Even sheep stick to the safe paths here

The rescue helicopter was needed once again in the Argaga ravine near Valle Gran Rey yesterday around noon, after a 34 years old female hiker fell several metres in an area of difficult access there. The helicopter had to put down a rescue crew nearby from where they then had to fetch the injured on a stretcher to the pick-up point to be flown to the hospital in the capital San Sebastian de La Gomera. The injuries sustained by the women were said to be minor, so she had a lucky escape.

The area where the incident happened is notorious for bad falls and the the walk up and down that ravine is extremely dangerous and has been officially closed for years, yet many still attempt it. Also, there are still copies of outdated walking guides in circulation which list this walk, even though the gorge has claimed the lives of several walkers.

If you intend to hike in the mountains of La Gomera without a guide, make sure that your information is up-to-date, enquire locally and stick to clearly defined paths. Avoid areas such as Argaga gorge where the paths have eroded or collapsed. Even sheep wouldn't go there.

Road through ravine

The spectacular road from Las Rosas to Agulo in La Gomera's north

Trapped hikers rescued from rising flood

 Island Connections.eu reports the following, highlighting once more the dangers of engaging in outdoor activities in adverse weather conditions without local guidance:

The bad weather forecast for the western Canary Islands nearly had serious consequences for a group of tourists who had to be rescued from rushing waters in a popular hiking spot.

La Palma 16-10-15:

The four hikers were walking in the La Caldera de Taburiente area when they became stranded in the Angustias Ravine, in which heavy rain had caused a torrent of water to flow in a matter of minutes. An SOS sent to the emergency services saw a helicopter dispatched urgently to the site and the stranded quartet were airlifted to safety. All four were reported to be unhurt despite their ordeal. La Palma was one of the islands placed on a bad weather alert for strong winds and downpours during the day and throughout the night. Several roads in the Caldera de Taburiente area had to be closed due to the conditions. The Canarian government issued recommendations to the public to take extra care due to the danger of flying debris caused by the winds, which played havoc with flights in La Palma and Tenerife North.