O’Hara’s Battery, Gibraltar
Explore the giant batteries the incredible tunnels and the underground command center that makes O Hara’s Battery such a phenomenal experience. If you rode the Cable Car to the top and decided to walk down towards St Michael’s Cave then about halfway down you will see a fork in the road that leads to O’Hara’s Battery. The path is a little steep but well worth it if you are into your military history; read on. Named after Governor General Charles O’Hara there was originally a look out tower at the point we now call O’Hara’s Battery. The Governor believed if such a tower was built it would enable the Garrison to see Cadiz and any ships heading towards Gibraltar. After it was built and his theory was dashed it became known as O’Hara’s Folly.
The battery is the highest point of Gibraltar at 426 metres (1400ft approx). The WWII battery is still on MoD property and a locked gate prevents anyone actually getting to the battery. It is the final destination on the trek along the Mediterranean steps before the walk back downhill past St Michael’s cave and on to the Ape’s Den. O’Hara’s tower itself is long gone, being shot down in a bout of target practise by HMS Wasp in 1888 but there still stands a 9.2” gun guarding the straits although it was never or will ever be fired in anger. If you decided to enjoy the Mediterranean Steps walk then it is at this point you will emerge from the path. On the other hand you may have decided to take the Cable Car up in which case you could enter the Mediterranean steps at this point and walk the trail down the opposite way to Jew’s Gate. O’Hara’s Battery is located at the very top of the Nature Reserve. No cars are allowed up there so we recommend you take a 10 min walk from the Cable Car Top Station. The gun itself is closed off to the public but you can get very close. Visit Gibraltar.
Gibraltar Epic Route © Monika Newbound
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