We all know getting out into nature is great for our mind, body and soul, but bring your four-legged friends along and it’s double the fun! For our next event, we have partnered up with the new virtual hiking app, Trail Challenger, to tackle the Cross Island Trail to raise funds for local animal shelter, Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP). Whether you are joining us on November 12th or completing this 20km Cross Island challenge on your own, you will earn yourself a cool medal and raise funds for a local animal shelter - just download the app, and purchase the Charity Hike Challenge now!
Overview
Length: 20.1 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 896m Difficulty: 3/5
Recommended Hike Plan
This trail mostly follows paved paths, and the occasional roadside, so be careful of your dogs and cars for these sections.
According to AllTrails, the average time to complete this entire trail is 6 hours and 44 minutes, however, if you’re a beginner or prefer to tackle this trail by sections, we recommend tackling this over two days and have outlined our recommended hiking plan below, with multiple exit points along the way, should you need them. *Top tip: Go at a pace that is comfortable for you and your dog. There is no time cap to complete this trail, so you can take as long as you like, hit pause, and revisit this trail at a later date!
Day 1 - 10.5km (3 hours)
Section 1 (1.5 hours)
Mount Davis Path - The Peak
This trail starts at Mount Davis Path, and involves walking up the concrete path past the Fresh Water Service Reservoir. You’ll soon start to head downhill towards Mount Davis Road, where you will need to cross the intersection of Pok Fu Lam Road and head up the stairs next to the Pok Fu Lam Road Sitting out Area. This takes you through Lung Fu Shan Country Park, which is a sealed path up until you link up with the circular path of Harlech Road at the Peak, and is safe to let your dogs off the leash. This is probably the most challenging part of the entire trail as it involves the biggest climb. This section takes 1.5 hours to get to the Peak Galleria, where you will have ample opportunities to visit the lavatories, stock up on water and snacks, or visit one of the dog-friendly restaurants. Should you decide that is enough for one day, there are plenty of opportunities to catch taxis here.
Section 2 (1.5 hours)
The Peak - Wong Nai Chung Road
From the Peak Galleria, walk down Findlay and Severn Road, before turning off on Hospital Path - this takes you down Barker Road to Magazine Gap, where you will follow Coombe Road to Wan Chai Gap Park, which is another opportunity to stock up on snacks and drinks. This entire route follows the road, so it’s best to keep your dogs leashed at all times, and be careful when crossing the road. Although not the end of day 1 of our Recommended Hike Plan, Wan Chai Gap is also a good spot to grab taxis, if you and your pup have had enough for the day - just be sure to stop tracking your progress on the Trail Challenger app before you hail that cab! If you are continuing on, the next section along Black’s Link is a breeze! Follow the paved path through Aberdeen Country Park, as it contours around the mountainside. Just be careful of cars as you edge closer to the residential area at the other end of Black’s Link, as the nearby intersection can get quite busy. Once you arrive at Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, this marks the end of day 1 of our recommended Hike Plan! From here, there are plenty of opportunities to hail a taxi home.
Day 2 - 9.6km (3 hours)
Section 3 (1.5 hours)
Wong Nai Chung Road - Tai Tam Country Park
Starting from where we left off at Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, the second leg of this challenge involves a steep climb up Tai Tam Reservoir Road towards Parkview. Once you reach the Parkview entrance, continue on to enter Tai Tam Country Park, where it’s all downhill from here! (Literally not metaphorically). You will have access to public toilets near the start of this trail, opposite Tai Tam Barbecue Area Site 2. There are several Barbecue Site areas along this trail, which make for a great pitstop to rehydrate or refuel on snacks. After you pass Tai Tam Upper Reservoir, you will connect with Hong Kong Forest Track - Boa Vista Track section. Before you reach Boa Vista, you will need to turn off the paved path to join Tai Tam Road. Be sure to leash your dogs for this section, as you will come out to the roundabout at Tai Tam Gap, which can be a busy intersection. This is a great spot to stop and hail a taxi. However, if you do decide to continue on, be extra vigilant as you walk along Shek O Road as there is no pavement for a short section before you enter Shek O Country Park.
Section 4 (1.5 hours)
Shek O Country Park - Siu Sai Wan Promenade
There are several public toilets, along this route; at the start of this trail, and at Cape Collinson Road Garden.
This section is mostly sealed and is safe to let your dogs off leash.
Be sure to stop on occasion to take in the scenery, as you get unobstructed view of Shek O, as well as a panoramic glimpse of the channel from Pottinger Peak View Compass, which is a short detour.
The final stretch follows the coast to Siu Sai Wan, along Leaping Dragon Walk.
Cape Collinson is known to be home to wild boars, so we advise keeping your dog on the leash for this section and giving them a wide berth if you encounter any along your travels.
Once you reach Siu Sai Wan Promenade, you can give yourselves and your dog a pat on the back for a job well done!
You have also just earned yourself a medal, and if you kickstart this challenge with us on November 12th, you will get a coupon so that your pups don't walk away empty-pawed either!
Redeem a celebratory goodie bag from Whiskers n Paws' Ap Lei Chau store before November 30th, and enjoy 10% off any in-store purchases on the day of pick up, and a further 10% off any online purchases before December 18th! Active dogs also need their supplements, which is why HOLY CAP are offering samples of their mushroom-powered pet supplements, along with one of their durable, collapsible dog bowls - perfect for those outdoor adventures!
On the day, dogs can enjoy "free paws" of Puptails' signature bone broth cocktails from our ambassadors to keep those doggies well-hydrated! What are you waiting for? Sign up now!
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