The Caminito del Rey, The King´s path |
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Caminito del Rey - Future Plans
Spectacular Waterfall
The other project is to reopen the original hydroelectric overflow spillway to recreate a spectacular 100m waterfall. As part of the 2016 budget of 1.2m € a tunnel and a waterfall was to be added. The 126k € tunnel project was completed in May 2017, cleaning the old aqueduct to make use of sections of the the original tunnel aqueduct and includes two external gallery view points. The tunnel is now lit. This initiative is to keep the path open to visitors during high winds however walkers who want to take a short cut can use it. There has been no further news announced on the waterfall project.
SPECIAL PLAN
The 'Plan Especial de Caminito del Rey' was publicised by the Diputation de Malaga on 14th October 2014. It included for 11m euro of further investment / work mainly associated with access road projects but also viewpoints on the walk and improvements in the woodland section. This plan was approved by the Junta de Andalucia on 4th January 2018. Prevention of soil erosion where a small stream cross the path was carried out. Ther has been no atempt to install a portable toilet block or drinking water tank on the path.
Second Phase
The second plan phase of the Caminito del Rey is to extend the route into a more convenient circular route, extending it to 14 km. Instead of crossing the hanging bridge walker could continue along 350m of new walkway along the cliff-face and around the summit of El Almorchon to join the existing path called Sendero del Almorchon for 1.5km and then take either of two new paths, one to the visitors centre and the other to the Kings Seat at the reservoir, near the starting point. This proposal includes the construction of a new footbridge on one of the slopes of Los Gaitanes Gorge, and the adaptation of wooded paths to the Buitreras viewpoint. The Diputacion announced in December 2018 that 6m € was in the budgets for 2019 and they were still awaiting approval from the Junta de Andalucia. Here is a plan of the extended route. Press conference. Nothing happened in 2019 or 2020 nor 2021 nor and announcement since.
Tenth Aniversary 110m suspended footbridge
The tenth anniversary of the opening of the path was marked with press event and burying of a time capsule containing Malaga newspapers by representatives on public administrations and the announcement of the start of construction works on the 110m suspension footbridge and north access path.
This is the alternative route for the final section of the path. After crossing the hanging bridge and traversing the cliff face, a new 110-metre-long suspension footbridge will be constructed to cross the space in front of the iconic iron truss Gran Gaitan railway bridge. This bridge will lead directly to a rocky knoll, and a short footpath will then take you to the end of the north access road. Completion is expected in November 2026. This will be the longest span footbridge in Spain. At its highest point, the bridge will be 50 metres above the ground, offering unique views of the railway bridge and the lake. Like those on the Caminito, it will have wooden decking on a metal frame, as well as steel cable and mesh railings. It will have a remarkably steep downward gradient of 7.5%. The estimated cost of €1,250,000 will be covered by the joint venture management company through a percentage of ticket sales. This expenditure is required under the terms of the concession agreement. After crossing the bridge, a path will lead to the exit towards El Chorro railway station. This alternative route will save walkers almost a kilometre of the current zigzag descent over rugged terrain.
Visit by King Filipe VI
HRH King Filipe VI must not have a head for heights. The Diputacion de Malaga had hoped that King Filipe VI would follow his great grandfather's footsteps and attend the opening ceremony in 2015. The King has been formally and informally invited to the Caminito de Rey several times since then and has quipped in conversation, "I know about it and would like to visit it when I can". Unless of course it is considered too great a security risk.
Guided tour of Camino del Rey
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Excursions to El Caminito del Rey
The tours listed above have pick up points at the Caminito del Rey. For excursions picking up at other cities or resorts including the transfer to Caminito del Rey check out these listing:
Excursions from Seville,
Excursions from Malaga,
Excursions from Costa del Sol,
Excursions from Torremolinos,
Excursions from Fuengirola,
Excursions from Marbella.
Book Zip lines and Via Ferrata near Camino del Rey
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