... exploring Hong Kong's other side...
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Hansen's "Stepless" Hikes
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by Hansen's Events
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"Stepless" Tai Lam Country Park
Northern Route
At almost 18 km this walk in the central part of the New Territories is a little longer than most, but it is also relatively flat. There are only 3 real
climbs to overcome and the highest point of the day is a mere 170 metres above sea level. Furthermore the path is well shaded and fully
paved.
After an exciting bus ride along the steep and twisting Route Twisk, we start our walk at the PLA barracks just outside Shek Kong village.
Following a winding catchwater we look across the sprawling villages of Kam Tin and Shek Kong towards the volcanic ridges of the Lam
Tsuen Country Park. Next, one of Hong Kong’s more beautiful sceneries awaits us as we cross the dam of the very quiet Tsing Tam
Reservoir.
Beyond the reservoir, the flat route continues along the edge of the Pat Heung plain until we dip down into the small village of Ho Pui. After a
brief stop, we then face the longest climb of the day as we follow the restricted road around pig and chicken farms up to the head of the Chat
To River, where we enter the Tai Lam Country Park. For the next couple of hours, there will be nothing but birds, cicadas and frogs to disturb
the peace. After our picnic lunch, we follow the contours of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, the largest and last of Hong Kong’s valley
reservoirs.
Before ending our hike at the busy Castle Peak Road, we get a chance to see the inmates going about their daily routine as we walk straight
through one of Tai Lam’s correctional institutions. It might be an unusual way to finish a hike, but it will undoubtedly make us appreciate even
more the wide open spaces we have just encountered.
We suggest making a final refreshment-cum-bathroom stop at one of the stores in Tai Lam before the long busride back to Central.


