Public Footpath from town
The old public footpath from town provides another way for walkers to access the various roads, pathways and attractions in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
A

The footpath from town to the Upper Rock can be found by locating the Garrison Library opposite the Elliot Hotel. Travel up the steps along the side of the Garrison Library, keep walking uphill to the star shaped road junction at which you will see B below.
B

These "Union Jack Steps" have been a feature here since 1967. This is effectively the start of the walk to the Upper Rock. Just keep going upwards, it should be instinctive from here on.
C

Travel up the steps onto the rough track, at this point good walking footwear is a must. After approximately 100 metres you will reach the steps shown in D below.
D

At the top of these steps you should turn left and travel along the road uphill to Devils Gap Battery at E below.
E

Devils Gap Battery dates back to the late 1800's. It is now in a derelict state but still retains the two 6 inch coastal defence guns which did in fact see action during WW2. This is a good stopping point for a rest and great views.

Click here for more on Devils Gap Battery

After leaving Devils Gap Battery the road turns sharply to the south at which point walkers should continue uphill in that direction for approximately 400 metres, passing under the Cable Car cables and arriving at the Apes Den shown in F below.

F

The Apes Den is an area containing a large pack of Rock Apes. It is one of the two main stopping points for all tourists wishing to see the famous Rock Apes.

The King Charles V Wall is also a feature of this area, it extends in four stages to the top ridge of the Rock. It is there that the second pack of Apes are a stopping point for tourists taking the Taxi Tours or leaving the Top Cable Car Station which is 150 metres away.

WARNING

During 2005 the Gibraltar Government placed signs prohibiting access to the wall. This is due to their very poor condition.

The wall used to provided the quickest way of getting to the top. However it is best to travel along the road towards St. Michael's Cave and then continue onwards to the top from there.

If you encounter Rock Apes, DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT just walk quietly past and make sure you are not holding any food or sweets or have any bags open as apes will approach you with extreme vigour if they think a bag contains food or confectionery. Cameras, spectacles and bottles of water are not what they are after.