2022.04.03 SUN
【Hiking • 012】
Hung Shek Mun . Sam A Tsuen . Mui Sam Ancient Trail
紅石門 . 三椏村 . 苗三古道
This hiking route kicks off from 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】, hitting 【Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)】, 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】, and 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】 along the way, before looping back to 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】 via 【Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道)】. The whole trek is roughly 20km and takes about 8 to 9 hours to complete—definitely one for the fit hikers. With stunning natural scenery and historic ruins at every turn, it’s a properly solid hiking experience.
Route:
Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰) → Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道) → Tai Tung (大峒) → Hung Shek Mun (紅石門) → Sam A Village (三椏村) → Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道) → Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)
Duration
8.2
hrs
Distance
20.1
km
Highest Point
281
m
Difficulty
4
m
Explore the Route
Route Overview
Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰) → Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道) → Tai Tung (大峒) → Hung Shek Mun (紅石門) → Sam A Village (三椏村) → Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道) → Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)
【Start】 The journey kicks off at the 【Wu Kau Tang Bus Terminus (烏蛟騰巴士總站)】. From here, you’ll first pass through 【Kau Tam Tso (九擔租)】, which is a prime spot for red leaf hunting—especially between December and January when the Sweet Gum trees turn a stunning crimson. Continuing on, you’ll hit the entrance of 『Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)』. This trail follows a winding stream, offering some seriously chill vibes. As you hike up, you’ll pass 【Sheung Miu Tin (上苗田)】 and 【Ha Miu Tin (下苗田)】, where abandoned farmhouses add a touch of rustic, old-school charm. The path then gets a bit steep as you climb towards 【Tai Tung (大峒)】. Perched on the 【Wang Leng (橫嶺)】 ridgeline, it offers a picture-perfect panorama of 《Double Haven (印洲塘)》.
【Middle Section】
Pushing on from 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, you’ll reach 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】. This spot is legendary for its unique red rock formations, which date back to volcanic eruptions 180 million years ago. Thanks to high iron content and ages of erosion, the rocks are a vibrant, fiery red—honestly a spectacular sight.
Afterward, double back to 『Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)』 and head towards 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】. This stretch takes you through a geological viewing area where sedimentary rock, sandstone, and conglomerate create a one-of-a-kind landscape. 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】 itself is a peaceful little hamlet with a few authentic Hakka eateries, such as 『Fook Lee Tea House (福利茶室)』, 『Hop Yick Bee Farm (合益蜂場)』, and 『Eco-Guesthouse (綠悠遊山莊)』, serving up legit Hakka cuisine. The village pier is also a great spot to kick back and soak in the calm bay views.
【End】 Leaving 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】, follow 『Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道)』 back to 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】. Like the other trails, this is a traditional stone-paved path that winds past mangroves and mountain streams. This section is relatively flat, making it the perfect way to wind down and enjoy the natural surroundings as you finish the trek.
Duration
8.2
hrs
Distance
20.1
km
Highest Point
281
m
Scenery
4
⭐️
Difficulty
4
⭐️
Exposure Index
3.5
⭐️
Here are the reference statistics for this journey:
Total Ascent
673
m
Total Descent
666
m
Moving Speed
3.4
km/h
Average Speed
2.5
km/h
Moving Time
5.9
hrs
Total Journey Time
8.2
hrs
Related Videos
Transport Guide
START
🚩
MTR • Tai Po Market Station (港鐵 • 大埔墟站)
- Take 《Minibus • 20R》 and get off at the 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】 terminus.
- Take 《Bus • 275R》 and get off at the 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】 terminus (Sundays and Public Holidays only).
- Take a 《Taxi》 to the 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】 terminus; the fare is around $HK90 dollars.
Route Breakdown
🚩
Outbound Route
《Wu Kau Tang → Tai Tung → Hung Shek Mun》
1. 📍 Start: Wu Kau Tang • Bus Terminus
起點: 烏蛟騰 • 巴士總站
The Start: Hop off the bus or minibus at 【Wu Kau Tang • Bus Terminus (烏蛟騰 • 巴士總站)】, then head along the 【Double Haven • Country Trail (印洲塘 • 郊遊徑)】.
2. 📍 Double Haven • Country Trail《Entrance》
Double Haven • Country Trail 《Entrance》 (印洲塘 • 郊遊徑 《入口》)
After getting off, check out the information board for the 【Double Haven • Country Trail (印洲塘 • 郊遊徑)】 near the pavilion to get the lowdown on the scenic spots along the trail.
3. 📍 Wah King Yuen – Outbound
Wah King Yuen – Outbound (華景苑 – 去程)
Keep going along the trail, cross the stream, and pass through the woods until you hit a village entrance. Right in front of you, you’ll see a large mansion called 【Wah King Yuen (華景苑)】.
4. 📍 Wu Kau Tang • Public Toilet
Wu Kau Tang • Public Toilet (烏蛟騰 • 公廁)
After passing 【Wah King Yuen (華景苑)】, you’ll come across a public toilet. It’s a good idea to sort out your 『personal business』 here and get fully prepped for the long trek ahead.
💡 P.S.:
- Ran into two super cute doggos this time!
5. 📍 San Uk Ha
San Uk Ha (新屋下)
After passing the toilets, you’ll reach the entrance of 【San Uk Ha (新屋下)】 village. You might get 『intercepted』 by a black village dog—don’t worry, he’s harmless! He’s usually too busy staring down other stray dogs to care about hikers. Calling him the 『Village Boss』 is just a local joke.
📷 Tips:
- The houses here still rock that old-school style from decades ago.
6. 📍 Double Haven • Country Trail Section 《2》
Double Haven • Country Trail (印洲塘 • 郊遊徑) 《2》
Passing through 【San Uk Ha (新屋下)】, look back to see the 【Wah King Yuen (華景苑)】 mansion again. Keep walking toward the shaded path under the big trees — that’s the entrance to the next stop, 【Kau Tam Tso (九擔租)】.
7. 📍 Kau Tam Tso
Kau Tam Tso (九擔租)
When you see the simple wooden sign, you’ll know 【Kau Tam Tso (九擔租)】 is the midpoint between 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】 and 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】. The sign shows we’ve covered about 0.9km. Follow the arrow to the right to enter 【Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)】 and head towards 【Tai Tung (大峒)】.
8. 📍 Miu Sam Ancient Trail • Entrance
Miu Sam Ancient Trail • Entrance (苗三古道 • 入口)
After trekking about 1.6km from the start, you’ll reach the entrance of 【Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)】, marked by 13 distinct stone pillars. Beyond the pillars, the path splits: the upper path is 【Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道)】 (towards 【Lai Tau Shek (犁頭石)】 and 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】), while the lower path is 「Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)」 (leading to 【Sheung Miu Tin (上苗田)】, 【Ha Miu Tin (下苗田)】, 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, and 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】). Since we’re heading to 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, take the lower path.
9. 📍 Distance Post • C2703
Distance Post • C2703 (標距柱 • C2703)
Grid Reference: KK 174912.
Spoon-leaved Sundew
While you’re enjoying the hike, slow down and check out the tiny details — like the local plants and critters along the trailside.
📷 Tips:
- The 『Spoon-leaved Sundew (小毛氈苔)』 《Drosera spatulata》 is a carnivorous plant found across the Asia-Pacific. It loves damp environments. — Source: Wikipedia .
10.
📍
Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail
Signpost
By the time you get here, the sign tells you you’ve clocked 1.8km.
Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail (苗三古道 / 印洲塘 • 郊遊徑) 《1》
This stretch is super leafy and shaded, making for a very comfy walk.
11. 📍 Sheung Miu Tin
Sheung & Ha Miu Tin (上、下苗田)
Walking 2.5km from 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】, you’ll reach 【Sheung Miu Tin (上苗田)】, another stretch with plenty of canopy cover. Historically, these two villages were home to about 80 Hakka villagers from the Tsang and Mo families. By the 70s, everyone had moved to 【Tai Po (大埔)】. Today, the village houses have all collapsed and been swallowed up by the bush.
12. 📍 Distance Post • C2705
Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)】 / 【Double Haven • Country Trail (印洲塘 • 郊遊徑)
This 【Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)】 / 【Double Haven Country Trail (印洲塘郊遊徑)】 isn’t just leafy and shaded all over—you’ve also got the chill soundtrack of mountain streams running alongside you the whole way.
13. 📍 Ha Miu Tin
Ha Miu Tin (下苗田)
About 2.8km from the start, you’ll hit 【Ha Miu Tin (下苗田)】. This part of the trail is nicely shaded with a cool breeze. Once you pass through, keep pushing on towards 【Tai Tung (大峒)】.
14. Junction • Route Info Board
Junction • Route Info Board (分岔口 • 路線資訊牌)
Around 200m past 【Ha Miu Tin (下苗田)】, you’ll hit a fork in the road between 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】 and 【Tai Tung (大峒)】. Since we’re heading for 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, take the uphill path.
15. 📍 Miu Sam Ancient Trail → Plover Cove Reservoir • Country Trail
Tai Tung • Signpost (大峒 • 路牌)
From here, it’s about 1.3km to 【Tai Tung (大峒)】, taking roughly half an hour.
Uphill Warning
The trail switches from flat, shaded woodland to a proper uphill climb. Make sure you’ve done your warm-ups!
Bryophytes (Mosses)
Take your time to appreciate the small plants and mosses along this transition to the 【Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail (船灣淡水湖郊遊徑)】.
The Terrain
Most of this stretch towards the reservoir trail is open and exposed with quite a slope.
16. 📍 Tai Tung
Tai Tung (大峒) • The View
From up here, you can overlook 【Tiu Tang Lung (吊燈籠)】, 【Fook Lee Tea House (福利茶室)】, and even see across the water to 【Yantian Port (鹽田港)】 and 【Wutong Mountain (梧桐山)】 in the distance.
17. 📍 Distance Post • C2609
Distance Post • C2609 (標距柱 • C2609)
Grid Reference: KK 193902.
18. 📍 Plover Cove Reservoir • Country Trail 《1》
Plover Cove Reservoir • Country Trail (船灣淡水湖 • 郊遊徑) 《1》
To your right, you’ve got views of the entire 【Plover Cove Reservoir • Country Trail (船灣淡水湖 • 郊遊徑)】 area, including 【Luk Wu Tung (鹿湖峒)】, 【Tung Sam Kei (東心淇)】, 【Hung Tsui (紅咀)】, 【Tai Hung Tsui (大紅咀)】, 【Sharp Peak (蚺蛇尖)】, 【Tam Chai Shan (擔柴山)】, 【Shek Uk Shan (石屋山)】, 【Shek Nga Tau (石芽頭)】, 【Ma On Shan (馬鞍山)】, 【The Hunchaks (牛押山)】, and 【Pyramid Hill (大金鐘)】.
19. 📍 Distance Post • C2610
Distance Post • C2610 (標距柱 • C2610)
Grid Reference: KK 198904.
20. 📍 Kwun Yam Tung • Signpost
Kwun Yam Tung • Signpost (觀音峒 • 路牌)
After passing 【Tai Tung (大峒)】 and walking another 1.2km, you’ll arrive at 【Kwun Yam Tung (觀音峒)】.
21. 📍 Distance Post • C2611
Distance Post • C2611 (標距柱 • C2611)
Grid Reference: KK 202904.
22. 📍 Plover Cove Reservoir • Country Trail
Plover Cove Reservoir • Country Trail (船灣淡水湖 • 郊遊徑)
The view on the right continues to impress with the reservoir landscape, featuring 【Tung Sam Kei (東心淇)】, 【Hung Tsui (紅咀)】, 【Tai Hung Tsui (大紅咀)】, 【Tai Mei Tuk (大尾督)】, 【Sharp Peak (蚺蛇尖)】, 【Tam Chai Shan (擔柴山)】, 【Shek Uk Shan (石屋山)】, 【Shek Nga Tau (石芽頭)】, 【Ma On Shan (馬鞍山)】, 【The Hunchaks (牛押山)】, 【Pyramid Hill (大金鐘)】, 【Needle Hill (針山)】, 【Grassy Hill (草山)】, and 【Tai Mo Shan (大帽山)】.
23. 📍 Hung Shek Mun Path • Entrance
Hung Shek Mun Path • Entrance (紅石門徑 • 入口)
From 【Kwun Yam Tung (觀音峒)】, walk about 500m until you hit a junction marked with ribbons. Hang a left—that’s the entrance to 【Hung Shek Mun Path (紅石門徑)】.
24. 📍 Hung Shek Mun Trail • Junction 《1》
Hung Shek Mun Trail • Junction (紅石門徑 • 分岔口) 《1》
About 300m in from the entrance, you’ll spot more ribbons tied to the branches. Turn left and keep heading downhill.
25. 📍 Hung Shek Mun Trail • Junction 《2》
Hung Shek Mun Trail • Junction (紅石門徑 • 分岔口) 《2》
Another 400m past the first junction, you’ll reach the second one. Follow the ribbons and continue your descent.
26. 📍 Ngau Kok Chung • Reservoir
Ngau Kok Chung • Reservoir (牛角涌 • 水塘)
200m further down, you’ll arrive at 【Ngau Kok Chung • Reservoir (牛角涌 • 水塘)】. This reservoir serves as a pumping station to supply water to 【Kat O (吉澳)】 and has reportedly been around for decades.
27. 📍 Hung Shek Mun Trail • Junction
Hung Shek Mun Trail • Junction (紅石門徑 • 分岔口)
Keep going for about 300m past the reservoir to find another fork. Some legendary hikers have left a neat row of stones on the ground to point you right towards 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】. After turning right, you’ll see a paper sign for 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】 along with a bunch of ribbons.
28. 📍 Hung Shek Mun Village
Hung Shek Mun Village • Entrance
Another 300m from the fork brings you to the entrance of 【Hung Shek Mun Village (紅石門村)】.
Hung Shek Mun Village • Fish Pond
This was likely used by villagers back in the day. The tree growing right by the pond makes for a gorgeous, moody photo.
Hung Shek Mun Village • FVillage Houses
Most of the houses here have sadly collapsed.
Hung Shek Mun Village • Stove (灶頭)
You can still see the old-school kitchen setups. These stoves, or 『Zao (灶)』, were built from bricks and stones for wood-fire cooking.
29. 📍 Kin Mun Tsui / Yan Chau Tong • Marine Park
Kin Mun Tsui / Yan Chau Tong • Marine Park (乾門咀 / 印洲塘 • 海岸公園)
After trekking 8km from 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】, you’ve finally made it to 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】!
Marine Park • Sign
A friendly reminder from the authorities: no picking up marine life, water skiing, BBQ-ing, camping, jet skiing, hawking, or any kind of fishing (spear or recreational) allowed here without a permit.
30. 📍 Hung Shek Mun • Dam
Hung Shek Mun • Dam (紅石門 • 水壩) 《1》
This embankment was built by villagers as a shortcut to the opposite shore. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been maintained, and the end has crumbled away. If you want to cross over now, you’ll have to wade through the water.
Hung Shek Mun • Dam (紅石門 • 水壩) 《2》
If you don’t feel like getting your feet wet, it’s still worth walking out a bit just to snap some 『check-in』 photos with the dam.
31. 📍 Hung Shek Mun • Coast Views
Hung Shek Mun • Coast Views (紅石門 • 海岸) 《1》
After your photoshoot on the dam, head back to the shoreline to chill and soak in the views of this 『Red Coast』.
Hung Shek Mun • Coast Views (紅石門 • 海岸) 《2》
The fiery red rocks against the blue sea and green hills create a stunning natural 『RGB』 palette. It’s honestly breathtaking.
The Red Rocks
Ever wonder why the rocks are so red? Geologists reckon that when these rocks were forming, the climate was scorching hot, causing intense oxidation. The iron-rich minerals in the sediment turned into red iron oxide, which acted like a glue for the sand grains, creating this unique red sedimentary rock.
32. 📍 Hung Shek Mun Bay
Hung Shek Mun Bay (紅石門灣)
The bay right in front of 【Hung Shek Mun Village (紅石門村)】 with its signature red coastline is known as 【Hung Shek Mun Bay (紅石門灣)】.
Route Breakdown
🏁
Return Route
《Hung Shek Mun → Sam A Village → Wu Kau Tang》
33. 📍 Miu Sam Stream
Miu Sam Stream (苗三石澗)
After soaking in the fiery red coast and the Geopark at 【Hung Shek Mun (紅石門)】, it’s time to head back the way we came toward 【Miu Sam Ancient Trail (苗三古道)】. After a long 5km trek back, you’ll find yourself here at 【Miu Sam Stream (苗三石澗)】.
34. 📍 Distance Post • C2706
Distance Post • C2706 (標距柱 • C2706)
Grid Reference: KK 186910.
35. 📍 Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail 《2》
Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail (苗三古道 / 印洲塘 • 郊遊徑) 《2》
You’ll pass through a charming little bamboo grove along this stretch.
36. 📍 Distance Post • C2707
Distance Post • C2707 (標距柱 • C2707)
Grid Reference: KK 190912.
37. 📍 Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail 《3》
Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail (苗三古道 / 印洲塘 • 郊遊徑) 《3》
Cross over a quaint little bridge with a lot of character.
38. 📍 Distance Post • C2708
Distance Post • C2708 (標距柱 • C2708)
Shortly after passing 【Distance Post • C2708 (標距柱 • C2708)】, you’ll hit a pavilion — perfect for a quick breather. Right outside, there’s a crystal-clear stream where the waters of 【Miu Sam Stream (苗三石澗)】 gather before heading out to sea.
39. 📍 Sam A Chung • Campsite
Sam A Chung • Campsite (三椏涌 • 營地)
Currently closed due to the pandemic; hopefully, there’ll be a chance to check it out properly next time.
40. 📍 Sam A Chung
Sam A Chung (三椏涌)
About 1.3km from the stream, you’ll arrive at 【Sam A Chung (三椏涌)】.
41. 📍 Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail 《4》
Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail (苗三古道 / 印洲塘 • 郊遊徑) 《4》
Just past the 【Sam A Chung (三椏涌)】 stone-carved sign, you’ll spot some mangroves. There’s also a very cool stone embankment path here.
42. 📍 Distance Post • C2709
Distance Post • C2709 (標距柱 • C2709)
Grid Reference: KK 193919.
43. 📍 Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail 《5》
Miu Sam Ancient Trail / Double Haven • Country Trail (苗三古道 / 印洲塘 • 郊遊徑) 《5》
You’ll pass more mangroves and mudflats, plus a very unique stretch of purplish-red rock path.
44. 📍 Red Rock Geomorphology Viewing Area
Red Rock Geomorphology Viewing Area (紅石地貌觀賞區)
Turns out these purplish-red rocks are siltstone, a type of sedimentary rock. Over a hundred million years ago, this was a massive river delta.
Layers of fine silt settled underwater and, over millions of years, cemented into solid rock. Times have changed and the delta is long gone, but these rocks now sit on the surface, adding a pop of color to the coastline.
Layers of fine silt settled underwater and, over millions of years, cemented into solid rock. Times have changed and the delta is long gone, but these rocks now sit on the surface, adding a pop of color to the coastline.
45. 📍 Distance Post • C2710
Distance Post • C2710 (標距柱 • C2710)
Grid Reference: KK 193922.
46. 📍 Sam A Wan / Yan Chau Tong • Marine Park
Sam A Wan / Yan Chau Tong • Marine Park (三椏灣 / 印洲塘 • 海岸公園)
Another Marine Park warning sign — because the important stuff bears repeating! Remember: no picking up animals, water skiing, BBQ-ing, camping, jet skiing, selling stuff, or any kind of fishing without a permit.
47. 📍 Sam A Village • Entrance
Sam A Village • Entrance (三椏村 • 入口)
After walking 2.3km from the stream, you’ve reached 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】.
Sam A Village • Info Board (三椏村 • 資訊牌)
This place is one of the seven villages of the 《Hing Chun Yeuk (慶春約)》 in Northeast New Territories, with a history dating back 300 to 400 years. It’s a Hakka village of the Tsang clan, which once housed about 50 families. The village is centered around the old hamlet, where the 《Tsang Ancestral Hall (曾氏祠堂)》 still stands.
48. 📍 Lai Sam Ancient Trail 《1》
Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道) 《1》
Past the village sign, you’ll enter 【Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道)】. They’ve recently built a new path here, making it super easy for visitors to enjoy the views.
49. 📍 Sam A Village • Junction
Sam A Village • Junction (三椏村 • 分岔口)
Shortly into the village, you’ll hit a fork: left for 【Fook Lee Tea House (福利茶室)】, straight for 【Lai Chi Wo (荔枝窩)】, and right for the pier.
Sam A Village → Wu Kau Tang • Signpost
The sign here shows it’s a 5km trek back to 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】, which takes about 1.8 hours.
50. 📍 Fook Lee Tea House
Fook Lee Tea House (福利茶室)
Turn left at the junction to see 【Fook Lee Tea House (福利茶室)】 in the distance. Besides ice-cold sodas and local noodles/congee, they’ve also got toilets available.
51. 📍 Lai Sam Ancient Trail 《2》
Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道) 《2》
Passing the 【Sam A Village (三椏村)】 sign at this end of the trail, leave the tea house behind and follow 【Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道)】 back toward 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】.
52. 📍 Lai Sam Ancient Trail 《3》
Lai Sam Ancient Trail (犁三古道) 《3》
In the middle of the trail, there’s a stone-carved signpost to make sure you’re still heading in the right direction.
53. 📍 Lai Sam Ancient Trail → Wu Kau Tang • Exit
Lai Sam Ancient Trail → Wu Kau Tang • Exit (犁三古道 → 烏蛟騰 • 出口)
After walking about 3km from the tea house, you’ll reach the exit of the trail. You’ll see those 13 iconic stone pillars again!
54. 📍 Wah King Yuen – Return
Wah King Yuen – Return (華景苑 – 回程)
By the time you pass 【Wah King Yuen (華景苑)】 again, the sun should be starting to set.
55. 📍 Finish: Wu Kau Tang • Bus Terminus
Wu Kau Tang • Bus Terminus (烏蛟騰 • 巴士總站)
After a solid 20km journey, you’re finally back at the starting point — 【Wu Kau Tang (烏蛟騰)】. Mission accomplished!
