Geocache Description:
This cache was first placed here in 2005 known then as
GCMRED and had 421 logged visits. I hope you carry on enjoying this cache and the whole of Med Steps.
Park at the Pillars of Hercules/Jews Gate observation point P1 (N36'07.252 W05'20.760) but don't waste photos on this view as a monstrous building has gone up spoiling it. Follow the Mediterranean Steps walk to the cache location for an incredible view of towards Africa.
If you want to carry on your walk PAST the cache, its a circular route which will take about 2 hours depending on speed and rests - NB it is quite tiring and you will want to stop often to admire views etc. however fit runners do it in about 20 minutes. There is a video that gives you some idea of what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMaULoPYhBE&feature=youtu.be It goes around the southern slope of The Rock and when on the western side its up up up to 36° 7'30.39"N 5°20'37.36"W (Google Earth coordinates not GPS) to reach the top of the ridge very near the highest point - Start Option 4. From here follow the road downhill to St Michael's Cave and Cabin (36° 7'32.90"N 5°20'45.66"W –Google Earth).
So if you carry on past the cache, follow the easy path and after about 15 minutes the easy path comes to an end and now its up up up! Steps start off to the left which will soon come to a pair of shallow caves in the rock face known as Goats Hair Twin Caves "Located at 190m above sea level, these two caves lie side by side 30m above the path leading to Martin’s Cave. They have both been formed along vertical fractures, and water percolating along these has dissolved most of the rock. Both caves have a large, triangular entrance tapering off some 15m towards the end of the cave. This indicates the likelihood of marine erosion, as there is also a wave-cut platform and evidence of sand conglomerate outside the entrance that could indicate a past sea level. The southern cave was excavated by the Gibraltar Cave Research Group in 1969 with some of the finds on display at the Gibraltar Museum, but the northern cave is still intact, although it is full of litter.”
The path continues up and past some WW2 posts and a short tunnel. The path emerges after a tiring climb up the steps and path on the ridge beside Lord Airey's Battery very near to the highest point of the Rock. You can now easily descend on the less steep western slopes following the road and reward yourselves with a drink at the St Michaels Cave Cabin bar. Go down to the parallel road below the cabin and walk south then when the road starts to go up (by the entrance gate to the cave) take a path on your right going down and south. Cross a road and carry on the path down on the other side. This will take you back to Pillars of Hercules and Jews Gate observation point from where you may have started and left your car. Alternatively you can do the path the other way by parking at eg. the cave, going up to the start/end of Med Steps path and coming down to Jews Gate. Less tiring but harder on the knees as you go down the high steps. If you have got to the "Top of The Rock Station" by cable car then this way may be best.
Please upload a photo or two of you/group near the cache.
Happy walking