The King’s Little Pathway conjures images from ancient history where maybe serfs, servants or slaves carried treasure for a ruler, but the truth is much less romantic.
It was built at the turn of the 20th century to give access for workers to the newly constructed hydro-electric power plant. King Alfonso VIII crossed it in 1921 and hence the name, fortunately the walkway is more exciting than its history.
More detailed information is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caminito_del_Rey
Firstly thank you to my new Dutch friends Caroline and Richard who told me how to bypass the month long waiting list for tickets.
They advised me to get to the entrance for 8am as the first 50 are given access (for the entry fee of 10 euros), the guy at my hotel reception said better make it 7.45am and it’s half an hour’s walk from the hotel. I woke early and left the hotel just before 7am, it was pitch black, the stars clearly visible and just the numerous owls and the occasional big splash from the reservoir breaking the sound of my footsteps. By the time I arrived at the tunnel which leads from the road into the wooded area, I heard voices, which was reassuring, as the prospect of walking alone through the woods wasn’t a great feeling. The French couple spoke a bit of English and we walked together by torchlight. It was now 7.25am and we were first to arrive at the entrance shortly followed by a young Spanish and French couple.
As daylight broke it soon filled up, by 8.15 I reckon there was more than the 50 with us but our places were assured. As the staff let us through I felt a little embarrassed as now all the front runners seem to stand aside and let me go first, maybe it was a kind gesture to the old person there?
I’ll let the photos do the rest (there’s a lot!), in some you will see the old path below the new one, as far as I’m aware there has been no deaths from falling from the new one.
Wow 😯 that looks amazing – would love to do that. Hope you enjoyed it – it is so well constructed. Nice cuppa now or something stronger seeing how you walked there 🍺x
😆👍🏼x
This reminds me of the gorge you and Rachel walked on one of your travels. I remember how impressed you were that Rachel did it!
Actually Yvonne that one in Slovakia was a different league, not the same sheer drops but how Rachel did it still amazes me! 🥰x
Are you recording all of the hotels you stayed at? This is really useful information you are collecting.
I will make a list just for you Gav! 😆
Looks incredible but not for the faint hearted! Once you walked across how did you get back?
Yeah it’s a linear walk but there’s a bus service every half hour back to the start €1.55
It looks amazing but you wouldn’t get me walking along there x
😂x
Me neither
🤦🏻♂️😆
How did it compare to the Honister Via Ferrata?
Honister is a different ball game, clipped on and hanging onto cables whereas this is a 5 mile stroll with some sheer drops. No higher than parts of Honister though
Wow what a walk it’s on my bucket list as of reading this. Stunning views great experience. I would do that but not honister You sound as if your enjoying it.
I think I’m giving it a fair crack of the whip Cavvy 😎
Blimey Bri, that’s breathtaking !!