Name: Xmas Special 1 : Trail of Two Monasteries + Cantonese dinner. Very hard - 3.8
Start: 2024-12-25T08:45:00+08:00
End: 2024-12-25T20:30:00+08:00

*\*\*\*Kindly exercise due diligence in safeguarding against flu or colds infections. The health and wellbeing of our participants is a paramount consideration. Do not sign up unless you are feeling 100% well. \*\*\**

**Answer ALL the questions when you RSVP or you will be moved to Not going.**

Acknowledgement: Uncle Tony, Evaa and Sam Choi scouted different sections of this exhilarating route with us at different times before.

Since 2016, this Xmas hike has been made an annual event to enjoy some of HK's most Martian trails and a sumptuous Cantonese dinner afterwards (except 2019 and 2020).

This route is among the handful of si-fu (master) hiking routes in HK. It is going to be strenuous as it will take the genuine form of "trail of two monasteries (杯靈雙渡)" by going from the far west (ie Butterfly Beach, Tuen Mun) to the far east (ie near Tin Shui Wai). If trail head is blocked, we will start from Tsing Shan Monastery.

On a clear day, ascending Castle Peak from Butterfly Beach gives expansive views of Lantau Island, Tuen Chek Tunnel, Tsing Shan Basin and the skyline of Shenzhen. It also allows you to overlook the slightly shorter twin Kau Keng Shan on the opposite end of Tuen Mun. From Castle Peak onwards, trails will be extensively eroded badland until we finally head down to Ling To Tsz.

The challenge of this hike lies in the sandy ups and downs. Descending over slippery surface necessitates extra vigilance of the patrons. Good body balance is a must as the trail is rather treacherous and risky with unpredictable dangers. We will be uncompromisingly selective towards who can participate in this expedition.

While early exit is available at Leung Tin Au, for safety reason, it is only allowed if two or more hikers leave together. Therefore, sign up only if you are determined, in good faith, to complete the whole trail.

**Sign up to the waitlist if you**
(a) have completed a hike rated 3.2 or above with this group in the past two months;
(b) are slip-resistant on loose rubble or sandy slopes of ultra steep gradient;
(c) have read thoroughly this announcement, including all links and our FAQ, accept and agree with our Disclaimer;
(d) will stick together with the group; if you break away on your own intuition, you are considered deserted;
(e) your attendance record is acceptable (at least 50%); and
(f) have included a photo in your profile with which we can identify you. No such photo, no hike.
The hosts have final say who can join.

**Not allowed:**
Guests (guests must RSVP separately), one-time use plastic bottles (please bring water from home), jeans, hand-carrying bags in lieu of backpacks.

**Hike statistics:**
Distance 14-15km, total ascent 1,300-1,400m, estimated 7-9 hrs on the trail + 2 hrs dinner. Exiting early - 6.5km distance and 650m elevation gain.

**What to bring:**
Must - Min 3L water/energy drink, light lunch, shoes with excellent gripping, gloves, Govt map for NW New Territories or hiking app for direction, sun protection, headlight (if we run into darkness), clothes for change and other appropriate clothing for the weather of the day.

Optional - Trekking poles if you are good at using.

**Meeting place & time:** Exit B, Tuen Mun MTR Station at 8.30am. Look for Eunice and Stephen. We will take bus K52 to trail head at Lung Mun Road near Butterfly Beach.

No waiting for the late ones so be on time. You come late, find us at bus stop K52 under MTR station or join us next year.

**Description:**
Take bus K52 and get off at Butterfly Beach Park > narrow ridge (一線脊) > Castle Peak-Butterfly Ridge (青蝶脊) > Castle Peak (青山 or 杯渡山) (El 583m) > Leung Tin Au (良田坳) > Gon Shan (乾山) (El 394m) > narrow ridge > Yuen Tau Shan (圓頭山 or 靈渡山) (El 375m) > Ling To Tsz (靈渡寺)
3km walk to Tin Shui Wai MTR Station.

Dinner at Lingnan House (嶺南樓), Lingnan University (8min walk to/from Siu Hong MTR). Dinner to start by 7pm. Cost $250 pax (incl service charge). Prepay Stephen via Payme (9850 9826) or by cash.

If you join dinner, take MTR to Siu Hong and walk to the restaurant; OR share taxi. Proper washroom at the restaurant

**PADS Rating:**
Pace: 2.7 (regular hikers at a regular pace without many breaks)
Ascent: 5.0 (1,300-1,400m)
Distance: 3.5 (14-15km)
Surface: 4.0 (Mostly exposed, ill defined and not maintained. One third is fairly bushy. Two thirds are extremely sandy, loose and slippery)
Overall rating 3.8 (excl weather factor, 2.8 if exiting Leung Tin Au)

**Other Info:**
No replenishment, no toilet on the trail.
Use the washroom before coming out from MTR turnstiles.

**Disclaimer of Hong Kong Hiking Meetup applies. Please read it in the description of other events.**

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1. Did you complete a hike rated 3.2 or above in six weeks before event date? 2. Are you comfortable going downhill on an extremely loose and slippery surface? 3. Will you join dinner and if asked, pay the deposit?

Xmas Special 1 : Trail of Two Monasteries + Cantonese dinner. Very hard - 3.8

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Xmas Special 1 : Trail of Two Monasteries + Cantonese dinner. Very hard - 3.8

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