Walks listed with the most recent at the top. There might be some overlap between easy and moderate hikes.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (好望角)
This short almost coastal walk in Miaoli’s Houlong Township has Instagram-famous views, towering turbines, and a converted railway tunnel to keep you entertained. At just under 3km, it’s also a great little way to stretch your legs and/or catch the sunset if you’re passing through on a long drive between the north and the south.
ZHONGLOU HISTORIC TRAIL (鐘樓古道)
This short wander through bamboo forest offers a pleasant way to stretch your legs as part of a visit to the small town of Xindian in Miaoli’s Shitan Township.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 13 (樟之細路D13)
Day 13 on the Raknus Selu Trail is a gentle day spent following mostly rural roads between the Hakka town of Zhuolan and the Tayal village of Shuangqi.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 12 via GINGER GARDEN (樟之細路D12-薑麻園線)
Day 12 on this version of the route starts off at Ginger Garden, climbs up to Guandao Mountain via a lovely historic trail before following a winding road above Liyutan Reservoir on its way back to join Provincial Highway 3.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 12 via LAOGUANLU (樟之細路D12-老管路線)
This post and the previous post detail the easier of the two options. This version of day 12 is both short and easy.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 11 via LAOGUANLU (樟之細路D11-老管路線)
There are two possible routes for days 11 and 12 on the Raknus Selu Trail. This post and the next post detail the easier of the two options. At 18.5km, this is a pretty long day, but an easy one.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 10 (樟之細路D10)
Day 10 on the Raknus Selu Trail takes you from quaint Xindian Old Street to Chukuangken: the site of the world’s second oldest oil field.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 9 (樟之細路D9)
Day 9 on the Raknus Selu trail was a pleasant day. After a comfortable night spent in a B&B beside Mingde Reservoir, we walked along historic trails to arrive in the town of Shitan.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 8 (樟之細路D8)
Day eight on the Raknus Selu Trail was a long day. It saw us travelling about 24 kilometres from Sanwan to the top end of Mindge Reservoir via trails, track, and roads.
GUANDAO MOUNTAIN (關刀山)
Guandao Mountain is located in Miaoli’s Dahu Township and is number 36 of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks. The walk is exceptionally pleasant and offers hikers a shady forest trail with occasional views and the chance to sample the region’s famous ginger tea.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 7 (樟之細路D7)
Day seven on the Raknus Selu Trail links the temple complex at Miaoli’s Lion’s Head Mountain with the sleepy town of Sanwan.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 6 (樟之細路D6)
Day 6 on the Raknus Selu was a special one. Leaving Beipu behind, the trail climbs towards the border with Miaoli, passing numerous temples along the way. For me, the highlight of this day was watching the sunset from the courtyard in front of Quanhua Temple.
MOUNT MOYAN TRAIL (墨硯山步道)
The highlight of this weird little wander in Miaoli’s Touwu Township was the unexpected discovery of a semi-abandoned pleasure garden. That aside, it also offers views over Miaoli’s urban centre.
MINGDE RESERVOIR (明德水庫)
This easy wander in Miaoli’s Touwu Township takes you on a short loop around part of Mingde Reservoir.
ZHENGHAN TRAIL (鄭漢紀念步道)
Zhenghan Trail is a short and easy trail that would be suitable for almost anyone. The walk climbs to an outlook which has a memorial to a local man and views over Miaoli’s Zhunan District.
HUOYAN SHAN (火炎山)
Fire Mountain’s flame-red slopes are an instantly recognisable landmark for motorists driving between Taichung and Miaoli. This formerly restricted nature reserve is home to a Minor 100 Peak, and has some of the most unique terrain that you’re likely to find in Taiwan.
MIAOLI’S LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅頭山)
Lion’s Head Mountain in Miaoli is just one of many peaks scattered across Taiwan to be named due to its resemblance to the King of the Jungle. What sets this particular lion apart from the others is its enduring role as a site of spiritual significance. Dotting the mountain’s slopes visitors will find a proliferation of temples, some of which have been open to worshippers for over a hundred years.
KOUSHAN TRAIL (口山步道)
Koushan Trail is a short and gentle stroll in Miaoli’s rural Zaoqiao Township. In the days when most travel was done on foot, it was part of the old footpath that used to link the village of Zaoqiao with the village of Tanwen further over towards the coast.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 