Hike once called the world's 'most dangerous' is dramatic trail above deep gorge

There is a walk out there that was once considered so perilous it earned the title of the most dangerous hike on the planet - and yet today, it is open to almost any adventurous traveller willing to take the plunge.

If the idea of narrow boardwalks, sheer cliffsides and jaw-dropping drops gets your pulse racing, this extraordinary trail may be exactly what you have been looking for.

To put the appeal into context, Britain is no stranger to demanding walks. From the rugged ridgelines of Wales to the full 268-mile stretch of the Pennine Way, there is no shortage of ways to challenge yourself on home turf. But for a truly unforgettable experience, sometimes you need to cast your gaze a little further afield.

That trail is the Caminito del Rey, an 8km (5-mile) elevated walkway carved into the walls of a dramatic gorge in El Chorro, Malaga province, in southern Spain. For years, the route was regarded as the world's most treacherous, with crumbling bridges and deteriorating pathways making it a genuine danger to anyone who dared attempt it.

Following an extensive restoration project, the trail has been brought back to life and is now a safe, well-maintained and hugely popular destination for thrill-seekers across Europe and beyond.

Hiker Conor Carter captured the experience on TikTok, giving his followers a vivid sense of what the walk entails.

He said: "This was once known as 'the world's most dangerous hike'. Welcome to El Caminito del Rey, Málaga, Spain. It's one of the most breathtaking walks I've ever done! Suspended 100 metres above a dramatic gorge, this iconic trail takes you along narrow boardwalks carved into the cliffside before crossing an incredible suspension bridge."

At its most dramatic points, the path sits a full 100 metres above the gorge floor, delivering vertiginous views that are as exhilarating as they are unforgettable.

Spain's official tourism website describes the trail as a "unique experience", highlighting the remarkable feat of engineering involved in constructing footbridges directly into the gorge walls.

The website adds: "The Caminito del Rey walk is spectacular from start to finish, as it winds its way through gorges, canyons and a vast valley. Wander through the landscapes of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Nature Reserve, a gorge carved out by the River Guadalhorce, with walls reaching depths of 700 metres."

The natural world puts on quite a show along the route as well. The surrounding nature reserve is teeming with wildlife, and lucky visitors may spot Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures or golden eagles wheeling high above the gorge. Down below, wild boar and mountain goats are known to roam the rocky landscape.

The walkway's history stretches back to the early 20th century, when it was originally built to allow workers to move materials between the Gaitanejo and El Chorro waterfalls in support of a nearby hydroelectric power station. These days it serves a rather more scenic purpose. The route runs in a single direction only, following a gentle downhill descent from north to south.

Walkers should set aside around three to four hours to complete the trail. A shuttle bus service runs at the end of the route to return visitors to the car park, saving the need to retrace their steps.

Tickets must be booked ahead of time and cannot be purchased on the trail itself. They are available either online via the official website or in person at the northern entrance.

Standard admission is priced at €10, while a guided tour - offered in both Spanish and English - costs €18. The shuttle bus fare is €2.50, and parking nearby is available for €2.

Children under the age of eight are not permitted on the trail. Those aged eight and over may be asked to produce identification to confirm their age upon arrival.

For more information and to book, visit the Spanish Tourism website.