Needle Hill & Grassy Hill 針山 及 草山
(includes Stage 7 of the MacLehose Trail)
The middle sections of the MacLehose Trail lures you with an offer of a healthy heartbeat and a great deal of natural beauty.
We have the luxury of a little flat warm up by following the path around the southern end of the Shing Mun Reservoir, but once we cross the
reservoir’s main dam and join Stage 7 of the MacLehose Trail, we take on the seemingly endless flight of steps leading to Needle Hill. The
going is tough but not without reward. At the 532 m summit, the grand landscape of Northern New Territories unfolds. Gazing down, you will
see the nearby countryside and Shing Mun Reservoir delightful with soothing shades of green, while the symmetric profile of Lead Mine Pass
marks a striking presence in the north.
After a short, but steep, descent, the trail joins a closed road to reach the summit of the appropriately named Grassy Hill at 647 metres above
sea-level. Grassy hill is a watershed that divides the Shing Mun and Sha Tin Valleys. Its steep slopes are the upland sources of the Shing Mun
catchment and streams that run through the Tai Po Kau plantation. The vistas from the top are tremendous – weather permitting: Beyond
Shatin, the Ma On Shan range squats firmly on the lowlands. In the background, the grand Sai Kung Peninsula beckons.
While ascending Grassy Hill was a “stepless” affair, descending the hill will be a good work-out for your knees…. However, just before
reaching Lead Mine Pass, we join another closed road for a more enjoyable walk-out along a partially shaded winding forest track.
Officially, this hike ends at the Tai Po Market train station, but you are welcome to join your hike leader for a great Thai lunch at the municipal
food court nearby before heading back to the city….
(includes Stage 7 of the MacLehose Trail)
The middle sections of the MacLehose Trail lures you with an offer of a healthy heartbeat and a great deal of natural beauty.
We have the luxury of a little flat warm up by following the path around the southern end of the Shing Mun Reservoir, but once we cross the
reservoir’s main dam and join Stage 7 of the MacLehose Trail, we take on the seemingly endless flight of steps leading to Needle Hill. The
going is tough but not without reward. At the 532 m summit, the grand landscape of Northern New Territories unfolds. Gazing down, you will
see the nearby countryside and Shing Mun Reservoir delightful with soothing shades of green, while the symmetric profile of Lead Mine Pass
marks a striking presence in the north.
After a short, but steep, descent, the trail joins a closed road to reach the summit of the appropriately named Grassy Hill at 647 metres above
sea-level. Grassy hill is a watershed that divides the Shing Mun and Sha Tin Valleys. Its steep slopes are the upland sources of the Shing Mun
catchment and streams that run through the Tai Po Kau plantation. The vistas from the top are tremendous – weather permitting: Beyond
Shatin, the Ma On Shan range squats firmly on the lowlands. In the background, the grand Sai Kung Peninsula beckons.
While ascending Grassy Hill was a “stepless” affair, descending the hill will be a good work-out for your knees…. However, just before
reaching Lead Mine Pass, we join another closed road for a more enjoyable walk-out along a partially shaded winding forest track.
Officially, this hike ends at the Tai Po Market train station, but you are welcome to join your hike leader for a great Thai lunch at the municipal
food court nearby before heading back to the city….
Download Reservation Form here or click here to request more information.
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| ... exploring Hong Kong's other side... |
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