Royal Anglian Way: A Historical Hiking Trail

Royal Anglian Way is a captivating trail in Gibraltar that combines natural beauty with historical significance. This 600-meter path, located on the western slope of the Rock of Gibraltar, offers hikers a unique experience, meandering past abandoned military installations and through diverse Mediterranean flora and fauna.The path starts near Apes' Den, a feeding station for the famous Barbary macaques, and extends to a point close to St. Michael's Cave. This allows visitors to observe the macaques in their natural habitat away from the tourist crowds. The trail itself has historical roots, with much of it existing since the early 20th century to provide access to gun batteries and other military sites. In 1968-69, the Royal Anglian Regiment refurbished the path, lending it its name, and the Gibraltar Regiment continues to assist in its maintenance.As you walk along the Royal Anglian Way, you'll encounter several points of interest. Hayne's Cave Battery, established in 1797, still features one of its 20th-century artillery pieces. Further along, you'll see former military support buildings, including kitchens with distinctive ceramic chimneys. Rooke Battery, built in 1907 and last used in World War II, offers a glimpse into Gibraltar's strategic importance. The remains of its searchlight mounting are still visible.The area around the path is colonized by nitrophilous plants, thriving in the nitrate-rich environment shaped by human activity. Keep an eye out for esparto grass, wild gladiolus, toothed lavender, and other unique plant species. The trail is also a habitat for various bird species, including Barbary partridges and common kestrels.