MacLehose Trail

The MacLehose Trail is a 100-kilometre hiking trail that crosses much of the New Territories, Hong Kong, starting from Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung District, in the east to Tuen Mun Town, Tuen Mun District in the west. The path is marked by distance posts at 500-metre intervals. The trail is named after Murray MacLehose, Baron MacLehose of Beoch, the longest-serving governor of Hong Kong, who established the Country Parks and was himself an enthusiastic hiker. The trail passes through a variety of natural scenery including beaches and mountains.

The New Territories, through which the MacLehose Trail runs, covers the majority of Hong Kong's land area. The east coast, where the trail begins, is deeply indented and wild. The central mountains, which the MacLehose Trail crosses, include many of Hong Kong's highest peaks. The western part, where the trail winds to its end, features numerous valley reservoirs.

History
During the 1970s, the Hong Kong Government moved to protect Hong Kong's countryside and open it up for recreation. The Country Parks Ordinance was enacted in 1976, and the Country Parks Board was formed shortly thereafter. The MacLehose Trail was officially opened on 26 October 1979 by Governor MacLehose and E. H. Nichols, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Stages
The MacLehose Trail is divided into ten stages:

Fairly Difficult

Very Difficult

Stage one starts flat and gradual on the south side of High Island Reservoir, in Sai Kung East Country Park (4,477 hectares). This is a pleasant beginning. It passes through paths overviewing dams and reservoirs. Minibus and buses are available as public transportation.

Stage two is located on the rolling hills of the East Sai Kung Peninsula. 'The route begins at Long Ke, then makes a steep ascent to Sai Wan Shan. Climbing up here, one has majestic views over a superb coastline - and north towards conical Sharp Peak. After dropping down to Sai Wan, the Trail follows the beaches to Ham Tin, then turns inland over the coastal hills. Finally stage two skirts some shallow sea inlets, before ending at Pak Tam Au.'

Stage 3 is actually very tough. It starts with Pak Tam Au. Then, walk through Kai Kung Shan. And ends in Shui Long Wo.

Stage 4 is the toughest one. You will walk through some hills in the beginning part. However, after a sweat, you will access the Ngong Ping Plateau and you can enjoy the most stunning view in the whole Stage 4.

Trailwalker
Oxfam Trailwalker is a major annual fundraising event, each November, that largely follows the MacLehose Trail. The route starts at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung and finishes at Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club Tai Tong Holiday Camp in Yuen Long.