The “World’s Most Dangerous Footpath”
Has Opened Back Up, But Dare You Walk Down It?
 |
| Visiting Caminito del Ray is a must for Thrillseekers |
The “World’s Most Dangerous” footpath is the Caminito delRay footpath. While this moniker might be a little unfair, it is true that five
deaths happened at the trail before it was closed in 2001. So, perhaps there is
some truth to it.
The pathway is now set to be reopened for the third summer
season following a makeover totalling €5.5 million over a 14-year hiatus.
Thrillseekers looking to edge along this footpath are already on sale. The
footpath hugs against the sheer cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge, above a 330 foot
drop to the Gualdahorce river.
The route can be found in El Chorro, near Malaga. It was
closed following the deaths of five people between 1999 and 2000. Spain has
always considered the rough parts of the country to be more “enter at your own
risk”, but it seems the additional levels of health and safety has no doubt
been welcomed by tourists; the route has brought in 600,000 visitors since it
reopened in 2015.
The summer season begins on the 22nd of April
this year, and the organisers of the attraction have decided on a limit of
1,100 visitors per day. This is to keep the crowd numbers low and improve
visitor safety. Tickets can be purchased for €10. Visitors can make their way
along the entire four0mile pathway and see the beautiful gorge for themselves –if the weather allows it of course.
There are many brilliant natural attractions in Spain, but
not many of them are as white-knuckle as El Caminito del Rey. If you don’t mind
taking the risk, then you should try to take on the pathway yourself and see the
beautiful hills of Malaga.
The most important thing is; never look down!
