MacLehose Trail – Section 4

🥾 【MacLehose Trail – Section 4 (麥理浩徑第4段)】 is one of the most challenging and visually rewarding hiking routes in Hong Kong. Traverses through Country Park, it stretches from to Tai Lo Shan, covering a total distance of approximately 12.5 km. —

🗺️ Route Overview

  • Starting Point:
  • Ending Point: Tai Lo Shan
  • Distance: Approx. 12.5 km
  • Duration: Around 5–6 hours
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Distance Posts: M051 to M068

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⛰️ Key Locations & Landscapes

  • Ma On Au: The starting point for ascending the southern ridge of , where the views begin to open up dynamically.
  • Wan Kuk Shan: Standing at around 400 metres above sea level, it looks down onto Port Shelter (Ngau Mei Hoi) and Kau Sai Chau.
  • Tai Kam Chung (Pyramid Hill): Standing proud at 536 metres with its distinct pyramid-like silhouette, this is a major photography hotspot.
  • Ngong Ping Plateau: A rare high-altitude grassy plateau in Hong Kong, where you can spot herds of wild cattle and paragliders soaring through the air.
  • Mau Ping Au: A major four-way intersection that connects directly to the Mau Ping Ancient Trail.
  • (Ngau Ngau Shan): The Machilus trees burst into vibrant red hues during spring, creating a truly mesmerizing landscape.
  • Gilwell Campsite: A prominent Hong Kong Scout training base nestled right next to the “MacLehose Great Wall.”

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🧭 Trail Features

  • Lined with clear MacLehose Trail Signposts along the entire way, making the route easy to navigate.
  • Terrain features a mixed surface of concrete paths, rugged mountain trails, and steep stone steps.
  • There are absolutely no supply points along the trail, so packing plenty of food and water is a must.
  • Offers sweeping, magnificent vistas of the Sai Kung Channel, Yim Tin Tsai, and (Kei Ling Ha Hoi).

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🏛️ Cultural & Historical Highlights

  • : Built with a beautiful castle-like, ancient astronomical observatory design, located right near the starting point.
  • Mau Ping Ancient Trail: A historical paved pathway once heavily used by villagers traveling between and .
  • MacLehose Great Wall: A distinctive stretch of the trail meticulously paved with massive stone blocks, bearing a striking resemblance to the Great Wall of China.

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🚍 Transport Advice

  • Getting to the Start: Take the MTR to Wu Kai Sha Station, then hop on bus 99 straight to Shui Long Wo.
  • Leaving from the End: Upon finishing Section 4, you will need to push forward into Section 5 toward Fei Ngo Shan Road to access public transport connections.

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⚠️ Things to Note

  • Given the long distance and heavy ups and downs, this trail is highly recommended for hikers with a solid level of physical fitness.
  • Be sure to prioritize sun protection and constant hydration in spring and summer, and watch out for severe wind chill during winter.

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  • West Buffalo Hill, Hiking Shortcut 《Entrance》