This old and dilapidated footpath is the quickest way to get to the Nature Reserve by foot from the town. The beginning of the trek leads up what is locally known as Union Jack Steps, a series of steps which have a Union Jack painted on the side of them which can only be seen from the bottom of the steps looking upward. This painting is from the time of the referendum of 1967.

The path intersects with a road leading up to Devil’s Gap Battery which in turn leads to the Apes Den where visitors can have their first full scale encounter with the semi-wild monkeys.

The old public footpath from town provides another way for walkers to access the various roads, pathways and attractions in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

The footpath from town to the Upper Rock can be found by locating the Garrison Library opposite the Elliot Hotel. Travel upwards along the side of the Garrison Library, keep walking uphill to the crossroads at which you will see B below.

These “Union Jack Steps” have been a feature here since the famous1967 Referendum when they were painted.

Walk up the steps until your reach more steps shown in section C below.

Travel up the steps onto the rough track, at this point good walking footwear is a must. After approximately 150 metres you will reach more steps shown in section D below.

Go to the top of these steps and turn left. Travel along the road uphill to Devils Gap Battery shown in section E below.

Devils Gap Battery dates back to the late 1800’s. It is now in a derelict state but still retains the two 6 inch coastal defence guns which did in fact see action during WW2. This is a good stopping point for a rest and great views.

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After leaving Devils Gap Battery the road bends sharply to the south at which point walkers should continue uphill in that direction for approximately 400 metres, passing under the Cable Car cables and arriving at the Apes Den shown in section F below.

The Apes Den is an area containing a large pack of Rock Apes. It is one of the two main stopping points for tourists wishing to see the famous Rock Apes.

The Charles V Wall is also a feature of this area, it extends in four stages to the top ridge of the Rock where there is another large pack of Apes. This is the second stopping point where tourists on Taxi Tours or leaving the Top Cable Car Station see the Rock Apes.

WARNING

Be very carefull around the Rock Apes. Make sure you are not holding any food or sweets or have any bags open as apes will approach you with extreme vigour if they think a bag contains food or confectionery.