All over the world you can find unique sights that arouse unhealthy interest among fans of extreme sports. Many of them are the result of the centuries-old history of our planet and were created by the most skillful architect - Nature. But there are also such unusual creations, in the creation of which different generations of people were involved. And one of these magnificent creations, the honor to see which fell to us, is the system of unusual auxiliary rails and scaffolding that were used by the builders to build a dam in the Spanish province of Malaga. A steep cliff that does not stand out in appearance with iron piles rusted over the years is known in Spain and far beyond its borders under the unusual name of the Royal Trail.
Origin and name
So, how did the unique creation of the hands of mankind appear, and even managed to get such an unusual name? If we turn to history, it turns out that the piles and other auxiliary structures were created exclusively for construction. In particular, when the need arose at the end of the 18th century to erect the Conde del Guadalorse dam, the issue of workers' access to the construction site had to be resolved. Due to the fact that the bulk of the work was carried out at an altitude that exceeds 100 meters, and it was necessary to go to the dam along the gorge, we had to approach the solution of the issue creatively. So, one after another, railway rails and piles appeared, along which the workers were supposed to move.
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If it was possible to figure out the origin of the road, then with its name it would have to be hard to break your head. After all, apparently, it must be associated with the Spanish monarch. But what did the king have to do with the absurd platforms? Maybe it was he who came up with the idea to create a path from rails and piles? Or did he himself take part in the construction of the dam? Not. As the primary sources say, the path really owes its name to the king of Spain, but it stuck after the monarch took part in the opening of the erected dam. Since there was no other way to the dam, even a high-ranking official had to repeat the peculiar feat of dozens of workers and walk to it along narrow walkways, which were located at a bewitching height in the middle of the gorge.
Structural features
Today the trail is unusually popular with tourists who like to tickle their nerves and test their courage. Extremists come to Malaga from all corners of our planet and are eager to follow the path by which workers have been delivering materials and equipment for the construction of the dam for several years. Every day, they risked their lives, step by step treading on the unstable concrete decks, which are located at great heights.
El Caminito del Rey (the second name of the unique structure) has not been officially used since 1920. The network of iron supports and piles has a total length of more than three kilometers, and the width in some places does not exceed one meter. The path encircles the rocky outcrops of El Chorro and is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. Despite the intimidating reviews and notoriety, thousands of tourists come to see the amazing creation of the Spaniards every year. Although not everyone dares to embark on a journey that excites the imagination, for many, the interest and inspiring example of the Spanish monarch Alfonso XIII outweighs the fear and real risk to life.
Modern look
Over the years, part of the structure collapsed. Therefore, the path has become even more difficult and dangerous. And after the death of four visitors in 1999 and 2000, the government decided to restrict the access of tourists to the Royal Trail. Access to the road was closed, and huge posters appeared in its vicinity, telling about its potential danger and threatening huge fines for all those who dare to violate the ban. But the daredevils, thirsty for new sensations, continued to find a way to get to the forbidden object. And as a reward for courage and zeal, each visitor of the attraction gets the opportunity to appreciate the amazing views that open up the canyon.
Seeing such a serious eagerness of visitors to get to an intriguing and dangerous place, saluting their brave ancestors, the country's leaders nevertheless decided to carry out the restoration of El Caminito del Rey, which happened in 2011. To this end, a number of spans, where concrete slabs collapsed and rusted supports, were completely replaced. The track is scheduled to reopen to visitors in 2015. From now on, every extreme lover will have the opportunity to legally get on a unique trail. But you need to be prepared for the fact that without a helmet and safety ropes, the signs will not let you go further.
In addition, in order to attract additional tourists and give the solemn event wide publicity, it was decided to allow everyone to appreciate the beauty of the picturesque canyon and make a risky journey at a dizzying height above the gorge absolutely free. But it is worth hurrying, because such generosity of the country's leaders will last only a few months.
How to get there
There are several of the most popular routes. There is a special demand for travel by train to the town of Alora, after which some 12 km remain to the trail, which is easiest to overcome by taxi. You will have to walk for about 20 minutes and on foot.
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It will be more practical to travel by car. First, you have to get to the aforementioned town of Alora, after which you turn left and drive through two small villages.
Please note that it is best to visit one of the local shops and purchase the required set of cables and safety carabiners. This set will cost about 65 euros. It is worth taking care of the correct choice of footwear, giving preference to trekking boots. Going for a walk, do not forget to stock up on water and food, because the path is quite difficult and will take several hours.
Be careful, because you are about to explore one of the most dangerous places on the planet!
