The Mediterranean Steps

Gibraltar's tourist face is the cable car; its hiker's face is the Mediterranean Steps - the old military path that rounds the Rock's southern end and climbs the wild eastern cliffs in a staircase cut against the limestone, wildflowers and nesting gulls at elbow height, the sea straight below and the path's engineering (steps, tunnels, retaining walls) a quiet marvel of its own. The route tops out at O'Hara's Battery on the ridge, where the summit panorama runs from Africa across the Strait to Spain's sierras - earned, on this approach, rather than ridden to.

What you actually see

• The cliff staircase - the path's audacious eastern line.
• The wildflower walls - Gibraltar candytuft and spring colour.
• O'Hara's Battery - the ridge-top gun and summit views.
• The Strait panorama - Africa to Andalusia from the crest.

When to go

October to May for cool climbing and (spring especially) the flower show; summer middays bake the exposed face. Early starts beat both heat and traffic on the narrow steps.

Honest expectations

It is a genuine climb - steep, stepped and unforgiving of sandals; vertigo-sensitive walkers should read the cliff-edge character honestly. Gulls in nesting season express opinions. The reserve ticket applies as everywhere on the Upper Rock.

Nearby

Jews' Gate, St Michael's Cave and the summit ridge.