Grassy Hill 草山
Reaching 647 metres, Grassy Hill is ranked 14th on the list of Hong Kong's highest peaks and while its upper slopes live up to its name, the
lower foothills are covered in thick woodlands offering plenty of shade.
Walking straight out of Tai Po Market Railway Station, our route takes us past middle-class housing developments to the Tai Po Kau Nature
Reserve. Since the government began reforestation of the area in 1926, the more than 100 species of trees planted here has grown into
mature woodland and the reserve has witnessed a resurgence of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and even small mammals, such as
macaques and barking deer.
We continue our climb by following a forest track southwards. Beyond Lead Mine Pass, the scenery slowly changes as we enjoy views over
the magnificent country park surrounding the serene Shing Mun Reservoir. As we get higher and higher, the trees become fewer and fewer,
until they disappear almost completely and give way to long grasses as we approach the summit of Grassy Hill.
We celebrate our achievement by taking an extended snack break at the peak while enjoying the fantastic 360° panorama on offer. We take
in Sha Tin, Ma On Shan and Tolo Harbour to the east, Tai Po and Cloudy Hill to the north, Needle Hill and the Shing Mun valley to the south, and
the majestic Tai Mo Shan to the west...
While our climb was virtually stepless, the descent will be quite a challenge to your knees... Initially, we follow the well-maintained
MacLehose Trail but, beyond Lead Mine Pass, the going gets a little rougher. Still, while you are required to pay attention to where you put
your feet, you must also stop to take in the views. As we approach Tai Po's southwestern suburbs, we pass many grave sites and, even,
abandoned rice terraces.
We propose ending the hike with a delicious Thai lunch at air-conditioned food court in the centre of Tai Po, but you are, of course, also free
to head straight for the train...
Reaching 647 metres, Grassy Hill is ranked 14th on the list of Hong Kong's highest peaks and while its upper slopes live up to its name, the
lower foothills are covered in thick woodlands offering plenty of shade.
Walking straight out of Tai Po Market Railway Station, our route takes us past middle-class housing developments to the Tai Po Kau Nature
Reserve. Since the government began reforestation of the area in 1926, the more than 100 species of trees planted here has grown into
mature woodland and the reserve has witnessed a resurgence of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and even small mammals, such as
macaques and barking deer.
We continue our climb by following a forest track southwards. Beyond Lead Mine Pass, the scenery slowly changes as we enjoy views over
the magnificent country park surrounding the serene Shing Mun Reservoir. As we get higher and higher, the trees become fewer and fewer,
until they disappear almost completely and give way to long grasses as we approach the summit of Grassy Hill.
We celebrate our achievement by taking an extended snack break at the peak while enjoying the fantastic 360° panorama on offer. We take
in Sha Tin, Ma On Shan and Tolo Harbour to the east, Tai Po and Cloudy Hill to the north, Needle Hill and the Shing Mun valley to the south, and
the majestic Tai Mo Shan to the west...
While our climb was virtually stepless, the descent will be quite a challenge to your knees... Initially, we follow the well-maintained
MacLehose Trail but, beyond Lead Mine Pass, the going gets a little rougher. Still, while you are required to pay attention to where you put
your feet, you must also stop to take in the views. As we approach Tai Po's southwestern suburbs, we pass many grave sites and, even,
abandoned rice terraces.
We propose ending the hike with a delicious Thai lunch at air-conditioned food court in the centre of Tai Po, but you are, of course, also free
to head straight for the train...
Download Reservation Form here or click here to request more information.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ... exploring Hong Kong's other side... |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
|
|
 | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
 |
| |
 |
|
