Every year since 1974, a devotional walk is undertaken up into the Tramuntana mountains, the Marxa de Güell a Lluc a peu. The walk, in a way a pilgrimage due to its origins, traditionally starts in Palma de Mallorca and aims for the Monasterio de Lluc, some 49 km away.

For those with a lesser ambition, and perhaps with no motivation of a religious kind, I suggest a shorter route from Selva, not far from Inca. The distance along the Camí Vell from Selva to Lluc monastery is approximately 14 km, with quite a steep ascent along the mountain footpaths. You should allow three to four hours of ambling, plus plenty of huffing and puffing through some beautiful landscape and past some of nature’s delights.

Do not walk in the Summer’s daytime heat, though. At this time of year, it would be best to start the walk at 18h00, which should you get to Lluc well before 22h00. Make sure you take plenty of water on your challenge (perhaps 50 cl per hour). The return journey can be made by bus or taxi, or you can pre-arrange a pick-up through a friend. Or you could stay the night at the monastery (has to be booked due to the late hour of arrival).

The real Marxa de Güell a Lluc a peu is always held on the first Saturday in August. This year’s walk starts at 23h00 on Saturday, August 2nd, at Plaza Güell in Palma. Last year, there were about 8,000 walkers, of which about 5,000 managed the whole distance, including my friend, young Gaetano Beckmann. Well done.

The photo was taken in Selva, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: June 8th, 2008. The time was 10:25:30.