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The suggestion to go rock climbing in Majorca at February half-term spawned from a rather drunken night out for a meal with friends at the end of last summer but unlike a lot of other ideas, this one got followed through. Alasdair had been there before quite a few years ago and the trip was based on his recommendation. Majorca didn't disappoint us. I used to climb about 10 years ago but I tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my left knee a while back so now I've got to be careful of the stresses I put on it. Swimming and cycling are OK but any twisting or turning movement means I can be limping for weeks. However, not 1 to miss out on an outdoors holiday, I was going to use the trip as a photo opportunity.
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We booked flights with EasyJet from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Palma, secure parking with Imagine, accommodation in the Aquasol Aparthotel in Palma Nova and a hire car with Hiper Rent a Car. Isn't the internet fantastic!!!
I had checked the weather forecast for the week before we left and it looked really promising - 16 to 19 degrees Celsius with occasional cloud - but as we got off the plane, it started to rain. This lasted all afternoon until finally it rained good and proper that evening. And that was the last we saw of it. Over the course of the week, the weather just got better and better. It was always a good idea to carry a spare top or fleece just in case the wind picked up or the sun went in but generally we only needed t-shirts because we were so active. Beforehand, carrying sun cream seemed daft but we needed it most days. Going out at night, you need a top or a jacket as the temperature drops away fairly quickly. It was too cold to sit outside and eat.
We stayed in Palma Nova which is just a stone's throw along from Magalluf. It's your typical resort with everything on hand to cater for Johnny Foreigner. Spar shops ( which were never open - must have been too early in the year ), English Breakfasts ( but not before 9am - guess they only cater for people with hangovers ), etc. Although it hadn't even started to gear up for the season, there was still a constant stream of people around. It must be a complete nightmare at high season. I'm so glad we spent so much time driving around the island. It seemed a lot at the time but you get to see a whole different way of life than what's in the brochures. Getting away from the resorts and exploring for yourself is highly recommended.
Having rubbished the resort, we did find a cracking French restaurant in Palma Nova. We were only there for a week but we ate at La P'tit Bistro 4 of the 7 nights. Each time, we all ate something different and none of us were ever disappointed. The food is just heavenly. Try any of the starters, the lamb and finish with the crepe white lady if it's still on the menu. None of the other places we ate at came anywhere close.
We spent days climbing at Cala Magraner, Valldemossa, Sa Gubia & La Creveta.
To the north of Puerto Pollenca is the Bouquer Valley, lined on 1 side by the Cavall Bernat Ridge. This classic saw-toothed walk has been compared to the infamous Crib Goch scramble in Wales. Traversing the ridge can be made as difficult as you like. There are sections which are quite exposed and may require a safety rope but you'll need a head for heights and reasonable level of fitness. The upside is the views are spectacular.