As part of rural development plans announced at the beginning of January, the Andalusian Government has set aside €8.2million to restore the El Caminito del Rey via ferrata to it's former glory over the next four years.

Although it's illegal to use the walk due to a number of fatal accidents in the early noughties, it's extremely popular with tourists, many of whom also come to climb the numerous sports routes in the area.

• View the 3D tour of El Camino del Rey

The walkway was built in 1905 to allow dam workers to transport materials across the gorge. It was then named after King Alfonso XIII after he used it when the dam was inaugurated in 1921. Originally covered with wooden boards, climbers now navigate the route (graded F2) using a wire bolted into the rock above part-collapsed concrete platforms and metal beams.

Just one part of a €289.7 million project for rural development, it's hoped that the investment in Camino del Rey will lead to an increase in tourists visiting the El Chorro area and add a much needed boost to the local economy.

However, with the Euro in jeopardy and Spanish government cutting billions in spending, it wouldn't be surprising if the work were put off once again.

• More info (in Spanish) on SUR.es