IMG_1652-89
Day 3 - Thursday.
Me and Susie decide to split up today. I wanted to hike up the Mediterranean Steps, and Susie fancied some less strenuous shopping in town instead.
Walking to the base of the Steps at the Jew's Gate 2 1/2 miles away, it was a perfect morning for the climb up. I'd have made it in half the time bu stopped every few steps to take a photo, there was a new view around every corner. The Steps carry a warning as a hard climb, and not suitable for vertigo sufferers. I would have to agree! There were plenty of hand rails though and I never felt unsafe. As well as the derelict lookout posts you'd expect, there are also a couple of small caves that are worth a mooch.
Now I was at the top again, there were two things I wanted to to - the new Windsor Suspension Bridge, by the 1903 Hanynes Cave Battery, and the Charles V Wall steps up.
The suspension bridge looks spectacular, built in 2016 by local firm Bovis Koala, working alongside Muntanya, a Spanish contractor which had completed similar projects in the Pyrenees. It’s part of a scheme to make the Upper Rock more appealing to hikers and walkers. It wobbles as you walk across! (But that’s not a design flaw, it’s part of the design.)
Next up, The Charles V Wall. We saw this close up yesterday on the Upper Rock, but my vertigo got the better of me and we gave them a miss. Back up today, and I couldn’t resist this time. I think I had already used up my vertigo climbing the Mediterranean Steps that morning. I figured it would be easier going up, than down, which frankly looked terrifying. It was a good work out, but I felt quite safe with the walk one side and handrail the other. It takes you all the way to the top on the rock ridge. Once back up to the top of the rock, the thought of walking all the way down (again) along a couple of miles of steep roads was too much, I walked down the steps instead, being careful not to trip.
I’d highly recommend walking them if you are visiting. The views are amazing, and despite looking mildly terrifying, a recent restoration in 2008 means they are in good order. Also a good way to avoid the coach and taxi tourists!
Originally built by Spain in 1540 as a defensive curtain wall to stop Barbary Pirate raids.
Back down via Devils Gap Battery, still with it's guns in place, and through the alleyways of the old town.
After a quick tattoo and a spot of lunch, we did the excellent WW2 Tunnel Tour with guide Nicholas, starting at the old Casino, and ending at the other end of town near the Moorish Castle.
Amazing day!
IMG_1652-89
Day 3 - Thursday.
Me and Susie decide to split up today. I wanted to hike up the Mediterranean Steps, and Susie fancied some less strenuous shopping in town instead.
Walking to the base of the Steps at the Jew's Gate 2 1/2 miles away, it was a perfect morning for the climb up. I'd have made it in half the time bu stopped every few steps to take a photo, there was a new view around every corner. The Steps carry a warning as a hard climb, and not suitable for vertigo sufferers. I would have to agree! There were plenty of hand rails though and I never felt unsafe. As well as the derelict lookout posts you'd expect, there are also a couple of small caves that are worth a mooch.
Now I was at the top again, there were two things I wanted to to - the new Windsor Suspension Bridge, by the 1903 Hanynes Cave Battery, and the Charles V Wall steps up.
The suspension bridge looks spectacular, built in 2016 by local firm Bovis Koala, working alongside Muntanya, a Spanish contractor which had completed similar projects in the Pyrenees. It’s part of a scheme to make the Upper Rock more appealing to hikers and walkers. It wobbles as you walk across! (But that’s not a design flaw, it’s part of the design.)
Next up, The Charles V Wall. We saw this close up yesterday on the Upper Rock, but my vertigo got the better of me and we gave them a miss. Back up today, and I couldn’t resist this time. I think I had already used up my vertigo climbing the Mediterranean Steps that morning. I figured it would be easier going up, than down, which frankly looked terrifying. It was a good work out, but I felt quite safe with the walk one side and handrail the other. It takes you all the way to the top on the rock ridge. Once back up to the top of the rock, the thought of walking all the way down (again) along a couple of miles of steep roads was too much, I walked down the steps instead, being careful not to trip.
I’d highly recommend walking them if you are visiting. The views are amazing, and despite looking mildly terrifying, a recent restoration in 2008 means they are in good order. Also a good way to avoid the coach and taxi tourists!
Originally built by Spain in 1540 as a defensive curtain wall to stop Barbary Pirate raids.
Back down via Devils Gap Battery, still with it's guns in place, and through the alleyways of the old town.
After a quick tattoo and a spot of lunch, we did the excellent WW2 Tunnel Tour with guide Nicholas, starting at the old Casino, and ending at the other end of town near the Moorish Castle.
Amazing day!