Hiking more dangerous than motorcycling?

We all like to think that motorcycling is a sport for those with kahonas. (Harley riders disregard that last sentence.) At least I do and I would have never thought of hiking as coming any close to the same rush. Then I saw these videos of some extreme hiking trails and my eyes have been opened.

El Caminito del Ray • Spain

Original build in 1905 as a trail for workers to inspect the hydroelectric plant. The walkway is one meter (3 feet and 3 inches) in width, and rises over 100 meters (350 feet) above the river below. Constructed of concrete resting on steel rails supported by stanchions at around 45 degrees into the rock face, it is currently in a highly deteriorated state and there are numerous sections where part or all of the concrete top has collapsed. The result is large open air gaps that are bridged only by narrow steel beams or other support fixtures. Very few of the original handrails exist but a safety-wire runs the length of the path. Several people have lost their lives on the walkway in recent years and after several fatal accidents the local government closed both entrances. As you can see this hasn’t stopped the adventurous from risking it. If you want to do it hurry as the trail is due for a restoration starting later this year.

Mount Hua or HuaShan • China

This hike up one of the five sacred mountains in China to the temple has claimed several lives. With peaks as high as 6,857ft high and 12″-16″ walkway on sheer cliffs it will get your heart pounding. These days the majority of visitors to Huashan are Chinese youth on vacation. However the mountain routes are still trekked by devoted pilgrims and wandering monks intent on visiting the sacred shrines.