Gratweg Engelsley

To put it in a nutshell: Between Are Are Castle and Engelsloch is absolutely feasible even for people without alpine experience. The path is clearly visible there, sometimes it helps to use your hands, but that's not rocket science. From the Engelsloch south over the ridge, that's another house number. Nothing for me. But you can go down wonderfully from the Engelsloch over the serpentines towards the fire brigade.

Totally dangerous? It is a clearly recognizable hiking trail, which is somewhat steep on the sides in some places, and which is also rarely exposed. Sometimes you need your hands to reach a few heights. As long as you are not afraid of heights and are relatively fit, this hiking trail is not a problem.

Only recommended in dry weather, because in wet conditions the steep, narrow paths are likely to be very slippery. Great views of Altenahr, the castle and the Teufelsloch.

An adventure.
The path is not always recognizable at first glance, but at second and then everything is fine. You should be sure-footed and not be afraid of dirty hands. The view is magnificent, oh what I say, the view is fantastic.
I would not take the path across the Ley when wet.

Great ridge crossing with alpine character. Requires absolute sure-footedness. Summit book at the summit cross is of course available

ATTENTION: This route is no longer maintained, is - at least currently - hardly to be found and officially no longer approved. Apparently there have been many accidents there. Nowhere do signs point to it.
I might have found it great on my own, but I sweated blood & water with the dogs. So please - especially with dogs - do not run! If you walk towards the Are castle, you end up in front of a wall. The dogs have no jumping surface to get up there. You have to lift them.
 [As of March 2018]

Nice views - but you have to be sure-footed and wear suitable shoes. That goes down deep ...The road between Engelsley (north) and (south) is neglected and difficult.
From Engelsley (south) it is practically no longer available or walkable!

Super nice view
Surefootedness required

This route is really only for very experienced hikers. There are climbing passages that would be worthy of securing. Absolutely not suitable for children or dogs! Partly difficult to find, we (as experienced via ferrata climbers) had a lot of fun, even if it was often dangerous.

Hike for very experienced and fit walkers. No fear of heights and use good walking shoes. Gloves are recommended. There is a lot of climbing and scrambling work.
Not recommended in wet weather and ice / snow.Status August 22, 2020:
The route is not signposted from the south. The marking is hardly recognizable anymore. By looking carefully and paying attention, you will automatically find the route.

The tour is a great experience. However, fitness, sturdy footwear and good slip resistance are absolutely necessary.

Alpine adventure on the Ahr

Great view of Altenahr, Aare Castle and the entire surrounding area.
But surefootedness and suitable footwear are a requirement!

The path between Engelsley (north) and (south) is neglected and difficult.
From Engelsley (south) it is practically no longer available or accessible!

Exciting way and fantastic views!
Sure-footedness and suitable footwear are essential.

The path between Engelsley (north) and (south) is neglected and difficult.
From Engelsley (south) it is practically no longer available or accessible!

Not quite the ascent. Sturdy shoes and sure-footedness are recommended

Little adventure with a hint of Alpine feeling

Very demanding for inexperienced users!

This route is a pleasure for sure-footed, vertigo-free and physically fit hikers who are not afraid of smaller climbs. It is strongly advised not to do this when it is wet, as the slate dust and scree covered paths become slippery.

A tough climb and only suitable for experienced hikers without a fear of heights and with sturdy walking shoes. Gloves are also useful. Do not take this walk in wet weather and / or ice / snow.Status August 22, 2020:
The route from the south is no longer signposted. You have to find the path to the top yourself.

Great rocks, which offer a magnificent view over Altenahr, the Are Castle and surroundings.

The path is no longer maintained and is considered no longer walkable! We went it because no signs pointed it out. Please do not imitate, the path is washed out, overgrown, hard to find and totally dangerous.

Definitely not for hikers! A certain experience should be a prerequisite.

Very interesting and exciting ....
But surefootedness and suitable footwear are a requirement!

The path between Engelsley (north) and (south) is neglected and difficult.
From Engelsley (south) it is practically no longer available or accessible!

Rather difficult, but very nice view.