Hiking up and down The Twins on a hot (but lovely) summer's day (Photo-essay)

After a friend I had gone on my first hike with a couple of Sundays earlier expressed some disappointment at our Nei Lak Shan Country Trail hike being too easy, I decided to take him on an afternoon out that would include a hike up The Twins that'd involve ascending more than 1,000 steps before being rewarded with breath-taking views of Stanley and points further south of it; this even though we would be hiking on what for sure was going to be a hot summer day.

In retrospect, I'm glad that we got to Tsin Shui Wan Au, from where we'd begin our Twins ascent, from Wong Nai Chung Gap via the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path rather than a trail that'd involve our also going up (and down) Violet Hill -- because my friend started feeling the heat midway during the ascent and had to pause for breath a few times!  But since he's been okay with going on further hikes with me since then, I guess I didn't scare him off.  Oh, and I do hope that he did manage to appreciate the scenic views to be had along the hike -- though it's quite possible I shocked him with my glee at catching -- and managing to photograph -- not just one but two different species of animals going at it that afternoon! ;b

From the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path, one can get 

splendid views of Repulse Bay

 

Ocean Park -- and Lamma Island's three giant smokestacks 

-- also can be seen from the section of the 

Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path that hugs the edge of Violet Hill

 

Considering the state of the path though (and how close

to the edge it often is), it's good to look down when

walking at least some of the time! ;S

 

Still, there's little question that the trail up the northern Twin

will catch the eye, and often get many hikers gulping! ;b

 

Viewing Violet Hill from a few hundred steps

up the trail going up the first Twin

 

After ascending over 1,000 steps, you'll get a unpaved bit that 

your tired legs may find challenging to go down (more so than climb)

 

But tell yourself that gorgeous views await ahead!

 

 And I have to say that it's particularly satisfying when the day's 

visibility levels rival those in the view compass' picture :)