MacLehose Trail (Sections 1-2)
The scenic opening stretch of Hong Kong's flagship long trail, past turquoise bays and volcanic rock columns
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- About 4-5 hours for Sections 1 and 2 combined, roughly 13.5 km
- Summit elevation
- 314 m
The MacLehose Trail runs nearly 100 kilometres across the New Territories in ten sections, and its first two are the classic introduction. Section 1 follows an easy road along the edge of High Island Reservoir, passing the hexagonal volcanic rock columns of the High Island Geo Trail, while Section 2 climbs over Sai Wan Shan to open views of Long Ke Wan's startlingly turquoise bay before descending to Pak Tam Au.
Highlights
- The hexagonal volcanic rock columns of the High Island Geo Trail
- Long Ke Wan's startlingly turquoise, clean water
- The Sai Wan Shan ridge climb in Section 2
- Official campsites at Long Ke, Sai Wan and Ham Tin Wan for those extending the trip
Getting there
From Sai Kung town, take a minibus or taxi to Pak Tam Chung, then a further taxi or country park shuttle to the High Island Reservoir East Dam, where Section 1 begins.
Safety tips
Section 2's ridge climb is exposed to sun and wind with little shade, and the trail can be very busy on cool, clear weekends; carry more water than feels necessary and check the weather for thunderstorm risk before setting out.
What to bring
- More water than seems necessary, since shade is limited on the ridge sections
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable trail shoes for the mix of paved road and rocky ridge
- Cash for the return minibus or taxi