'black vultures' (think they had an eye on me as a possible meal!) it was a steady walk back.

 I stayed in the Sanctuary de Lluc, £43 for 2 nights bed only in en suite room & silence in the public areas after 11pm! Bargain and best nights sleep EVER!!

Recommended reading - 'Walking In Mallorca - June Parker updated by Paddy Dillon, Cicerone'.
Maps - 'Mallorca Tramuntana Central + Nord/Norte 1:25000 - Editorial Alpina'
   

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