On a sunny Saturday afternoon, we looked up and decided that we would walk up to get a closer look at the Moorish Castle we could see from town. After a bit of wandering around, and a few wrong turns, we finally found ourselves on the road leading up.
As we got closer, we found that there was a fee to see the castle. After talking with the men at the gates, we were encouraged to just walk around the rock, as we didn’t have enough time to do the other tourist sights. The fee for the castle covered the Great Siege Tunnels, St. Michael’s Cave, The Military Heritage Center, and City Under Siege exhibits. We couldn’t have time to do it all, and needed to start early in the morning to fit it all in. We were charged a pound for walking tickets for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, and were on our way.
The views from up high were spectacular. You could see far into Spain and into Africa. The day wasn’t particularly warm, but after a significant climb up, we were plenty warm. The picture below shows our view looking north back into Spain. The town across the runway is La Línea,Spain. To the right is the Mediterranean, and to the left is the Bay of Gibraltar. That is the narrow isthmus we crossed over to arrive in Gibraltar.
The road we walked up was shared with many cars, tour vans, and busses, and you needed to step off the road frequently.
Eventually we approached the gondolas that brought people to the top of the rock. This is the way the less adventurous make it up to the top. We were feeling pretty good about ourselves doing everything on foot. The gondolas did look very tempting for a return trip down, however.
Shortly after passing the gondolas, we approached an area frequented by the monkeys. They were a lot of fun to watch, and we had a hard time prying the kids away from them. It was entertaining to watch the interactions between them and the other tourists.
At this point, we discovered some stairs that led up the rock. They were the refurbished Charles V Wall steps. We determined that this would be the better way, as the roads were a bit crowded. Everyone started up with smiles on their faces.
The stairs never stopped, and seemed to stretch on forever. They were not a consistent height, which added to our workout. We took a couple stops, but were careful not to stop for too long so that our quivering leg muscles wouldn’t stiffen up too much before continuing on. The crazy thing is 6 year old Luie didn’t seem to be fazed or slowed by the steps one bit. That kid NEVER gets tired. When we reached the top, this was our view.
There was a lot more to explore up there, but the sun was starting to set, so we headed back down the stairs. We vowed to return again and explore more when we have more daylight to work with. We were treated to some spectacular sunset views on our way back down.
When we reached town again, everyone was exhausted with trembling legs, except Luie. It is astounding the stamina of that little guy. We counted nearly 1000 steps that we ascended, not including all the other walking we did. Our recommendation is that the walk up and down is well worth it, and you wouldn’t experience the views quite as well driving around. However, you better be in descent shape, and it wouldn’t hurt to carry food and water. We got a bit hungry and thirsty during the trip, but hadn’t planned on walking as far when we first set out. You can also take the gondola one way if need be. We are eagerly looking forward to our return visit to the top, and yes, we plan to walk again. Only next time, we will be ready with a picnic lunch.
Oh the views and photography are incredible. I can’t imagine all those steps!! You do such a great job on your blog that I feel I am participating with you on this great adventure.
Thank you! What a great compliment! Wish you could come visit, you would love it!
What a gorgeous place with spectacular views! That’s very neat that you did the whole on foot, also – I’ve always enjoyed exploring places by foot where most others take some form of automated transportation. I think it makes you remember it more. Looks like a lot of fun!
You are right that you see and experience so much more by foot! We had a great hike and plan to do it many more times. We were surprised that our calves were the only thing that was sore the next day, well that and our backs, oh, and our butts were a bit sore. LOL, it was good exercise!
All I can say is WOW ! Luie your a tuff little guy Love Ya
from Luie: I like the monkeys and I had fun on the little adventure to the top. Mama says I am a little mighty man! hahahaha!
WOW, is right, what a spectacular view, it was well worth the effort of all the steps, I’m sure. What an adventure. Luie, you must be the strongest kid ever!!! What fun. I love spectacular views like that, the water looks so blue!!! Love it!! Wish I was there. Have fun when you go back.
Yes! We are very happy to be near the Mediterranean! It is beautiful! And the steps were worth it.
How long was the whole ascent and descent ?
The height of the Rock is about 426m, or 1/4 mile. But half of the climb is meandering back and forth a bit. Once you get to the Queens Gate steps, then you can climb straight up. In terms of time? It probably took us about 1.5 hours, simply because we kept stopping to watch the monkeys, take pictures, etc. But, if you knew the short cut from town (using the British Flag painted steps) and the trail, it is a straighter shot. So you could probably make the trip in 30-45 minutes, on the way up. Hope this helps!
We are headed to Spain next summer – thank you for this awesome information! Did you ever make it back?