“What has hiking given you?”

I was asked this question by a fellow hiker some time last year. I can’t remember who it was that asked but hiking has been a huge part of my life ever since I moved to Hong Kong in 2009. So here’s a list of what I think hiking has given me.

1. Friends

Most of the people I know in Hong Kong outside of work I got to know through hiking. I remember I went hiking the very first weekend that I arrived in Hong Kong in August 2009. I googled and found the Hong Kong Hiking Meetup group and found it a great platform to meet new people who shared a love for the outdoors. I’m still active with the group and have varying degrees of friendships with the people I have met through hiking. Some are mere acquaintances while others have become good friends whom I have many shared memories with.

2. Appreciation of the mountains

Before I moved to Hong Kong, I was never a hills and mountains person. In fact, I had never even hiked before. I was a beach person, preferring the lapping of waves on the skin and the feel of grainy sand under the feet. I still love the water, but can now appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the hills. It’s so soothing to the soul to be in the mountains.

3. Deeper understanding of myself and my own abilities

Training for races and climbing to the top of mountains can be a matter of will, commitment and perseverance. The biggest challenge I have set for myself was training and completing the 100k Trailwalker. I’ve learnt to dig deep into myself when the time – whether hiking or not – calls for it.

4. A refuge from the crowds

Hiking has offered a much needed refuge from the crowds of Hong Kong in the urban areas. Believe it or not, 60% of Hong Kong – so far – is actually countryside. That may change soon as property developments slowly encroach into designated country park areas. But hopefully not.