Guided hiking tours Málaga
Ardales, Málaga mountains
El Caminito del Rey walking trail
The walking trail ‘Caminito del Rey’ known as the King’s Pathway (or Caminito del Rey), is an spectacular wooden track that requires nerves of steel to attempt. Nevertheless, one of the first things you notice about the elevated sections of the walkway is the robust and secure construction.
In the past, some people mention it as one of the scariest walks in the world. But nowadays, the elevated boardwalks are so well built and designed that you really feel secure. Fencing keeps you safe as you cross the narrow gorge with a sheer drop to the river below. Also, it’s wide enough for walkers to pass easily. Furthermore, there are team members along the path at strategic points and also security cameras at regular intervals.
There are a few sections where the walkway which passes through a low tunnel and a few low arches. On the whole, the route runs almost 5 miles between the northern access near Ardales and the southern access near El Chorro (Alora). It takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to walk. However, you need 4 to 5 hours in total to complete the circuit from end to end.
The path comprises some sections:
- 3 miles on footpaths.
- 2 miles on walkways
More than half of this route is a mountain trail running through the spectacular valley, access to which had been restricted to only mountaineers and hydro-electric workers in the past. Indeed, sitting amid craggy mountain surroundings, the place is a magnet for wildlife, with eagles, vultures and bee-eaters swooping around.
A bit of history about ‘Caminito del Rey’ cliff path
The Caminito del Rey (King’s Path) – so named because Alfonso XIII walked along it when he opened the Guadalhorce hydroelectric dam in 1921. Specifically, the pathway was built in 1905 but was later inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII. With this in mind, the path was designed to link the two sides of the steep narrow gorge and make communications better for the mountain villagers. In the long run, it also proved a valuable route for the hydro-electric workers – and as well as helping with communications and shifting materials between plants.
The dams were built in the 1920s across the dramatically-high Guadalhorce river gorge, known as the Garganta del Chorro.
But in 2015, the King’s path was reopened after a massive restoration project. The route and design of the new path keeping as closely as possible to the old 1921 path. Indeed, it is one of the most important projects carried out by the County Council of Málaga.
When can you hike the walking trail Caminito del Rey?
The kings passage Costa del Sol or Caminito del Rey worth visiting all year round.
This guided cliff walking tour promises to be among the highlights of your visit to southern Spain. Put on your walking boots, book with us and enjoy an epic day.
