EL CHORRO GORGE AND ARDALES LAKES

For a great day out for all the family why not visit Malaga’s “Lake District”. There are three artificial lakes which have been created by a dam which is built across the striking 200m high Guadalhorce river gorge (Garganta del Chorro). The views are stunning and in the peaceful surroundings you can swim, fish or picnic on the shores of the lakes. Keep a look out for the eagles which circle around the sheer cliffs. Travelling through the Valle de Abdalajis the first sight of the dam and gorge area is on reaching the small village of El Chorro. During the construction of the reservoir between 1914 and 1921 a small bridge was built across the middle of the gorge. In 1921 King Alfonso XIII of Spain officially opened the dam and walked along a specially constructed catwalk called El Camino del Rey (the King’s Path). The catwalk is 100m above the river and pinned to the Gorge. The Camino del Rey is officially closed to the public awaiting repairs, however there are trained guides who take visitors along the path but it is not recommended for the faint-hearted. It is also a popular climbing area but should only be attempted by experienced climbers who are properly equipped. The beginning of the Camino del Rey can be found by driving across the lower dam into El Chorro village. Drive along the track on the left before the railway station and go past the camp site until you can go no further. You will have to walk the last few hundred meters. The path drops down and skirts the iron girder railway bridge but be careful crossing the line. (Von Ryans express was filmed here). The lakes are approximately 4km from here and can be reached by driving over the dam and following the road round to the left of the gorge. During the summer the lakes are very popular but due to the vastness of the shores a quiet place for sunbathing etc is easy to find. The lakeside restaurant of El Mirador is situated in a superb setting perched on top of a road tunnel and overlooking the lakes. Further along the lakes towards the picturesque dam, is El Kioskoll. There are several more bars along the lake side as well as good restaurants in El Chorro and beyond.