Wuliaojian - 五寮尖

This is actually review of a hike that I've done a few times now and without doubt it's my favourite day hike within easy reach of Taipei. The trail starts next to the Hezuo Bridge 合作橋 just south of Sanxia 三峽. Next to the bridge there's a small store that sells water, chocolate, beer and the like as well as the white gardening gloves that Taiwanese people often wear when hiking. I remember the first time we came here we all laughed at the number of people with these gloves on but there are so many fixed ropes on this trail that it's a good idea to get a pair. My hands were covered with blisters from not wearing them.

The trail goes up steep to begin with and but eventually levels out as you follow the ridge. It's pretty easy to stay on the trail, just keep an eye out for the tags left by other hiking groups.

After roughly a couple of hours you come to the main attraction of Wuliajian, an exposed section of the ridge from which you need to lower yourself down using fixed ropes. There are 2 places to go down. The furthest one being the more difficult and more interesting.

It's a bitch of a place to be on a hot, busy weekend as there's often a queue to get down - make sure you have sun protection. At the bottom and to the left there is a route up to the top of a small peak where you can get great views of the ridge you've just come down.

After coming back down you can follow the trail past the ridge and down. At the bottom there is a large tree and several choices. Turn right to get back to the bridge at the start. Go behind the tree and there is a rough trail that leads up the a peak or to the left you can get to the same peak but via a much easier route.

From the peak there's a trail that continues over the back - I still haven't explored this so I'm not sure where it leads.... next time

Practicalities

Take lots of water and sun protection for this one. Waiting on the ridge to get down can be a painfully slow process. Gloves are a good idea otherwise the ropes will take a toll. DON'T do this hike on wet or windy day, it's just too dangerous and wouldn't be fun anyway.

There isn't any public transport to the trail head. I always drive there (see the map below). Or you can take an MRT on the blue line to Yongning 永寧 and then take a taxi from there.

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