wildcamping in Mallorca

Thinking about walking for ten days or so in Mallorca .What is it like for wild camping?Is the weather suitable in February ?Are there access problems?Seem to remember something about paths being blocked

The most up-to-date guidebook, dare I say it, is this one and you can read parts of the contents on the website for free. I'm not aware of any access problems with any of the routes since publication late last year. There is someone on the island keeping an eye on the routes in the book, and so far everything is OK.

Walking through the mountains in February should be superb, but bear in mind that it can rain at that time of year, and it can be misty on top. Most of the time it should be nice and sunny.

As for wild camping, just make sure that no-one catches you and you'll be fine. Local people do camp in the wilds, but as most the the terrain is private property, you have to keep out of sight. The only real campsite on the island is a rather bare and dejected looking site near Lluc Monastery. There are some newly-opened mountain refuges, but if you intend staying at them, you'll need a pretty good command of Spanish (or Catalan if you really want to impress) as I'm told it all has to be done by phone with credit cards.

Thanks Paddy I have the old June Parker book so may have to make do with that for now.Which are the best maps to buy and do you know the whereabouts of a walking shop in Palma to buy gas or meths

The best maps are without a doubt the three 1:25,000 Alpina maps that cover the Serra de Tramuntana. Don't bother with the government IGN maps, which hardly show any of the trails, or the Kompass ones, which show too many errors. The Alpina maps can be obtained from Stanfords or the Map Shop, unless you want to order direct from the publisher in Spain.

You might have a problem with some routes if you use June Parker's old book. However, some update material is available here.

There is an outdoor shop right in the middle of Palma, whose exact name and location escapes me at the moment. If I remember it, I'll post a note here.

Get in touch with these guys, they are realy helpfull and should be able to give good advice on routes etc.

www.rocksportmallorca.com