Pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro in Malaga, Spain, is what many people regard to as the deadliest and most terrifying walkway in the world – the El Caminito del Rey.
Camino del Rey or King’s Pathway was first constructed in 1901 and was finished in 1905. It was built to provide workers a pathway to cross the distance between the hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls. The pathway was also used to transport materials and facilitate inspection and maintenance of the channel.
Over the years, the walkway fell into disrepair. In 2001, it was shut down following the death of five people in 1999 and 2000. After extensive renovations in 2011 – 2015, El Caminito del Rey is set to open again by the end of March 2015. This time, in a much safer form.
Check out the photos of the King’s pathway. I don’t know about you, but this looks pretty terrifying to me.
Camino del Rey rises over 330 feet above the river below.
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The walkway measures 3.3 feet in width.
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It is constructed of concrete, resting on steel rails which are supported by stanchions at around 45 degrees into the rock face.
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Numerous sections of the walkway has long collapsed. I’m hoping those gaps have been perfectly filled and repaired before its re-opening.
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Breathtaking view from above though.
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But I’m still having second thoughts.
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King Alfonso XIII crossed this walkway for the inauguration of the dam Conde del Guadalhorce in 1921.
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The walkway’s hazardous terrain and trail difficulty calls for expert hiking.
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If you’re looking for some good ol’ adrenaline rush, this place surely deserves a try.
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