Walk El Caminito del Rey cliffside path

“Reaching the end of the tunnel we came to the part of the walk that I had been dreading – the hanging bridge. Stretching across the gorge from one side to the other, the bridge is suspended more than 100 metres across the floor of the gorge and, thanks to a metal grid base means you can enjoy (or otherwise) the view down into the abyss. Only ten people at any one time are allowed on the bridge, which is carefully monitored by a guide, although it has been safety tested to hold up to 50,000 kgs in weight. Despite my fear of heights I’d been fine for most of the walk but at this point the fear really kicked in and I’m thankful that the guide who was monitoring access to the bridge was there. While other people lingered on the bridge looking around and taking photos, he chatted to me and then, when the bridge was empty, he walked backwards across it, talking to me all the time to keep my mind off where I was while I kept my eyes looking firmly ahead, my hands never leaving the railings! My hero!! There was some more boardwalk with steps (they’re steep and pretty narrow so you need to keep your wits about you) before we reached solid ground again and the final stretch of the walk. Apart from the bridge, this was my least favourite part of the walk as I could see directly between the wooden slats to the ground below.”

“It wasn’t long, though, until we hit the first of the wooden catwalks bolted to the side of the gorge wall that would take us deeper into the canyon. On went the helmets. From this point on, I simply could not stop taking photos. Every bend in the trail had me reaching for my phone. The blue skies above, the sharp light on the stony canyon walls, the murky river way below—it never got old. Words don’t really do it justice, so here are two pictures. A 100-foot-long suspension bridge across the gorge is the Caminito del Rey’s star attraction. It’s the highest point on the trail, with the Guadalhorce River gurgling away about 400 feet below. Anticipating the needs of selfie snappers and Instagram addicts, the trail’s managers have built a glass-floored platform that juts out over the canyon. It’s a great spot to get a photo of yourself with the bridge in the background, and Jorge cheerfully served as photographer in chief as we each paraded onto the platform in turn. A few more minutes of walking brought us to the bridge itself. The views of the river, gorge, and valley beyond were stunning, but I didn’t linger long, as the bridge was festooned with orange warning markers. (What can I say? I’m the type that follows instructions.)”