The path El Caminito del Rey, placed in Malaga Spain, is hanging in the air and it is built on the walls of the gorge - Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. Attached to the gorge, is tree kilometres long and less than one metre wide with long sections. It is suspended on the vertical walls of the gorge, hundred metres above the river. The path was built because the Hydroelectric Company El Chorro, owner of Salto del Gaitanejo (Gaitanejo Precipice) and Salto del Chorro (El Chorro Precipice), needed an access way between the two precipices in order to make it easier for the maintenance workers to approach the zone, transport materials and watch the places.
One of the most famous parts of the pathway is a boardwalk on the gorge. This projecting structure can be easily seen from the railway. Its risky construction, as well as picturesque scenery can be admired from that point.
In 1999 and 2000, there were many hikers who suffered mortal accidents, so that the Andalusian government decided to close the access to the pathway in order to avoid more casualties. Therefore, they demolished the first section of the way. Today, those who approach the way by jumping over the closed access or climbing the wall or through the tunnels (this way can also be used as the pathway exit although it is highly dangerous), can be fined with the sum of € 6,000.
The path has been under restoration and will be open to public again in April 2015.
Watch what does it feel like to take a walk in El Camino del Rey:
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