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First hiking practice trail opens
The territory's first hiking practice trail, where visitors can do hill walking in a maintained path and at the same time learn more about skills and safety hints in hiking, is officially open for public use today (Sunday).
The one-kilometre trail is at Tai Mo Shan Country Park with its entrance located near the Rotary Garden, Tsuen Kam Au, Route Twisk.
A spokesman for the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) said the trail was suitable for people who had limited knowledge and skills in hiking but want to pursue this activity in a safe manner.
He pointed out that information provided along the trail could help visitors of all ages get a better understanding on basic and practical knowledge, skills and safety features in hiking activities.
With 18 check points, the trail takes about only 30 minutes for a return trip.
"After all, this trail is good for hiking beginners," the spokesman said, adding that it would be included as an itinerary under AFD's country park guided tours in future.
To introduce the new hiking facility, a new leaflet has been published for distribution at the country park visitor centres in Plover Cove, Aberdeen, Tai Mo Shan, Clear Water Bay, Shing Mun and the Lions Nature Education Centre, Sai Kung.
Apart from having a map of the trail, there are 10 major points on hiking knowledge and techniques in the leaflet. An itinerary planner listing major reminders for hikers before journeys is also included.
"The leaflet is particularly useful if it can be referenced together with the hiking safety booklet produced earlier in the year by the department,"
"The two publications are also good reference materials for hiking leaders in their training," the spokesman added.
He also thanked the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macau for sponsoring the printing cost and the Hong Kong Scout Association for providing the expert information for the leaflet.
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