Day 183: El Caminito Del Rey

Fun day planned yet nature had different ideas. The day before we relaxed in Ronda to prepare for a 7 KM hike on the El Caminito Del Rey. El Caminito del Rey is a walkway along Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. It has been described as the "world's most dangerous walkway” after 5 deaths in the 2000’s

Sadly, the weather was too hot at 103 and we arrived too late. Even though we had permits and tickets, the National Park closed it 1 hour before we arrived for the heat advisory. To make up for it, we drove around Paraje Mesa de Villaverde.

We actually saw hikers finishing the trail and walked past them in El Chorro. Everyone looked burnt and dehydrated so we know the park staff made the right call. There was also a dam and it appeared that they were strategically storing water at higher levels than usual to overcompensate for the draught.

We didn’t spend too much time outside; it was so very hot and even with 6 liters of water, we could feel ourselves wearing out. It was still nice to drive around the area and through the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de Líjar Algodonales.

When we returned the car, Mary saw three street puppies and called to them. They ran over ASAP and she gave them good scratches and pleaded to bring the little black one home. Kieran said no of course 😡

Spots:
El Caminito Del Rey
Tajo de la Encantada Dam
Skull Rock
Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema
Sierra de Líjar AlgodonalesRead more