HIKING IN HOT WEATHER 

Lantau’s trails form a comprehensive network of highways and avenues, by-streets and alleys that snake over the lush, hilly countryside. Some are government-maintained, paved footpaths, replete with railings and signs. Others are only accessible if you are willing to bushwhack through the overgrown bramble that obscures the ground you walk on. All of these routes can link and overlap with each other, meaning you can hike here for years and still find yourself covering new ground.

What’s more, these trails are uniquely versatile. It’s up to you whether you want to challenge yourself and trek a day (or several days) away, or simply stretch your legs on a Sunday morning.

All of that being said, a good hiker is a prepared hiker; there is nothing worse when hiking than wishing you had done something differently. And with a bit of planning and some hiking smarts, you can still enjoy the trails in the hot summer months.

THE HIKE

Imagine you are planning a casual family hike for the coming weekend… up Scenic Hill. Located beneath Ngong Ping 360’s Airport Island Angle Station and a 10-minute walk from Tung Chung town centre, Scenic Hill is now the tallest point in Chek Lap Kok. The views from the top are outstanding – it’s a superb place to watch aircraft take-off and land – and the trail leading up to the summit is a favourite among Tung Chung residents training for trail races or walking their dogs.

The 77-metre trail path starts on Chek Lap Kok South Road, and it’s a short, brisk walk to the summit. The hike, though steep, is do-able for most, though the stairs will knock the wind out of anyone at an average level of fitness. It is a great first go for a new hiker, but younger children may struggle with the steps. On a sunny day, when the pollution index is low, the view of Tung Chung, the airport, South China Sea and (possibly) Macau still makes Scenic Hill a rewarding destination.

Allow 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace. The duration of this hike can, like all hikes, vary wildly depending on the ability of your group and the weather at the time of walking. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department provides approximate times for many popular hikes, as do a plethora of Hong Kong hiking blogs, but these often contradict each other.

Use whatever approximation you find as just that; the best way to accurately find out how long any hike will take is to walk it a couple of times yourself. Another advantage of getting to know the lie of the land in advance? Less chance of getting your friends and family lost. While I challenge anyone to lose their way hiking up Scenic Hill, this is a useful piece of advice to follow on more remote, less well-signposted hikes, particularly in the summertime. Knowing your route means avoiding unnecessary detours that can cost precious time in the sun and heat.

AN EARLY START

You start out early before it gets too hot, at 9am, maybe 9.30am if someone took a little too long to get out of bed. “Starting” means beginning your hike, fully-stocked and nourished; it does not mean meeting in Tung Chung to pick up breakfast and snacks.

Admittedly the hills are not going anywhere fast, but it is almost always better to start a hike earlier than later. That way, you can have as much of it behind you as possible before the heat kicks in. This is especially true in the summer.

While weekend lie-ins are precious, how does a fat cat nap on a lazy afternoon after a workout and a big lunch sound? This is the lofty goal you strive for today.

SHOES, HATS AND SUNSCREEN

You begin your ascent. The concrete stairs leading up Scenic Hill are well maintained as is the paved trail nearer the summit but, as any keen hiker will tell you, tennis shoes simply will not do. To tackle even the most “leisurely” hike, you need a pair of running shoes that have a decent tread, if not hiking boots with ankle support.

Boots may be excessive for this walk, but they are a solid investment if you wish to tackle longer, less-maintained trails. A good pair will have specialised treads and extra padding. The support around the neck of the boot can help prevent you from rolling your ankle, a nightmare scenario for any hiker, and a real possibility on many of the steep descents on slopes or stairs you may face on Lantau.

As you are climbing, the sun starts to break through the morning cloud. You immediately stop to apply sunscreen (if you didn’t already at home) and, importantly, you put on your hat. There is very little shade on this route (barring the Chinese pavilion, which you can rest up in at the top) and wearing a hat can be a crucial factor in preventing sunstroke.

STAY HYDRATED

You’ve been walking for a good while now. You’re starting to lose your breath and your legs are aching slightly. You tell your group you’re ready for a break and you pull out your water bottle. For an extra kick, you sip on the still-cold bottle of Gatorade you bought at 7-Eleven about 20 minutes ago.

There is no exact science for the amount of water one should bring on a hike; it really depends on the person. One thing is for certain though – always bring a bit more than you think you need. It is much better to have half a bottle left at the end of the trail than to run out halfway through. As hiking is a sustained, sweaty exercise, it is also a good idea to bring an isotonic sports drink with you to help replenish your electrolytes. I am partial to Gatorade, but Pocari Sweat, Vitamin Water and some brands of coconut water also fit the bill.

You should additionally bring some snacks – there isn’t a café or even a 7-Eleven atop Scenic Hill. Nuts and dried fruits provide the good natural fats and sugars you’ll need to stay energised. Add in some M&Ms or yoghurtcovered raisins to sweeten things up – it’s called trail mix for a reason!

HIKING WITH OTHERS

Hiking with others is above all else a safety precaution. If by some unfortunate chance you injure yourself on the trail, having someone there to administer aid or contact emergency services may be essential.

However, the majority of the time, the people you hike with will simply set the tone for your journey. Having nowhere to go but further helps you to forget about the little things and prompts you to share stories and discuss literally anything that pops into your head. Also, you can enjoy the spectacular views you come upon in the moment with friends or family. So, hiking with company is doubly important, it’s for both your physical and social wellbeing.