What is it?

The Camino Del Rey is a walkway that was built to connect the Gaitanejo Falls and Chorro Falls hydroelectric power plants so materials could be transported between the two locations.

Work began in 1901 and was completed in 1905. In 1921 King Alphonso XIII crossed the walkway to officially open the Conde Del Guadalhorce dam and since this time, the pathway has been known as Caminito Del Rey (The King's little pathway)

Since then the path has had very little, if any, maintainence and has fallen into disrepair. The pathway was closed in 2000 after the deaths of tourists (1 in 1999, and 3 in 2000)

Despite being closed, the pathway still attracts thrill seekers desperate to enjoy the views and get the adrenaline rush that the Camino Del Rey offers.

It should be noted that both ends of the pathway have been taken down to prevent access onto the path, and to be on the pathway breaks local byelaws.

There are plans to renovate the path and make it safe again, but things seem to be moving very slowly and there is no estimation of when work might begin or be completed.


How long is it?

The pathway has three sections. The south gorge section (the most famous) has about 1km of concrete pathway which is in bad repair. It also includes the 'bridge' which can be seen below. It has a via ferreta style safety wire to attach to, but the weight this could hold is disputed and, overall, it would better not to test it!!

The centre section is a regular gravel path about 3km in length which connects the North and South gorges.

The North gorge section is back to concrete pathway for a bout 2.5km. It is in slightly better condition that that of the South gorge and as such, has only two parts with the via ferreta style safety wire.

There are several 'cave' type openings off the pathway. I did not explore these and can give no help with the contents, length or safety of these caves.

Where is it?

The Camino Del Rey is located in El Chorro, a village about an hours drive from Malaga.


Why walk it?

I'm sure everyone who walks it has their own reasons but several years ago I was sent an e-mail with a video of someone walking along the pathway. Included was the text 'How crazy is this?'

My reply to the e-mail was 'I love it. I have to find it and do it before I turn 30!'

I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie So, after several years of periodically looking at the video thinking 'I really must do it', I decided to go for it and book my trip. I went to El Chorro and completed the Camino Del Rey 4 weeks before my 30th Birthday.


Where to stay

There are several places to stay near El Chorro and a simple Google search will bring up guest houses, campsites etc... However, there are two guest houses of special interest to climbers...

The climbers Lodge - http://www.climbinglodge.com

and

The Olive Branch - http://www.olivebranchelchorro.co.uk/