Moderate 2.3: Tadpole Hill & Kitten Hill Hike
Hike Time: ~2:15 PM to~ 6:30 PM (approx. 3-4 hours on trail) Hike Start: Shatin Wai MTR Station Hike End: Tai Wai (Hung Mui Kuk area) Tadpole & Kitten – A Scenic Afternoon with Panoramic Views Join us for a delightful afternoon exploring the hills above Shatin! We'll start from Shatin Wai MTR and make our way up to Fo Dau Ping (Tadpole Hill) , a wide open plateau with 360-degree views over Shatin, Tai Po, and beyond . From there, we'll continue to Mau Tsai Shan (Kitten Hill) , standing at 258m. Along the way, we'll pass the quirky Cat Viewing Platform (觀貓台) and Cat Stone (貓仔石) before returning to the Beacon Hill catchwater and exiting at Tai Wai near Hung Mui Kuk. It's a perfect escape with rewarding views just minutes from the city. Who should sign up? This is a slow/moderate paced leisure hike suitable for beginners and those looking for a scenic nature walk. The trail includes some stairs, uneven sections, and a short steeper section near Kitten Rock, so basic fitness is recommended. We'll maintain a relaxed pace with breaks. DO ✔ Be on time at Shatin Wai MTR Station, Exit D. We will wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the meeting time ✔ Wear good, comfortable walking or hiking shoes with grip (trail has stairs, uneven sections, and some loose gravel) ✔ Bring at least 1.5 liters of water and some snacks ✔ Bring sun protection (hat, sunblock) and rain gear just in case ✔ Bring a hiking stick or umbrella – useful for monkey encounters and uneven terrain ✔ Use mosquito repellent (wooded areas have mosquitoes) ✔ Have lunch before the hike – no food options at the meeting point ✔ Download offline trail map – there are many side paths; having a hiking app is recommended Toilets/Supplies Start: Public toilet at Shatin Wai MTR Station On trail: None – no toilet or supply at Shatin Pass on this route End: Public toilets and shops in Tai Wai Hike Description We will meet at Shatin Wai MTR Station, Exit D, then walk along Shui Chuen O Street (水泉坳街) uphill towards the hills . After about 30-45 minutes, we'll reach Fo Dau Ping (Tadpole Hill) , a spacious open plateau with unobstructed panoramic views of Shatin, Ma On Shan, and Tai Po . This is our first major photo stop From Tadpole Hill, we'll continue along the ridge toward Mau Tsai Shan (Kitten Hill) , which stands at 258 meters . Along the way, we'll pass the Cat Viewing Platform (觀貓台) and the quirky Cat Stone (貓仔石) – though you may need some imagination to see the resemblance! After visiting Kitten Rock, we'll turn back and follow the Beacon Hill catchwater (筆架山引水道) towards Tai Wai, finishing near the Hung Mui Kuk area . Total hiking time is approximately 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace with photo breaks. Monkey Alert: This trail passes through areas with wild monkeys. Do not feed them, avoid eye contact, and keep food/plastic bags inside your backpack. A hiking stick or umbrella can help deter curious monkeys. Transport To start: MTR to Shatin Wai Station (Tuen Ma Line), Exit D From finish: Walk from Hung Mui Kuk/Tai Wai area to Tai Wai MTR Station (approx. 10-15 mins) or take local buses/minibuses PADS Rating: Pace: 1.5 (Slow/moderate beginner pace, ~3-3.5 km/hr with breaks) Ascent: 2.0 (~250m elevation gain) Distance: 1.8 (~5-6km total) Surface: 2.0 (Well-defined trails with stairs, some uneven sections, and loose gravel) Heat Factor: +0.5 (Summer months – August) Overall Rating: 2.3 (rounded up from 1.8 + 0.5) Difficulty Level: MODERATE (falls within the 2.3 to 3.0 range) Adverse Weather Arrangements Please keep an eye on weather conditions. If the weather is deemed too bad to proceed (heavy rain, thunderstorms, or T3/8 typhoon signal), the event will be cancelled. A decision will be made 2 hours prior to the meeting time. Map / Trail Info: Detailed Route Guide (Tim Hiking - English) Route Map (Hiking Trail HK) Community Hike Report (U Lifestyle - Chinese) Disclaimer: By joining this hike, you agree to the following: All participants hike at their own risk. Event leaders, organizers, and participants are exempt from any liabilities or claims arising from injury, negligence, or error in judgment. Participation is voluntary and for social purposes only. The hike is self-guided; you may join or leave at your discretion. The host/organizer holds the final decision on all event matters. This activity is not associated with any church or religious organization. Wildlife Advisory: You will encounter wild monkeys on this trail. Do not feed, touch, or make prolonged eye contact with them. Keep all food and plastic bags inside closed backpacks. A hiking stick or umbrella is recommended. Participants who ignore this advice do so at their own risk. No Show Policy: Participants who do not show up for three hikes will be removed from the group. This community-led initiative welcomes everyone—whether you're an experienced hiker or new to outdoor adventures. Let's enjoy a beautiful afternoon hike together! Sponsored by: Lifehouse International Church
