Will Coldwell January 30, 2014

Don’t look down: a glimpse at the world’s scariest hikes

From sky-high planks to iron-cable pathways, we take a look at some of the scariest hikes around the globe

El Caminito del Rey - or the King’s Little Pathway - is a ramshackle trail threaded along the dramatic walls of the El Chorro gorge in the province of Malaga. The 1,200m long walkway was built at the turn of the century to help workers construct nearby hydroelectric plants. Although it is officially closed and some sections are incomplete, many tourists still brave the route, using harnesses and climbing gear to traverse the gaps in the path. The local council are currently trying to refurbish walkway, and it is hoped it will be made safe for visitors by 2015, though it is unlikely that anything will detract from the hair raising 300 foot drop below. — El Caminito del Rey – or the King’s Little Pathway – is a ramshackle trail threaded along the dramatic walls of El Chorro gorge in the province of Málaga. The 1,200m-long walkway was built at the turn of the century to help workers construct nearby hydroelectric plants. Although it is officially closed and some sections are incomplete, many tourists still risk the route, using harnesses and climbing gear to traverse the gaps in the path. Photograph: Gabi/flickr Photograph: Gabi/flickr

Most of the path on the Caminito del Rey consists of rickety wooden planks and is barely three feet in width. It is supported by steel rails, which have deteriorated over the years. Although few of the original handrails remain, a safety wire runs along the side — Most of the path on the Caminito del Rey (above) consists of rickety wooden planks and is barely a metre wide. It is supported by steel rails, which have deteriorated over the years. Although few of the original handrails remain, a safety wire runs along the side. The local council is currently trying to refurbish the walkway, and it is hoped it will be made safe for visitors by 2015 – although it is unlikely that anything will detract from the hair-raising drop below. Photograph: Jack Cox/Alamy Photograph: Jack Cox/Alamy

The Italian Dolomites have a huge array of nervewracking mountain routes. Dubbed the Via Ferratas, or Iron Ways, the paths were first built by troops during the first world war, but many more have been extended and upgraded since then. Here two climbers are pictured ascending a ladder on the Cristallo peak. — The Italian Dolomites (above) have a huge array of nerve-racking mountain routes. Known as via ferratas, or iron ways, the paths were first built by troops during the first world war, but many more have been extended and upgraded since then. Here two climbers are pictured ascending a ladder on the Cristallo peak. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Although the Via Ferrata in the Dolomites can be hiked safely and are a popular attraction, you will still nead a head for height and a steady foot to handle traversing the many sheer cliff edges. This climber is tackling the via ferrata on the Brenta Dolomites. — Although the Dolomites' via ferratas can be hiked safely and are a popular attraction, you will still need a head for heights and a steady foot to handle traversing the many sheer edges. This climber is tackling the via ferrata on the Brenta Dolomites. Photograph: Gareth McCormack/Alamy Photograph: Gareth McCormack/Alamy

The Trift Bridge in the Swiss Alps stretches 170m over a glacial valley, with an icy 100m drop below. The suspension bridge - which took just six weeks to build - can be reached via a cable car which takes you across the gorge, and links up steep mountain trails, some of which are only suitable for the most experienced of mountain hikers. http://www.grimselwelt.ch/grimsel-experience/activities/trift-bridge-hike/. — The Trift Bridge (above) in the Swiss Alps stretches 170m over a glacial valley, with an icy 100m drop below. The suspension bridge – which took just six weeks to build – can be reached via a cable car that takes you across the gorge, and links up steep mountain trails, some of which are suitable only for the most experienced mountain hikers. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Those brave enough to walk over the bridge will enjoy a stunning view of Lake Trift, which glimmers below. — Those brave enough to walk over the bridge will enjoy a stunning view of Lake Trift, which glimmers below. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Half dome cables, Yosemite — At Half Dome in California's Yosemite national park, top climbers can freestyle their way up a sheer, 1,500m rock face, while regular hikers can ascend the dramatic peak with the help of the cable ladder (pictured above). Constructed in 1919, the cable walk takes you up the final 120m to the summit. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Huashan Mountain Cliff Hiking — China's Hua Shan plank walk (above), often dubbed "the most dangerous hike in the world", is quite possibly one of the most nauseating walks imaginable. Consisting of steel rod ladders, narrow planks of wood and a rusty chain to hook on to, the walk is popular with pilgrims visiting temples on the sacred mountain. Photograph: flickr Photograph: flickr

Vertical stone cliffs are all hikers have for company on the Hua Shan plank walk in China, which takes you around 2000metres above sea level. — Vertical stone cliffs are often all hikers have for company on the Hua Shan walk, which takes you around 2000m above sea level. Hundreds of people are rumoured to die on the walk every year. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Man standing on top of Wayna Picchu looking down to Machu Picchu, Peru' — Peru's Wayna Picchu (above) is the murky peak that overlooks the wondorous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Getting to the top involves a high-altitude walk – nicknamed the "hike of death" – up ancient stone stairs, with sheer drops along the sides. The reward is an incredible view at the top. Photograph: Gianni Muratore/Alamy Photograph: Gianni Muratore/Alamy

At 4095m, Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia's highest mountain. The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata, which is situated just below the summit is the highest of its kind in the world. Still, it's also one of the world's most accessible peaks to climb and many tourists make the high altitude trek to the top. — The Mountain Torq via ferrata (above) is situated just below the summit of Mount Kinabalu, which at 4,095m is Malaysia's highest mountain. This is also the highest hike of its kind in the world. Still, it's also one of the world's most accessible peaks and many tourists make the high-altitude trek to the top.
Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Britain may not have anything that compares to the Hua Shan plank walk, but there are still some pretty hairy hikes to be had in the peaks. Striding Edge is a notorious scrambling route on top of mount Helvellyn in the Lake District. The climax of the hike involes a walk along a narrow path 863m above sea level. Traversing the ridge during winter, is an even more dangerous undertaking and requires an ice axe and crampons to make it across safely. — Britain may not have anything that compares to the Hua Shan plank walk, but there are still some pretty hairy hikes to be had. Striding Edge (above) is a notorious scrambling route on top of Helvellyn in the Lake District. The climax of the hike involves a walk along a narrow path, 863m above sea level. Traversing the ridge during winter is an even more dangerous undertaking: you need an ice axe and crampons to make it across safely. Photograph: Jonathan Tennant/Alamy Photograph: Jonathan Tennant/Alamy

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