It used to be that the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail was the main path used by hardy folks to go from the market towns of Yuen Long to Tsuen Wan (or vice versa). These days, however, this 12.5 kilometer long footpath that takes one clear across Tai Lam Country Park (which occupies some 5,370 hectares of land in the Western New Territories) through some pretty scenic sections of Hong Kong's second largest country park serves a largely leisure purpose: that is, as a favorite hiking route.
At the same time, those contemplating hiking the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail should bear in mind that, when one adds in the distance between the Tsuen Wan end of the path to the nearest bus stop in the area (at Allway Gardens) and that needed to get from the Yuen Long end of the path to the nearest minibus stop in that area (over in Tai Tong Tsuen), the total hiking distance is actually closer to 15.2 kilometers. Also, that one will go from about 50 meters above sea level to over 400 meters above sea level and then back down again to about 20 meters above sea level.
Is it worth the exertion? I believe so -- and actually would rank this among the top five hikes I've been on in Hong Kong thus far. To give you some idea why, here follows the first photo-essay with pictures taken along this trail that gets one realizing how tough folks were -- and life was -- in days gone by:-
At the same time, those contemplating hiking the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail should bear in mind that, when one adds in the distance between the Tsuen Wan end of the path to the nearest bus stop in the area (at Allway Gardens) and that needed to get from the Yuen Long end of the path to the nearest minibus stop in that area (over in Tai Tong Tsuen), the total hiking distance is actually closer to 15.2 kilometers. Also, that one will go from about 50 meters above sea level to over 400 meters above sea level and then back down again to about 20 meters above sea level.
Is it worth the exertion? I believe so -- and actually would rank this among the top five hikes I've been on in Hong Kong thus far. To give you some idea why, here follows the first photo-essay with pictures taken along this trail that gets one realizing how tough folks were -- and life was -- in days gone by:-
Between urban land and country parklies cultivated greenery of the kind
few expect Asia's World City to possess
Ditto re land that looks to still be farmedin a pretty small-scale and traditional way
The signboards in the photo are where the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail officially begins
over on the Tsuen Wan side
A view of the trail as it hugs the sides of hillsand one rounds a corner of it
Looks like we're miles from civilization, right?
Yet not that far away, if one were to lookdown below, this is the scene one would see!
Also, here's a view from the Ancient Trail that takes in the Tsing Ma and Ting Kau Bridges
Leaving you for now with a glimpse ofa more forested part of a trail that
takes one through a range of landscapes...
To be continued by way of another photo-essay (but of course!)! ;b
6 comments:
Looks like a wonderful hike (best taken on a cool day!).
I was surprised to see so many other hikers.
BTW, I really do appreciate the large size of your photos. I love it when I click on a photo in your post and then am "teleported" to the "life-size" version. For a second, it makes me feel like I'm really there. :D
A well-used trail, I see! Especially when you consider that it's no easy stroll.
ytsl,
I like how close you are to civilization in many of your hikes and that you photograph this in addition to the nature scenes.
Do you wear a hat? What percent of your hikes are on trails with no overhead tree coverage?
Hi duriandave --
You got it right -- and for the record, I actually went on the hike in winter (February 1 of this year to be exact!).
Re many other hikers: Hiking's quite popular in Hong Kong. And as it so happens, I went hiking that day with a group of 12-15 people.
Lastly, I'd like to say thank you very much for going ahead and clicking on the photos to enlarge them. :)
Hi A. --
It's a long but not completely difficult trail. I have been on much more difficult ones -- and there also are lots of trails I don't think I'm ever going to be able to pluck up the courage to try hiking!
Hi sbk --
I wear a baseball cap -- and plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellant, especially in the summer months. Yet it still doesn't completely prevent me from getting sunburnt from time to time.
Re the overhead tree coverage: Hmmm... I'm not sure re the percentage. It depends on where you hike. E.g., western Hong Kong Island has lots of overhead tree coverage but eastern Hong Kong Island less so. But I think I tend to gravitate towards the less overhead tree coverage hikes in cooler months because too much vegetation can obscure views! :)
How long did it take to you complete the Hike because that looks like something I'd be interested in trying.
Hi Liv --
From meeting at Tsuen Wan MTR station to the Allways Garden by bus, the hike itself and the minibus into Yuen Long, it all took around 5 hours. So I'd say about 4 to 4 1/2 hours for the actual hike.
And yes, I'd recommend it... but only when the weather turns cooler. As you can see from the photos, some parts of the hike are pretty bereft of overhead tree coverage!
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