A footpath that has earned a reputation as the most dangerous and scariest walkway in the world is set to reopen to daredevil holidaymakers.
Slicing through the Gaitanes Gorge in southern Spain, El Caminito del Rey – known as the King’s Pathway – was shut down by authorities after five people plunged to their deaths in 1999 and 2000.
The narrow concrete path, supported by steel stanchions at around 45 degrees into the rock face, fell into disrepair and had rickety hand rails and wide gaps that posed a severe hazard for even experienced climbers.
When a 2.5-mile stretch reopens as a tourist attraction in January, adrenaline junkies who enjoyed the extreme climb may be disappointed because the metre-wide footpath will be reinforced and much safer.
According to renderings, the walkway’s gaps will be filled in and it will be much sturdier, with the addition of new stanchions and a security fence to protect visitors as they walk 330ft above the Guadalhorce River near the town of El Chorro.
The months-long restoration project by the Andalusian and Malagan governments is costing millions of pounds in an effort to capitalise on the walkway’s massive popularity.
Even though its entrances were closed years ago and they faced a £4,700 fine for trespassing, thrill-seeking locals and tourists continue to bypass security measures, including police officers, to navigate the walkway.
The footpath is over 100 years old and was built for workers at two nearby hydroelectric plants. Authorities plan to charge admission and limit the number of visitors when it reopens.
(dailymail.co.uk)
Bakudaily.Az
