March 2nd : Olympic Trail (Tung Chung - Pak Mong to Mui Wo)

The Fridayhikers are a group of friends who go hiking for leisure. Depending on the weather and road conditions, the hiking route may be subject to change without prior notice. Participants joining the hikes do so at their own will and at their own risk. They may consider buying their own insurance for better protection. The hike leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the hikes are exonerated from any liabilities and claims as a result of any accidents or losses arising.


Dear Fridayhikers,

I would like to suggest the Olympic Trail which goes from 白芒村 to 梅窩 for this week.   It is a 3 hour walk on paved road which passes two interesting villages 白芒村 with a 更樓 (resistence to Japanese invasion) and a 三級歷史建築的門樓，有一對大門神, and the pretty 白銀鄉 and a silver mine.  The route is rather exposed but is paved throughout.  It would be too hot for summer months as it offers little shade.

We have always taken the taxi to the starting point but it seems that we can also walk from Tung Chung station.   This would take an extra hour or so.  The directions from one web page are:  "Go through the Tung Chung mall and exit on Man Tung Rd, head to the right. Walk on Man Tung Rd for about 400m.  Turn right on Hei Tung Rd. There will be a small path on the right to reach the ocean boardwalk.   Continue on the ocean boardwalk for about 500-750m. Take the underpass to the right to the starting point"

We can also take bus no. 36 which takes us to Pak Mong.  This departs at 10 am.

The trail itself is about 9 km and the expected time is 3 hours.

Meeting place:  Tung Chung MTR Station Exit B

Ready to set off time:  9:30 am  


As far as I know there is a public convenience at 白芒村 as you walk in but it would be safer to use the facilities at the Tung Chung shopping mall.  Please be there early as there is some way to walk to get to the toilets in the shopping mall. 


Ferry schedule from Mui Wo to Central is:  1.30 pm , 2.10 pm, etc.   every 40 minutes.

Please bring plenty of water, sunshade, raingear and snack.




Belinda

February 23rd First hike in the Year of the Dog 山頂行大運

The Fridayhikers are a group of friends who go hiking for leisure. Depending on the weather and road conditions, the hiking route may be subject to change without prior notice. Participants joining the hikes do so at their own will and at their own risk. They may consider buying their own insurance for better protection. The hike leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the hikes are exonerated from any liabilities and claims as a result of any accidents or losses arising.

Happy New Year to all Fridayhikers ! 

Wishing you all a healthy, robust and energetic Year of the Dog !

Dear Fridayhikers,

Route for tomorrow:  Pacific Place - HK Park - Bowen Road - Brewin Path - Chatham Path - Barker Road - Hospital Path - Plantation Road - Peak Galleria.

For those of you who have not taken the route before, this link will give you a map and more details  -  https://hkfiles.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/new-route-easy-hike-to-the-peak-from-centraladmiralty-via-the-central-green-trail/

If it should be very wet tomorrow, we will not take the green trail as it may be slippery.  Instead we will walk from Admiralty to Hatton Road and walk up via Lung Fu Shan.  

It is an upward climb all the way to the Peak of course but if the weather is clear, it offers a nice view over the harbour.  The walk up will take about an hour depending on the humidity.  Once on the peak, we will take the circular walk on Lugard Road and then decide how we want to go down. 

Meeting point:   Pacific Place (at the bottom of the escalator which goes to HK Park)  near Chartered Bank ATM

Meeting time:  9:15 am   Please try to be punctual.   

Bring water, stick, rain gear, sun gear, etc. according to your needs.  

Belinda

       

February 9th: Violet Hill Path

The Fridayhikers are a group of friends who go hiking for leisure. Depending on the weather and road conditions, the hiking route may be subject to change without prior notice. Participants joining the hikes do so at their own will and at their own risk. They may consider buying their own insurance for better protection. The hike leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the hikes are exonerated from any liabilities and claims as a result of any accidents or losses arising.

Dear Fridayhikers,

Someone mentioned the Hanging Bells the other day so how about going to Violet Hill to check out the flowers this Friday !

Violet Hill Path from Wong Nai Chong Reservoir  to Tai Tam Reservoir.  Estimated distance is 7 km and estimated time is 3 hours.


Please bring enough water, rain gear and sun protection.

Meeting time:  9:15 am

Meeting place:  Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park

To go to the meeting point, please take buses 6, 61, 76, 41A and get off at the gas station after the tennis courts on Wong Nai Chung Gap Road.  Walk up to the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park (in the direction of Parkview).

Should it rain, you can consider taking an alternative route:  the path from the carpark opposite which leads to Braemar Hill.  That route should be paved throughout.  Leo and Anson should know the route. 


Because of errands, I will not join the hike this Friday.   Have a safe hike and enjoy yourselves !

Belinda

February 2nd: Hok Tau Reservoir to Lau Shui Heung Reservoir

The Fridayhikers are a group of friends who go hiking for leisure. Depending on the weather and road conditions, the hiking route may be subject to change without prior notice. Participants joining the hikes do so at their own will and at their own risk. They may consider buying their own insurance for better protection. The hike leaders, the organizers and any other participants in the hikes are exonerated from any liabilities and claims as a result of any accidents or losses arising.

Dear Fridayhikers,



This route is a combination of the Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk and the Lau Shui Heung Country Trail.  Start at the end of Hok Tau Road, walk up the road (washroom on the way), and take the Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk , go around  Hok Tau Reservoir, take a clockwise direction around Hok Tau Reservoir, then go towards Shek Au Shan 石坳山, (this is part of Wilson Trail). This Wilson Trail overlaps with the Lau Shui Heung Coutry Trail.   At C2204, they  go separate ways.  Stay on Lau Shui Heung Country Trail (turning right) then go towards Kat Tsai Shan Au 桔仔山坳, and this trail will bring you to Lau Shui Heung Reservoir.  You can go into the reservoir to take a look if there is time.  At the reservoir, walk down to the intersection of lau Shui Heung road and Hok Tau Road to take the minibus out to Fanling Station.   (The minibus leaves Hok Tau on the hour and half hour. ) The walk is about 3+  hours.

Meeting time:  9:30 am  Please queue early.   Minibuses run every 15 to 20 minutes.   

Meeting place:  Minibus 52B to Hok Tau Reservoir at Fanling Rail Station  (Please take the minibus all the way to the Hok Tau Village, as far as it will go.  Do not get off at the BBQ area or the start of the Country Trail ).

Please note the telephone number for Fanling minibus 2673 3626 if needed.


Please bring snacks for keeping warm, plenty of water, sunshade, raingear.  I don't remember if there are many steps but for those who wish to protect their knees, it is always prudent to bring a walking stick and  knee guard.


Hikers who live on HK island:  train journey from Admiralty to Fanling is about 50+ minutes.  Please estimate your travelling time.



Belinda