"Stepless" Hikes
In principle, the Hansen’s "Stepless" Hikes differ from our normal hikes only in the fact that there will be NO stairs to climb
along the route and that they, generally, follow paved paths. However, just because they contain no stairs, the "stepless"
hikes are not necessarily flat. The routes through the Shing Mun and Tai Lam Country Parks build up a altitude gains and
losses of up to 750 metres either way.
It would actually be possible to push a pram along most of these routes, but we do ask you to contact us in advance, should
you like to do so...
Footwear, Clothing and Other Equipment
All Hansen's Hikes can be done in ordinary sneakers with a good grip, but we do not recommend wearing tennis shoes or
Teva style sandals on our hikes. They would be more appropriate on our Bicycle Rides or Photo Shoots. Unless you need
the extra ankle support, it has been our experience that proper hiking boots generally are comfortable only on walks taking
place from December through February.
Other than sun-screen, sun-glasses, hat/cap and insect repellent, you should also seriously consider bringing a shirt or
even a full change of clothes, especially on hikes offering the opportunity for a swim. The combination of wet clothes and
the very efficient air-conditioning on Hong Kong trains and buses can be hazardous to your health...
A hiking stick could also come in handy on some of the steeper slopes.
Finally, but most importantly, you must remember to bring plenty to drink as the high humidity levels in Hong Kong increase
the risk of dehydration and subsequent heatstroke dramatically, especially on hot summer days. A minimum of 1.5 litres
per person is recommended, half a litre of which should be an electrolyte/ion replacement drink, such as Pocari Sweat,
Gatorade, Lucosade or Green Power. Experience has shown that - even in copious amounts - bottled distilled water alone
just doesn’t do the trick. However, diluted fruit juice or cordial would also work…
Distance
All distances quoted are in kilometres. 1 kilometer = 0.62 miles.
Difficulty
The difficulty level of all Hansen's Hikes are rated on a scale from 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the easiest and 10 the most
difficult.
Hikes rated 1, 2 or 3 are categorized as being “easy.” This indicates that the route offers a relaxed walk with few, if any,
inclines of significance. Suitable for novices and families.
Hikes rated 4, 5 or 6 are categorized as being “moderate.” This means that the route is more difficult and, usually, longer
than those of the easy rides, but still within the endurance and capability of most walkers.The itinerary would rarely involve
heights of more than 400 metres.
Hikes rated 7 or 8 are categorized as being “difficult” while hikes rated 9 or 10 are deemed “strenuous." This indicates that
a certain stamina and fitness level is required and that the route might be unsuitable for people suffering from vertigo or
with a restricted sense of balance. A hike might be rated as a 7, 8, 9, or 10 due to its length or because it involves elevations
over 400 metres and/or tough walking. The surface of the trail and the steepness of inclines and descents are also taken
into consideration. These hikes are not recommended for novice hikers.
Approximate Altitude Change
These numbers indicate the (approximate) total altitude gained and lost during the outing.
Being the total sum of all the peaks, crests, dips and valleys encountered during a walk, the numbers are only an indication
of the terrain we might encounter. The numbers do not necessarily reflect the steepness of our route. Some "stepless"
hikes might include only one steep and high hill, while others would contain numerous low sloping inclines and descents,
yet they might reach the same total amount of altitude gained or lost.
Highest Point
This number indicates the height above sea-level of the highest physical point along the route.
In principle, the Hansen’s "Stepless" Hikes differ from our normal hikes only in the fact that there will be NO stairs to climb
along the route and that they, generally, follow paved paths. However, just because they contain no stairs, the "stepless"
hikes are not necessarily flat. The routes through the Shing Mun and Tai Lam Country Parks build up a altitude gains and
losses of up to 750 metres either way.
It would actually be possible to push a pram along most of these routes, but we do ask you to contact us in advance, should
you like to do so...
Footwear, Clothing and Other Equipment
All Hansen's Hikes can be done in ordinary sneakers with a good grip, but we do not recommend wearing tennis shoes or
Teva style sandals on our hikes. They would be more appropriate on our Bicycle Rides or Photo Shoots. Unless you need
the extra ankle support, it has been our experience that proper hiking boots generally are comfortable only on walks taking
place from December through February.
Other than sun-screen, sun-glasses, hat/cap and insect repellent, you should also seriously consider bringing a shirt or
even a full change of clothes, especially on hikes offering the opportunity for a swim. The combination of wet clothes and
the very efficient air-conditioning on Hong Kong trains and buses can be hazardous to your health...
A hiking stick could also come in handy on some of the steeper slopes.
Finally, but most importantly, you must remember to bring plenty to drink as the high humidity levels in Hong Kong increase
the risk of dehydration and subsequent heatstroke dramatically, especially on hot summer days. A minimum of 1.5 litres
per person is recommended, half a litre of which should be an electrolyte/ion replacement drink, such as Pocari Sweat,
Gatorade, Lucosade or Green Power. Experience has shown that - even in copious amounts - bottled distilled water alone
just doesn’t do the trick. However, diluted fruit juice or cordial would also work…
Distance
All distances quoted are in kilometres. 1 kilometer = 0.62 miles.
Difficulty
The difficulty level of all Hansen's Hikes are rated on a scale from 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the easiest and 10 the most
difficult.
Hikes rated 1, 2 or 3 are categorized as being “easy.” This indicates that the route offers a relaxed walk with few, if any,
inclines of significance. Suitable for novices and families.
Hikes rated 4, 5 or 6 are categorized as being “moderate.” This means that the route is more difficult and, usually, longer
than those of the easy rides, but still within the endurance and capability of most walkers.The itinerary would rarely involve
heights of more than 400 metres.
Hikes rated 7 or 8 are categorized as being “difficult” while hikes rated 9 or 10 are deemed “strenuous." This indicates that
a certain stamina and fitness level is required and that the route might be unsuitable for people suffering from vertigo or
with a restricted sense of balance. A hike might be rated as a 7, 8, 9, or 10 due to its length or because it involves elevations
over 400 metres and/or tough walking. The surface of the trail and the steepness of inclines and descents are also taken
into consideration. These hikes are not recommended for novice hikers.
Approximate Altitude Change
These numbers indicate the (approximate) total altitude gained and lost during the outing.
Being the total sum of all the peaks, crests, dips and valleys encountered during a walk, the numbers are only an indication
of the terrain we might encounter. The numbers do not necessarily reflect the steepness of our route. Some "stepless"
hikes might include only one steep and high hill, while others would contain numerous low sloping inclines and descents,
yet they might reach the same total amount of altitude gained or lost.
Highest Point
This number indicates the height above sea-level of the highest physical point along the route.
| Write Michael Hansen for more information about our "stepless" hikes. |
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| ... exploring Hong Kong's other side... |
