Friday, September 4, 2015

Hiking Hong Kong - Homage to our Countryside! (Ep. 8)

Initial broadcast - 8:00 pm Friday September 4, 2015


To listen to the show's initial broadcast, please visit RTHK's DAB 31.

To listen to the show after the initial broadcast, please visit the archive here. (Skip to 6m45s!)

(Photo by K. Davies)



This episode celebrates Hong Kong's country parks and countryside: Hong Kong is a wonderful place for hiking! We sit down with three experienced hike leaders, Paul Christensen (Hong Kong Hikers), Annie Chow (Hike HK Meetup), and Daisy Linas (Hong Kong Hiking Meetup). Our guests all come from diverse backgrounds, but they all volunteer their time to take any and everyone out on organized group hikes. They tell us about some of the beautiful places you can go hiking in Hong Kong, and share about the importance of keeping secret places secret! We also discuss some of the challenges facing the country parks, including the country park enclaves and trail management. They all conclude, though, that the best part of joining an organized group hike is that they have a meal or happy hour after!
Countryside for Everyone
Join Hiking Groups
Hong Kong Hikers - Traditionally a week-day hiking group to avoid the crowds on weekends. There are usually 1-3 hikes a week.
Hong Kong Hiking Meetup - Perhaps Hong Kong’s biggest hiking group (15,000 members!). Daily hikes: workout hikes, leisure hikes, long distance hikes. Everything!
Hike HK Meetup - Also offers a mix of different kinds of hikes, as well as some different types of activities like snorkeling.

These organized group hikes will provide a detailed description of what to expect and how to come prepared (no jeans!). You only have to find your way usually to an MTR station meeting point, and the organizer leads the rest of the way, so you can just enjoy the view! It’s a great way to learn about new places or routes, as the leaders are experienced with the areas.

What’s really nice about these groups is how welcoming they are. The hiking leaders do their best to accommodate everyone and go at a pace suitable for the whole group. They care to share the hiking experience and countryside with everyone.

About our Country Parks and Countryside
Enjoy Hiking (and app) - Information from the government on Hong Kong’s trails, including transportation. Very good resource!
Save our Country Parks - Group dedicated to monitoring the protection of the country parks, especially the country park enclaves. Their Facebook page has more up-to-date information about current issues facing the parks.

Four Long Distance Trails
(Photo by K. Davies)

These are fun to do in sections and gradually complete all of it! You get a kind of “sweeping view” of Hong Kong.

Maps
Countryside Series maps published by the government - 5 maps cover all of Hong Kong. Can be purchased at some post offices, hiking stores, and bookshops. See where to buy guide.  

Some places to buy hiking supplies:
(Note: if you need additional information about what to buy and where to buy it, just post on https://geoexpat.com/ forum and hikers will give you advice!)
(Photo by K. Davies)

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