Teacher's PETs (Professional Expert Tips)

Mr Fu’s PETs on: Hiking

The temperature continues to rise as we approach the summer months. During the break, you might want to consider trying one of the most popular activities in Hong Kong, hiking. There are several scenic hiking spots in Hong Kong and these can vary based on difficulty. If you are a beginner who wants to have a sound mind and body this summer, let our resident Mountain Climber and Hiking Master, Mr Fu, be your guide to your first hike.

Hiking is a worthwhile activity that can be tiring but fun. It is a good form of exercise because you can build stamina and endurance. Being surrounded by nature, you will also get peace of mind when you go hiking. Aside from that, the best reward you get from hiking is seeing the beautiful scenery once you reach the top. However, hiking takes some planning and preparation to avoid serious accidents. Keep in mind, whatever your skill level, please remember, never hike alone. Always be with a hiking buddy or with a more experienced hiker. Here are some reminders before you find your first trail:

1. Plan your hike. Choose the easiest hike route if you are a beginner. Know the transportation options at the entry and exit points of the hiking route.

2. Keep an eye on the weather. Use the Hong Kong Observatory app to know if the current weather is good for hiking. Very Hot or Very Cold weather warnings should be a good reason to cancel the hike.

3. Hike with a friend. Do not go hiking alone as accidents may happen.

4. Drink lots of water. Make sure to bring enough water supply when you hike.

5. Stay dry. Water from streams or rain can make your shoes and path slippery.

6.Check your health. If you have a heart condition or asthma, ask your doctor if it is okay for you to hike.

7. Seek more information. Go to https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/healthy/hiking/index.html to know more about hiking in Hong Kong. The site provides information on the 44 hiking routes in Hong Kong and are labeled according to their difficulty level.

Mr Fu is an active mountaineer when he is not in school teaching. One of his memorable treks include the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Some hiking spots are outside the New Territories but people living in Yuen Long or Tuen Mun need not go a long way to start hiking. Kai Shan is a 2-hour hike from Shing Uk Tsuen (Yuen Long Industrial Area) and is considered an easy but scenic trail. Go to https://www.oasistrek.com/kai_shan_e.php to find out what Kai Shan has to offer.

Thank you to Mr Fu for sharing with us some of his expert tips on hiking. We should give this activity a chance and explore the greener side of Hong Kong. Just remember the golden rules of nature tripping:

Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time and leave nothing but footprints.