MacLehose trail
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MacLehose trail - by Koreval
Description
The MacLehose Trail is a 100-km hiking trail that crosses much of Hong Kong's New Territories from Pak Tam Chung (Sai Kung peninsula) in the east to Tuen Mun Town in the west. The path is named after Murray MacLehose, the territory longest governor, who established the country parks. It consists of a mix of concrete, asphalt and single-track dirt paths and is divided into 10 sections with a cumulative ascent of about 4,500m which makes it very popular for trail runners. The most famous scenic sections are 1 & 2 in the Sai Kung Península and 4 & 5 on the ridge above Kowloon whilst section 8 goes over Tai Mo Shan, the territory's highest summit at 957m.
Access & Transport
There are several access points to the trail, but the most popular ones are Pak Tam Chau (at the start of Section 1), Lion's Pavilion (section 5) and Tai Po rd near Kowloon Reservoir (section 6 / 7) which can entail either a taxi ride or a combination of MTR and bus depending on your point of departure. The best positioned MTR station might be Diamond Hill on the Kwun Tung (green) and Tuen Ma (brown) lines for access to stages 4, 5, 6 or get in a bus / taxi towards Sai Kung.
Instructions & Recommendations
This is proper hiking on most sections and can be quite steep with lots of stairs so proper footwear is necessary and there are very few water points or even opportunities to buy drinks so make sure you carry sufficient water, especially if temperatures are close to or above 30 deg. (keeping in mind the high humidity level in HK). Covering 2 sections would work best for most people and should take 5 to 7h. and we'd recommend sections 2+3 or 4+5. Section 2 + Geopark + Long Ke Wan OR section 3 + Ham Tin Beach would be better family / leisurely options.
Environmental & Social
Green activity and socially neutral.
Conclusion
No visit to the city is complete without hiking one of the main trails in the territory: Wilson, MacLehose, Hong Kong or Lantau trail. The MacLehose offers perhaps the most spectacular views on stage 4 & 5 and 2, together with Lantau Peak / Sunset peak on the Lantau trail. It can be as physically demanding as you want it to be given its length and cumulative elevation gain that makes it internationally famous in the trail running world.
Key positive
Some great and unexpected vistas
Very varied terrain
Access to the most beautiful beaches in the territory along section 2.
Key negative
Terrain can be very uneven and tricky and so many stairs…
Not enough parking spaces for residents along some of the access points
Insufficient water points
Suitability
Most sections require some degree of fitness and for families one section at a time is probably sufficient. Not suitable for people with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 50m
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningNo
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo