Camino del Rey re-opened

[KinkyOne]

After 10 years of being officialy closed (although people did walked it during that time) and one year of reconstruction the authorities will re-open this "Caminito" during Semana Santa. This 3kms long and 1mt wide path was built from 1901 onward to supply workers in two hydroelectric power plants on Guadalhorce river near Malaga. It is known as one of the most frightening paths in the world, so I don't recommend opening following links to those with vertigo issues

Camino del Rey before reconstruction:

and after:

You can find lots more footage of this Caminito on... you know where

 

[Magwood]

This is local for me and I have foolishly accepted a challenge to walk the caminito. But first things first - camino Mozarabe from Málaga commencing 8 April - at least this will delay the challenge!

 

[C clearly]

Wow! Six minutes of sweaty palms, followed by 4 minutes of barely-any-better. While I watched, I wondered if Magwood would consider doing it. Good luck!

 

[KinkyOne]

This is local for me and I have foolishly accepted a challenge to walk the caminito. But first things first - camino Mozarabe from Málaga commencing 8 April - at least this will delay the challenge!

Yes, I remember from your Portugues blog that you live somewhere near Malaga (and your "addiction" for horses ).
I find this kind of camino merely touristy thing but would go take a look if happened to be somewhere near and had enough time. Since I was alpinist this isn't really something very scary for me

 

[Magwood]

. Since I was alpinist this isn't really something very scary for me

Most definitely scary for me!

 

[Whistling]

We are in the neighbourhood during our next holiday the end of August and I realy want to go. You have to buy tickets and make a reservation, only 50 people a time are alowed. It is only a 7 kilometer walk, but it looks amazing, although I am a bit afraid of heights too. I will let you know how it was, when I get back.

 

[Magwood]

Gosh...I'd forgotten about this thread. I have now walked the reopened Caminito del Rey twice. Both on organised ayuntamiento (town hall) charabancs, whilst the attraction was being run as a free service for local groups (I live an hour from Malaga).

It is a fabulous experience with incredibly beautiful scenery. The second trip included s friend who had mild fear of heights which escalated once on the walk. He went the whole way with both hands gripping the inside hand rail and I had to walk backwards across the bridge holding both his hands whilst someone else held his waist from behind. Rather slow progress was made!

It is now run by a private company and you can book tickets online.

Definitely worth a few hours if you are in the area.

Here is a little video I made during our first trip...

 

[Whistling]

Thank you for sharing this Magwood, now I look forward going even more! Although I rather not had heard the story about your friend with the fear of heights

 

[KinkyOne]

Wow, that's a nice trip through the gorge. It seems like pretty solid (new) structure to me although the bridge was a little shaky in the wind

 

[SYates]

Lovely video @Magwood and thanks for posting but that is one Camino that I and my vertigo will never make ;-) SY

 

[Magwood]

The last part, after the bridge was the most challenging, but luckily I am not too fazed by heights (as long as there is a barrier to hold on to).

On our first visit we reached the start of the Caminito to be told it was closed due to high wind. We were lucky the second time, as it was again quite windy, but we were allowed to proceed. Third time lucky also with good calm weather.

The walk closes in high wind or rain, as I guess the wooden board walks can get rather slippery. The new construction is very sturdy and felt entirely safe.

I'm sure you will be fine @Whistling. You can take something to eat half way round as there is a section on dirt track with places to rest. It isn't a circular route, you need to walk back along the road, or take a bus back to the parking area. There are bars/restaurants at the beginning and end of the caminito.

I can highly recommend a couple of days to discover the delights of Malaga if you have the opportunity, it is a lovely city with many museums and art galleries, and a great place to sit in a cafe and people watch.
Buen caminito!

 

[Tincatinker]

I can highly recommend a couple of days to discover the delights of Malaga...

Ahh. The Antigua Casa de Guardia - I could spend a couple of days there

 

[JohnMcM]

Thank you for sharing this Magwood, now I look forward going even more! Although I rather not had heard the story about your friend with the fear of heights

Hello,
Have you done this yet and how are you?
Buen (nice person) Camino

 

[Whistling]

Hello,
Have you done this yet and how are you?
Buen (nice person) Camino

Been there and it was a wonderful, beautiful scenery and amazing views. Everything was very well organized and safe. That was necessary too, because it was very crowded. You have to buy tickets in advance through internet.
They call it the Caminito del Rey, which, if I am right, means little way. It is not a "real" Camino (if such a thing excists) but more a wonderful walk, quite easy tot walk too. I realy do like walking in Andalusia, although this year it still was very warm the beginning of September.
In Granada I saw a waymark for the Camino, almost automatically followed it