Taiwan Accessible Trails – Linshan Cape Coastal Boardwalk
My parents recently visited me in Taiwan. Thanks to COVID-19, it was the first time I had seen them in three and a half years. Since exploring Taiwan’s outdoor places is my passion, naturally I wanted to share this side of Taiwan with them too, but a lot can change in three years, and I wasn’t sure what kind of activities they would be able to enjoy. I knew my mum finds going downhill a little uncomfortable, so that set me off on a journey to try and find outdoor activities that don’t involve lots of steps. When I realised just how hard that was, it got me thinking about how people with mobility issues are able to interact with nature in Taiwan. It would seem that this is an area that Taiwan needs to do better in. Even trails that could be accessible to those who use wheelchairs or mobility aids are often rendered inaccessible due to a lack of joined-up planning.
Given the remit of what’s covered here on this site, one way I can serve people with mobility issues is to highlight some trails that are more accessible. Since I am not disabled myself, I am not fully sure what information is required to help people feel confident to hit the trails. So if there is anyway you think this post can be improved, please feel free to reach out and let me know.
Distance: 1.6km (0.8km one way). From the entrance to the benches, it’s 0.5km.
Parking: There is one designated disabled car space and one disabled scooter space close to the trailhead. There are also many other parking spaces.
Trail conditions: From the car park to the trailhead, you’ll be traveling over smooth concrete, then once you hit the trail, it’s all well-maintained boardwalk. The path is wide and has a few short, gentle inclines (total elevation gain over the whole 1.6km is about 15m according to my app, but I think it’s likely to be less).
Bathroom facilities: No bathroom facilities available. There is a disabled toilet available nearby at the Baisha Beach Carpark.
Food and drink availability: The only café by the trailhead is only accessible via steps. (It also looks a little pricey.)
Places to sit: There are two benches placed about 500m along the trail.
Shade: The boardwalk trail has dappled shade the whole way.
Mobile network: Perfectly clear throughout.
Enjoyment: You can smell the salt in the air and hear the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach the whole way. There are places where you can enjoy sea views. And for those who can handle a few steps, you can plant your feet in the sand and watch the hermit crabs in the rock pools.
Other: On my visit, I saw a couple of families out with strollers and a wheelchair user on the trail.
Route type: Out and back. (This is part of a longer cycle route, but the trail quality worsens beyond the end of the boardwalk.
Jump to the bottom of this post for a trail map and GPX file.
The designated disabled parking spots can be found on the harbourfront.
From the parking spot, you’ll need to track back up and round this row of bollards and shrubbery to get to the trailhead.
At the start of the boardwalk, there’s a sign prohibiting access to all motorized vehicles, and for once, I didn’t see anyone violating the rule! There are a couple of information boards here, one of which has a map of the extended bike network. Although both the boards here are bilingual and low enough to be read by anyone using a wheelchair, information boards further along are placed higher up.
The trail winds prettily through the kind of dry and dusty-looking forest scenery that you often find in coastal regions. A light dusting of pine duff had fallen on the trail and a gentle sea breeze cooled the air.
After a short while, I found myself at a rest area with two benches and the first of a few flights of steps leading down from the boardwalk to the beach. (This flight of steps is the longest, and unfortunately, it does not have handrails.)
Beyond the benches, the railings to either side of the trail drop, making you feel closer to the trees.
The second flight of steps down to the beach is a lot shorter—just three or four steps (but again, no handrail).
Continuing along the boardwalk, you’ll find what I think is probably the prettiest view of the trail.
I was curious about the group of people gathered further up the beach, so I used my camera to zoom in, and it turns out that it was a TV or film crew shooting something or other. Sadly, I know nothing about Taiwanese cinema, so I couldn’t tell you whether or not the actors were famous.
You’ll know you’re drawing close to the end of the boardwalk when you find yourself being channeled through a tunnel of trees. Once you hit the paved road, it’s time to turn round and head back the same way you came.
How to get to Linshan Cape Boardwalk
Google maps address: The entrance to the boardwalk trail is right beside Linshanbi Fishing Harbour.
GPS location: N25 17.015 E121 30.635
Public transport: Public transport to this route is not a convenient option for those with mobility issues. The nearest bus stop is the North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area bus stop, which is about a kilometre away. If you do decide to travel by public transport, the easiest way is to head to Tamsui MRT Station. There are several that will get you from Tamsui to the north coast (863, 947, 867 Shuttle Bus, R37 Via The Ocean).
Nearby trails:
- Sanzhi Tung Blossom Trail
- Linshan Cape Recreation Area Trail
Linshan Cape Boardwalk Map
GPX file available here on Outdoor Active. (Account needed, but the free one works just fine.)
If you enjoy what I write and would like to help me pay for the cost of running this site or train tickets to the next trailhead, then feel free to throw a few dollars my way. You can find me on either PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee.
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