the spot of our next destination. This defensive cur-
tain wall dates back to 1540 and originally built to
defend from attacks from Barbary Pirates. Extending
from South Bastion to the top of the Rock, and can
be seen from various vantage points as we made the
downward approach from Spur’s Battery.
As Gibraltar’s most popular tourist attraction, the
Apes’ Den is a must-see for anyone visiting the Rock.
Our resident Barbary Macaques are now synony-
mous with Gibraltar and are the only wild monkey
population in Europe. As we passed through, several
adult macaques and a few of their young are strewn
lazily on the road or perched on the railings enjoying
the evening sun, occasionally peering round to sur-
vey us with little interest.
If you’re done for the day, you can take the Cable
Car back down to town from the middle station. If
not, you can continue the trail as we did for another
10 minutes down Old Queen’s Road and then onto
Green Lane to Devil’s Gap Battery.
Stood above the city, this coastal battery provides
a wide-angle view of the bay. During World War I,
this battery saw the only action taken by Gibraltar’s
coastal defences when one of its guns fired upon
and sunk a German submarine.
You can also choose to end your walk here, by
heading back into town via the 18th century Devil’s
Gap Path which leads to the top of Library Steps.
Tovey battery is a steady 20-minute uphill climb
from Devil’s Gap and named after Colonel Tovey who
died here in November 1781 during the Great Siege
of Gibraltar. If you have the energy, there are several
other batteries in this area that fall under Gibraltar’s
extensive Northern Defences that are well worth a
visit. But we decided to stick to the remainder of the
route and head straight to Princess Caroline’s Battery.
Offering fantastic views west and north towards
Spain, this former artillery battery was constructed
in 1732 and named after the third daughter of King
George II. In 1905, Princess Caroline’s Battery was
refurbished and a 6-inch gun mounted above the ma-
gazine. Since then the battery has been decommis-
sioned and the gun removed. The underground ma-
gazine is now home to the Military Heritage Centre.
There are two attractions nearby that are staples
for anyone visiting Gibraltar for the first time or even
for locals who haven’t visited for a while. Just a few
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minutes’ down Willis Road, is the City Under Siege
Exhibition and the incredible World War II tunnels.
Housed in buildings believed to have been built
in the early 18th century and thought to be the first
buildings constructed by the British in Gibraltar, the
exhibition illustrates the hard conditions endured by
both the civilian population and the military.
The World War II tunnels are one of my favourite
historical sites in Gibraltar. The extensive tunnel ne-
twork was excavated prior to and during the Second
World War and could accommodate a 16,000-strong
garrison. Within the complex, which in total spans
a whopping 52 kilometres, it contained a hospital,
a generating station, sleeping quarters and a water
distillation plant to name but a few.
The final stop of the trail is Gibraltar’s most icon
symbol, the Moorish Castle. Construction of this me-
dieval fortification began in the 8th century, with the
most prominent and recognisable feature, the Tower
of Homage, rebuilt during the second Moorish occu-
pation in the early 14th century.
Depending on how often and how long you stop
for, the whole walk can take a few hours. But if
you’re short on time, it’s still easy to enjoy parts of
the Nature Reserve without having to complete the
whole trail. Living here, I don’t go up the Rock as
often as I should, especially considering the lack of
natural outdoor spaces in the town area.
With all that the Nature Reserve has to offer; uni-
que nature, history and stunning views, these trails
are a great way to get to know Gibraltar for the first
time. And for those of us living here, a way to renew
our appreciation for our local heritage and beautiful
landscapes.
Entry fees apply to access the Upper Rock and for
some of the attractions. To view the Nature Trails
and to learn more about visiting the Nature Reserve,
go to www.visitgibraltar.gi
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