Rough Trails, Reservoirs and Railways
Traversing the lower slopes of Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, and following the contours of the Shing Mun Reservoirs, this
afternoon hike ends at the railway station in Tai Wai.
Just a short minibus ride from the crowds of Tsuen Wan we enter a different world. Once Chuen Lung was famous for its tea plantations and
orchards, but though a number of the old tea house are still open for business, the dominant source of revenue these days seems to the car
repair shops…
Soon, though, we are onto a gently undulating rough dirt trail. Our path tracks the contours of the Tai Mo Shan foothills crossing numerous
streams and offering stunning views: To your left, the towering Tai Mo Shan. To your right, the Hong Kong cityscape. Dipping in and out of
scrublands, we are likely to encounter the odd herd of feral cattle and spot a fair number of interesting birds.
Just as Lion Rock and Needle Hill come into view, we descend into the thick woods of the Shing Mun valley. Here monkeys roam free and
compete for your attention with a large number of colourful butterflies. While the macaques do put on a nice show, we will hopefully find a
simian-free picnic spot on the edge of the Shing Mun Reservoir to enjoy an extended snack break.
Though it is generally gently downhill, the hardest part of today’s walk is tackled after the break, when we follow the contours of the Lower
Shing Mun Reservoir. Along the upper reservoir, our route follows either a paved forest track or a wide level dirt track, but along the lower
reservoir the path is quite narrow and rather worn. Also, the drop to your left is occasionally steep – especially at the point where we walk
above the Shing Mun - Sha Tin Highway. Apart from a rather spectacular hike, your reward for being brave is the knowledge that you would
have gone where few others have been…
As an extra bonus, we have found the ideal re-hydration spot by the train station in Tai Wai to evaluate the day’s achievement…
Traversing the lower slopes of Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, and following the contours of the Shing Mun Reservoirs, this
afternoon hike ends at the railway station in Tai Wai.
Just a short minibus ride from the crowds of Tsuen Wan we enter a different world. Once Chuen Lung was famous for its tea plantations and
orchards, but though a number of the old tea house are still open for business, the dominant source of revenue these days seems to the car
repair shops…
Soon, though, we are onto a gently undulating rough dirt trail. Our path tracks the contours of the Tai Mo Shan foothills crossing numerous
streams and offering stunning views: To your left, the towering Tai Mo Shan. To your right, the Hong Kong cityscape. Dipping in and out of
scrublands, we are likely to encounter the odd herd of feral cattle and spot a fair number of interesting birds.
Just as Lion Rock and Needle Hill come into view, we descend into the thick woods of the Shing Mun valley. Here monkeys roam free and
compete for your attention with a large number of colourful butterflies. While the macaques do put on a nice show, we will hopefully find a
simian-free picnic spot on the edge of the Shing Mun Reservoir to enjoy an extended snack break.
Though it is generally gently downhill, the hardest part of today’s walk is tackled after the break, when we follow the contours of the Lower
Shing Mun Reservoir. Along the upper reservoir, our route follows either a paved forest track or a wide level dirt track, but along the lower
reservoir the path is quite narrow and rather worn. Also, the drop to your left is occasionally steep – especially at the point where we walk
above the Shing Mun - Sha Tin Highway. Apart from a rather spectacular hike, your reward for being brave is the knowledge that you would
have gone where few others have been…
As an extra bonus, we have found the ideal re-hydration spot by the train station in Tai Wai to evaluate the day’s achievement…
Download Reservation Form here or click here to request more information.
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