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Gibraltar Rock 426m
Highest point in Gibraltar

A maze of small paths and roads leads up to the highest point on Gibraltar's "Monkey Rock" at O'Hara's Battery - an artillery unit dating from the last century. As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar has formally ceased to be part of the EU since Brexit, meaning there is an ID check when crossing from Spain.

Start: Linea de la Conception 0m
Altitude gain: 441m
Distance: 9km
March 2026


The actual climb is less than four kilometres long, but covers more than 400 metres of elevation gain.


We set off on the Spanish side in La Línea de la Concepción with a view of the Rock of Gibraltar and its characteristic plume of clouds. The highest point of the Rock is right at the back on the right. That’s our destination today.


Crossing the border is relatively straightforward. There is a cycle lane on the far right (which is also used by local motorbikes as a shortcut). As you ride past, you simply show your ID – and that’s it.


Things get a bit bizarre right at the start. You cross the runway at Gibraltar Airport. Whilst cars have to go round the outside, there is a dedicated lane for cyclists right across the middle of the runway.


Gibraltar City is densely built-up and populated. It’s reminiscent of the narrow streets of Monaco. We simply follow the cycle path.


It’s only with the help of Google Maps that I find the right turn-off uphill: left here up Engineer Road.


The traffic becomes much quieter and you quickly gain altitude.


At the end of the road, you reach the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. There’s a hefty entry fee of GBP 30 for all visitors, even if you’re just cycling up. In return, you’re given a QR code to wear on your wrist. (By far the most expensive climb I’ve ever tackled. Only at Mount Evans in the USA [USD 3] and at Sveti Jure in Croatia [EUR 5] have I ever had to pay an entrance fee as a cyclist before.)


View over the Bay of Algeciras


There is actually a cable car up to the Rock. However, it was closed during my visit, so tourists are being driven up in taxis and minibuses. Traffic is building up in front of Saint Michael’s Cave (perhaps also because the first monkey is clearly visible here on the far right of the railing).


On the way up, it gets increasingly deserted. The path is steep in places.


Just before O'Hara's Battery, a National Park ranger checks my QR code on my wrist. And as a reward, he lures some of the famous Gibraltar macaques with a few peanuts. They know how to pose for the tourists.


Once at the top, there is an impressive view of the Rock.


Summit photo



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