Date: 14th Aug 2021

REPULSE BAY (THE TWINS)

THE RIDE 🔥🔥

A ride along south side of the island is always a treat, winding along the narrow, cliff-lined roads, wedged between mountains and open sea. A couple of parking options as a base; our preferred is unofficial off- street parking that takes you halfway up the mountain, to the mouth of the trail. A good alternative is to park at Repulse Bay beach which has plentiful bike and car space; this leaves you facing an unappealing road climb to start your route but easy access to the full suite of local amenities at the finish.

START / FINISH POINT 🚿🏖️🅿️🏪🚻

The full suite of luxury convenience here, as one of the least remote bases for a R+R route. Repulse Bay also offers plentiful bike and car parking options.

THE RUN 🍺🍺🍺

This one’s a tough track but the brutal climbs are nicely balanced by stretches of flatter, mixed terrain trail running. Head straight up South Bay Rd/Close and past the HK Intl School where you spot the trail opening. The start requires a bit of a scramble up through the forest , emerging into the catch water.

Heading right we follow the route around the side of the hill, views along the stunning coastline compensating for the relative monotony of catch water running. As the route curves around and above Stanley we approach an intersection with the Wilson Trail and renowned "1,000 steps" (mercifully fewer in number for us as we’ve joined them halfway up the mountain 😁).

Climbing higher, the views improve with each step, though its not easy to appreciate them with our heads down, sucking in oxygen and resisting the urge to scan upwards for the peak 😫 Pausing at the top to admire our fine work and the views, we crack on over the undulating peaks (yep, there's two of them) before dropping down (more!) steps to the bridge intersection.

Heading up the other side of the hill we mercifully take a left and hit some flatter trails and catch water section that leads around the west side of Tai Tam Country Park. Just before Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, we follow the trail up right and back into the mountains,  towards the highest point of our route, Violet Hill. Scaling the dual peaks of Violet Hill doubles our ‘Twin’ count for the day 😬 but it’s worth it for those views.

At this point of the run we're comforted by the thought it’s (mostly) downhill from here. Descending the hill we take a left along the catchwater. This part of the route offers stunning views across Tai Tam with waterfalls appearing at intervals as the trail snakes around the hillside and gently drops down to the reservoir.

An open, watery section gives way to steep road down to ground level and across a bridge before a sharp right takes us back into the forest and up some gently sloping, sheltered trails. Around halfway up the hill is a wide, accessible stream - at this stage of the run it’s an oasis to splash about in cool mountain water - or maybe just lie starfish in the middle of it if during the height of summer 😅

Reaching the bridge junction once again take a left along the catch water and then right (need a keen eye), takes you scrambling back down the trail to our start point.

TIDBITS + TAPAS 🤔

The Twins get a special mention in this R+R route for their renown amongst HK’s many hikers and runners. To many they evoke a love/hate relationship; love of the challenge and stunning views offered as reward; hate of the relentless, lung wrenching climb, especially when combined with nearby Violet Hill. With good reason they’re a popular training ground for aspiring HK Trailwalkers. During steamy summer months, you can spot a steady stream of bobbing head torches lighting up the trail at night. This route also provides a brutal introduction to the 78km Wilson Trail; welcome rug unfurled in the form of a “1,000 steps” climb. Love it, hate it, and just maybe a bit of both, you certainly won’t forget it.