Taiwan Trails and TalesAug 1, 2023

NEW TRAIL GUIDE: Raknus Selu Trail Day 1 (樟芝細路D1)

The RST is a long distance trail spanning four of Taiwan’s western counties. I started my journey last year and have been walking it in two or three day sections as time permits. Day 1 is a casual walk around Sankeng.

Last year’s winter in Taiwan was two days long with rain and colder than average temperatures. That’s when we did our first section hike. The backstreets were deserted and it felt like we were the only people out there.

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The RST came about thanks to the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association. It is their goal to see a network of paths and bikeways spanning Taiwan and facilitating slow, locally embedded travel that will bring sustainable community benefits.
https://taiwaneverything.cc/2023/01/06/thousand-miles/
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One of the mechanisms that the organisation put in place to help facilitate dialogue among visitors and locals are these trail passports. Many of the trail sections have a corresponding stamp. Some are placed in businesses, some historic buildings, some community centres.

As you collect the stamps, you can talk to the locals, visit their businesses (although there is no obligation to spend), and learn about the region’s history and culture.

The first stamp is housed in a fish restaurant and corresponds to section 2 of the trail and depicts tung trees growing beside a river-a common sight in this part of Taiwan if you visit in May.

The 2nd stamp is kept in a temple and shows an ox-drawn cart being driven uphill by a farmer with a whip. This is in reference to section 6, “打牛崎古道,” a historic path which acquired the name “Ox Beating Trail” because reluctant cattle only went uphill with encouragement.

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That first night, we feasted on vegetarian Hakka cuisine and were the only two visitors in an eight-bed female dorm run by a retired army veteran and motorcycle enthusiast.
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To read more, you can see my route guide for day one on the site: https://taiwantrailsandtales.com/2023/07/22/raknus-selu-day-1/
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RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 1 (樟之細路D1)

This first day on the Raknus Selu Trail is a looping wander which starts at Sankeng Old Street before heading down to the banks of the river that once made the area prosperous.

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