Infamous for its narrow walkways that thinly jut out of soaring cliffs, Spain’s Caminito del Rey has been given the green light to build the country’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge
The bridge is expected to be 110 metres long and will be suspended 50 metres from the groundSpain is about to get a record-breaking suspension bridge in one of the most bone-chilling parts of the country. Caminito del Rey, which opened as a tourist attraction in 2015 is a leading tourist attraction in Andalucía, garnering more than 300,000 visitors every single year.
Renowned for its dramatic walkways clinging to the cliff sides, Caminito del Rey is often described as the world’s ‘most dangerous’ walkway, and has seen multiple hikers fall to their death. Just last month, a woman from Ireland plunged 500 feet at the hotspot, while a male friend she was hiking with miraculously cheated death by grabbing onto a bush-covered rock that was jutting out from the rest after he also fell.
Now, a huge 110-metre pedestrian suspension bridge near the existing iron railway bridge and the El Chorro tunnel in Álora has been given the green light. It is widely reported that work will begin next month (March) and is expected to finish by November.
The popular tourist destination is infamous for its deathly hiking routes
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Sur – a news outlet in Spain – states the new suspension bridge, which is part of a staggering €1.25 million (£995k) expansion programme, will have “two main sustainable steel cables of 4,500 kilograms and a 1,450-metre special braided steel cable and a downward slope with an average drop of 7.5 per cent.” The structure will weigh a whopping 38 tonnes, 17 of which will be the new bridge.
For those willing to walk 50 metres above the ground, it is believed the new bridge will act as an alternative to the current ‘exit’ route (which will still be in use). This will save visitors from having to walk downhill for almost 1km on a steep part of the terrain.
The new bridge will save hikers from having to walk down a steep section of path as they exit the park
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According to local news, Francisco Salado, head of Turismo Costa del Sol, branded the development a ‘magnificent’ way to mark the 10th anniversary of Caminito’s reopening. He added: “In addition to improving the safety and evacuation of the path, by providing it with an alternative, this bridge and new itinerary in El Chorro will make the route much more spectacular. Although, those who prefer the existing path or wish to not experience so many emotions will be able to use the current final section.”
Currently, tickets to visit Caminito del Rey are €10 for general admission or €18 for an official guided visit. Booking in advance is recommended, as the site can get busy – especially in the high season.
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