Start the MacLehose Trail hike from Po Pin Chau
The starting point of the first section of the MacLehose Trail is at the intersection of Pak Tam Road and Tai Wong Po Road, where a map information board is erected. The route follows Tai Wong Po Road and soon arrives at the roundabout of High Island Reservoir. Proceed along the gentle High Island Road on the right (Sai Wan Road on the left leads to Sai Wan Pavilion), and you can see the High Island Reservoir, which has the largest water storage capacity in Hong Kong. In summer, the reservoir emits a charming water-blue color under the sun. After that, you will pass a rest point and arrive at the west dam of the reservoir. This is the first best place to watch the reservoir, and the right lower side is the Ching Shing Water Sports Center, which was converted from a former refugee camp and has an astronomical park inside.
From here is a long and winding section, sometimes up and sometimes down, most of the way is the reservoir scenery, not much change. But on a clear day, you can overlook the high peak of Sai Kung East, Rattlesnake Peak, and the overseas scenery of Grain Ship Bay on the right is blocked by the mountains. From here, follow the signposts of the MacLehose Trail, you will pass the intersections of Pak A and Pak Lap in succession, and you can glimpse the distant islands of the East Sea in the later section.
The end of High Island Road is at the main dam of High Island Reservoir, also known as East Dam. On the right is the dam buffer zone, and huge anchor-shaped stones are stacked on the sea side. If you move your sight further, you will see the famous Po Pin Chau, which looks like it has been cut open by a sharp blade. If you go down from the driveway next to the pavilion, it is the Grain Ship Bay Geological Trail.
At the end of the East Dam, the pavilion connects to the cement mountain path. After passing through the mountain col, Long Ke Bay suddenly appears in front of you, and the long arm next to the bay is Cape Trap Net Corner. Walking along the mountain belly path, you will arrive at the end of the first section of the MacLehose Trail. The sand in Long Ke Bay on the right is fine and the water is clear. There is also a campsite behind the beach, which has attracted many tourists to camp and swim in recent years. Since there is no transportation available at the end of the first section, visitors need to return to the East Dam or continue to the second section of the MacLehose Trail.
Time required: 3.5 hr
Length: 10.2 km
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Scenery: ★★★★☆
🚗Transportation
Starting point
Minibus No. 7 Sai Kung City - Hoi Ha
(Get off at Sheung Yiu)-
Bus No. 94 Sai Kung City - Wong Shek Pier
(Get off at Sheung Yiu)-
Bus 96R
(Holiday) Diamond Hill MTR Station - Wong Shek Pier
(Get off at Sheung Yiu)-
End point
Taxi High Island Reservoir East Dam - Sai Kung City
(Get on the car at the East Dam by walking backwards from Long Ke Bay along the first section of the MacLehose Trail / The fare is about $120)30 min
Supply No supply point
Exit
You can walk back to Pak Tam Road (Sheung Yiu) via Sheung Yiu Country Trail at the West Dam.
⚠️Note
The journey is quite long, and visitors need to have considerable physical strength.
There are not many shelters along the way, beware of heatstroke in the hot summer.
There are many taxis coming and going on High Island Road, and some sections do not have sidewalks, so be careful.
❤️Conclusion
In addition to passing the colorful High Island Reservoir, the first section of the MacLehose Trail also offers a distant view of the famous geological landscape Po Pin Chau and the beautiful Long Ke Bay, opening the door to the wonderful MacLehose Trail.