If you’re relatively fit then the Northern defences that overlook the town and airport can be reached within 10 minutes from Main Street in Gib.
This guide takes you from Main Street to the start of the Northern defences area. There are many alternate routes but this one is the slightly more gentle sloping version, keeping your legs fresh for the climbs at the defences!
If you prefer to take the shorter, but much steeper 5 minute route then click here.
First Thing: Safety
Naturally there are many steps so you’ll need to be relatively fit to do this at pace. Otherwise you can take your time and enjoy a slow morning, stopping at the overlooks and picnic points.
Some places off the main route are overgrown with loose rocks and sand, with no hand rail. Therefore bring walking sticks if you feel you might go a little off the main track.
I’ve never encountered any Barbary apes on this route so your lunches should be relatively safe!
The main route is fine for children but some offshoots definitely are not, due to there being no safety barriers in place (such as the partly crumbling path to Moorish castle walls).
Easiest Way to Get to Northern Defences (Gentler Slopes)
Most tourists will be start their Gib adventure at Casemates square – the start of Main Street. MAKE SURE you pick up some water bottles before your climb, especially if it’s summer time!
1. Start at Casemates Square
Face South with Casemates square behind you and walk up Main Street, past the red phone box on the left. Alternately, if you’ve come through “land port” then continue across Casemates square.
2. Turn off at Engineer Lane
After a minute or two you’ll reach a fork in Main Street. Take the left hand side which goes uphill on Engineer Lane.
3. Turn Left at Piece of Cake
Once you reach Piece of Cake on Engineer Lane, turn left onto the road just before it. (Piece of Cake should now be on your right). Proceed to the top of that road and take the stairs attached to the building at the top. Follow those stairs around the building to the infamous Gibraltar escalator.
OPTION WITH LIFT – You can also carry on walking up Engineer Lane until you reach Temple Way on your left. Walk up Temple Way to find a lift that takes you to the start of the escalator in step 4.
4. Take the (In)Famous Escalator or Walkway
There’s an urban legend in Gib about the escalator that cost millions, yet never seems to work. You’ll have to either walk up it or take the more gentle path to the left in the photo. Both routes come out at the top of the escalator.
5. Turn Left at Top
Immediately turn left at the top of the escalator and follow the steps up.
6. Follow the Path
Keep following the route which leads to a slightly open section marking the start of an ancient wall on the right as in picture. Marvel as the school children don’t even break a sweat walking the same route, whilst you perspire enough to form your own raincloud!
7. Keep Going
Keep walking this way until you get to a fork in the path. Take the left hand side.
8. Keep Going
Keep walking this route until you reach the stairs at the end of it. Proceed up the stairs straight ahead, and not the stairs on the right.
9. You’ve Arrived!
You’ve now landed at the start of the Northern Defences. Feel free to explore on your own or purchase the full guide below, to maximise your adventure!
Get the Full Northern Defences Guide
In total there are about 50 floors worth of climbing on this route, not all of which are worth it! My full guide continues as above but includes GPS maps, details and photos to help you decide which ones are worth your time, giving you that killer holiday picture!
Additionally you’ll get an intimate history of the Northern defences, with details you simply will not get anywhere else (unless you have hours to kill at Gib library!).
One thought on “How to Get to Northern Defences (Less Steep) – Gibraltar”