Via Ferrata Caminito del Rey in El Chorro
-& El Camino Del Rey walkway itself-
El Caminito del rey itself is a narrow, man-made path that is suspended along the sides of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (Gorge of Gaitanes) and contours along the walls of this narrow, steep sided cleft 100m above the Guadalhorce river below. It was repaired in 2014 and you can now book your tickets on line to visit individually or as part of a guided group. This much publicised route is a fantastic adventure that crosses some amazing territory.
Via Ferrata El Caminito del Rey
The Via Ferrata itself goes through some hidden and amazing territory within El Chorro rock faces. It is a combination of vertical walls, an exciting 30 meters zip line -which requires a pulley- and a fun tibetan bridge.
Nearest Town: Alora
Best meeting point: El Chorro train sation Bar
Difficulty: K3
Total estimated time: 3.5/4 hrs
Multi activity tour
The small village of El Chorro in Andalucia is justifiably famous amongst climbers as a fantastic winter rock climbing destination and the same dramatic limestone scenery
We can arrange or suggest accommodation for your stay or combine a trip along the Caminito del Rey walkway, the Via Ferrata itself and some rock climbing on the amazing rock faces of El Chorro.
Useful Information on our Courses
Course |
Ratio |
Cost |
Via Ferrata Caminito del Rey |
1:1 |
190 Euros |
1:2 |
95 Euros pp |
El Caminito de Rey walkway history
The gorge connects two large reservoirs and it was to connect these dams -and their hydroelectric plantsthat- that the path was originally built.
The work on the walkway was started in 1901 and it took four years for the construction workers to finish the walkway. The inauguration of the walkway had to wait until 1921 when Spanish King Alfonso XIII opened the dams and crossed the walkway. It has been called The King’s Pathway ever since.
The pathway has gradually fallen into disrepair although it is used regularly by climbers to access the multitude of climbs that line the walls of the gorge. The fragile nature of the construction is quite impressive - a lot of the climbs in the gorge start at on the ground and finish on the walkway and it was quite a shock the first time I saw the underside of pathway and the apparent lack of anything substantial holding it all together.
It became infamous at the turn of the century when there were some fatalities - this wasn't really much of a shock to many climbers who regularly saw inebriated youths josseling their way along the walkway.
These days you can enjoy it in total safety. Children must be over 8 years old and make sure you book with plenty of time.
