The Barranco del Infierno has been closed to the public for more than two years and there appears to be little sign of anything changing in the near future.

Reports suggest that both the Tenerife Cabildo (Government) and the local authorities in Adeje want the Barranco to re-open but there has to be an agreement between both before it can happen. However, where the Cabildo suggested that the Barranco del Infierno could open if walkers were told of the risk and provided with a safety helmet, the local council in Adeje felt this wasn’t enough of a guarantee against injury and subsequent possible proceedings against them for criminal liability.

The result is that an impasse has been reached until this particular part of Tenerife’s natural beauty is made completely safe – not something easily achieved where nature is concerned.

We checked the situation at the Barranco del Infierno out this week and sure enough the small offices and the gate at the entrance to the ravine remains closed. A sign warns of the risk of entering the ravine but, whilst we tucked into Adeje’s famous pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken) at Otelo’s, I counted four groups of walkers who completely ignored the warning signs.

I can understand why the sign is ignored. All experienced walkers know that nature can be dangerous, it’s not a situation that is exclusive to the Barranco del Infierno. When walking on Tenerife, just like walking most places, you’ve got to be aware of your surroundings whether there is or isn’t a warning sign.

The Barranco del Infierno may be closed but there are still plenty of people unofficially enjoying the second most popular walking route on Tenerife.

The situation regarding Hell’s Ravine remains…well, hellish.

The situation will be revisited on the 10th January 2011 so we’ll keep you updated.