Day 113 9th November
El Chorro
9miles (around El Chorro) Average speed 10.5mph Top speed 27 mph
Up early to go and get walk/ride sorted to Caminito del Rey. In time to see the sunrise between the mountains.
Sunrise between the mountains
Too early to get out of the gate though as the landlord was not up yet. So I went back and had a sarnie for brekkie, then when I went back down I realised the padlock was only wrapped round and not locked so I was free to go! Down into town to find coffee and money but I only managed coffee in a pricey hotel. Coffee was good but US election results not so popular. No cash machines in town but was told the supermarket may have one, but they didn’t open until 10.
Checked with the bus driver to see what time he left for North entrance but couldn’t understand his reply, so I tried to beat him back to my hostel to get all my stuff and hail him down. I just missed out; as I was packing my bag I saw him go past my window! This meant waiting for the next bus which gave me time to do some washing and have a coffee.
Bus ride to start of Caminito del Rey
I caught the bus up and walked through the forest and by the lake, 2.9 km to ticket office.The queue was long so I sat by the lake watching the fish and birds.
Lake through the trees
Brian arriving at the start of the Caminito del Rey
Then rejoined a longer queue and waited for my helmet and briefing.
Beautiful!
A stunning walk watching vultures, eagles and the incredible mountains and I crossed the rope bridge with a French girl screaming all the way across behind me.
View into the gorge
Rope bridge
Abseiling
What a great experience. Only ten euros. An incredible adventure through wonderful countryside with a lot of history. An archive of industrial achievement through time. It was incredible to look up and see nesting vultures and Eagles. The walk itself is a journey through time with fossils and history but the nature that is evident for all to see is inspiring. An incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone that is not scared of heights!
(Ermintrude: Not me then!)
Cliff walk bridge
Walkway between cliffs
River and rocks at the bottom of a gully
View down the gorge
Got the bus back up and rode down to the shop to try and get money as I didn’t fancy riding back up the mountain I came down yesterday to find a bank! The lady in the supermarket was great and sold me everything I needed for dinner and gave me €50 cashback; which I have never heard of in Spain. I was charged €4 for the money, but at least it saved me a ride, I was tired after all that walking. I had a couple of beers at the Station bar watching all the walkers getting trains.
El Chorro to Caminito del Rey Railway
Spoke to an Aussie and a Brit and asked if you could take a bike on the train and it seems you can, but I chose to ride down. Back to the hostel where I cooked dinner on my stove on the roof of the restaurant.
Cooking dinner on the roof
The night got better when I asked for the bill and they only charged me for food and drink and not the second night in the room. A couple of beers by the fire rounded off a wonderful day.
Another great day in the life of a touring cyclist even If I only cycled 10 miles. Tomorrow Malaga so I’ll enjoy some more mountains on the way.
Ermita hostel €14.50