In 2001 the Caminito del Rey (the king’s little pathway), a 3km-long walkway high in the mountains above the Gorge of Gaitanes Malaga, was closed after five people plunged 100 metres to their deaths off the disintegrating path in the two preceding years. Ever since, a hefty potential fine of 5,000 Euro – not to mention missing sections of the walkway itself – have tried to deter thrill-seeking walkers and climbers from taking it on.
Originally built between 1901 and 1905, to give workers access to two hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls, the pathway has reopened following a 2.5 million Euro renovation project undertaken by the local Andalusian authorities.
While previously whole sections of the walkway had disappeared down into the ravine below, and large holes had appeared in its surface, now the entire concrete surface is back in one piece. Though there is the occasional glass platform to keep visitors’ vertigo on the boil, and extra safety measures have been put in place.
Some purists and thrill seekers will be sorry to hear that the renovations have also included installing safety rails along the gorge side of the walkway. For many years no such security existed – just a cable running along the rock face for walkers to clip onto.
No doubt the same ‘purists’ will complain that you no longer have to ‘tightrope walk’ across rusty steel girders where the pathway had disintegrated and safety helmets will be required, despite the renovations.
Set to open on March 28, in time for Easter, rumour has it that King Felipe of Spain will be asked to cut the ribbon – which would be fitting, as it was his great grandfather King Alfonso XIII, who braved the walkway and gave it his name when opening a power plant it was built to service in 1921.
Given the Caminito’s spectacular nature and notoriety, demand is likely to be high, although this will be tempered by the likelihood of visitor fees and a limit on the number of daily walkers allowed access.
For more information on the Caminito, see its official website
