Trail Mix: Four Epic Hiking Adventures All Beginning From Upper Shing Mun Reservoir
Contents
- How to Get There
- Where Are the Four Hikes?
- 1. Needle Hill Hike
- 2. Shing Mun War Relics Trail and Smuggler's Ridge
- 3. Lower Shing Mun Reservoir
- 4. Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Loop
If you're uncertain about what kind of hike you'd like to do, but have an insatiable urge for adventure, head over to Upper Shing Mun Reservoir, which is the starting point of four incredible, unique hikes.
Each one offers a different type of scenery and experience that will fit your needs whether you're a nature lover, history buff, view hunter or just looking for a fun day out.
The four hikes are as follows:
- Needle Hill
- The War Relics Trail and Smuggler's Ridge
- Lower Shing Mun Reservoir
- Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Loop
How to Get to Upper Shing Mun Reservoir
Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station. Leave through exit B1 and cross the footbridge.
Go past the shops and connect to the second footbridge where you'll see a small blue 'Chung On' sign pointing down the stairs to your left.
Walk down the stairs and continue straight until you see Chung On Street. Turn right to go down Chung On Street until you arrive at the intersection with Shiu Wo Street. You'll find green minibus number 82 to your right.
You can find the bus schedule here. Get off at the last stop.
Though the schedule claims the bus arrives every 8-15 minutes, I've occasionally experienced wait times around 40 minutes on weekdays. Weekends should be much better, especially during the morning.
The 82 bus will take you directly to Pineapple Dam (part of Upper Shing Mun Reservoir)
The Four Hikes From Upper Shing Mun Reservoir
Click on the blue markers below to see the start point of each hike.
1. Needle Hill Hike - Mountains Views and Steep Climbs
- Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
- Distance: 8.3km
- Difficulty: 3.5/5
- Facilities: Facilities: Snack kiosk and toilets at the start (Kiosk open 8/9am - 4/5 pm daily, cash only)
Needle hill begins right after crossing the Upper Shing Mun Main Dam and then turning right.
This hike is perfect for those who seek a bit of a challenge and are looking for steep ascents with stunning views.
This hike is the toughest of the lot, so make sure you're in the zone for a proper climb that rewards you with an up-close look at some of Hong Kong's most famous mountains.
2. Shing Mun War Relics Trail and Smuggler's Ridge - Historic WW2 Tunnels and Epic City Views
The following details are for a long route that includes additional points of interest beyond the War Relics Trail and Smuggler's Ridge.
The distance, duration and difficulty will be far less if you end after Smuggler's Ridge by following Golden Hill Road back to Kowloon Reservoir and the bus stop next to it.
- Duration: 3.5 hours (longer if you want to explore more)
- Distance: 8.7km (more if you explore deeper into the tunnels)
- Difficulty: 3.5/5
- Facilities: Snack kiosk and toilets at the start (Kiosk open 8/9am - 4/5 pm daily, cash only)
The Shing Mun Redoubt, which was the headquarters for a series of British defensive positions to protect Hong Kong against the Japanese in World War II, is barely 10 minutes away from the start point near Upper Shing Mun Reservoir.
The redoubt connects to a series of old tunnels with a fascinating history that you can learn more about in the guide below.
Keep climbing from the Shing Mun Redoubt and you'll connect to Smuggler's Ridge, one of the most impressive viewpoints of Kowloon - especially during sunset.
After descending from Smuggler's Ridge, you'll end up on Golden Hill Road, which you follow to a bus stop, or continue hiking to a much more remote World War II tunnel. Hiking to the remote tunnel will make your hike MUCH tougher and will require a bit of bushwhacking.
*The guide below ends in Upper Shing Mun Reservoir, so follow it in reverse!
3. Lower Shing Mun Reservoir - A Gentle Hike Down a Dam to Lower Shing Mun Reservoir
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 6.7 km
- Difficulty: 1.5/5
- Facilities: None until the end of the hike in Tai Wai
If what you're after is a slightly more relaxing hike with not too much climbing, but still excites with a feeling of thrilling adventure, then this could be the route for you.
You'll begin by descending the Upper Shing Mun Main Dam, which is a really cool experience and something that not too many people in Hong Kong can claim to have done.
From the bottom of the dam, you will ascend slightly before following a concrete road on a gentle journey down to Tai Wai.
*The guide below ends in Upper Shing Mun Reservoir, so follow it in reverse!
4. Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Loop - Azure Water, Local Wildlife and Natural Trails
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 6.7 km
- Difficulty: 1.5/5
- Facilities: Food kiosk at the start and end point (kiosk open from 8/9am - 4/5 pm daily, cash only), toilets throughout
This is the easiest of all the hiking routes in the Upper Shing Mun area. You will essentially be taking a loop around the reservoir, which is a hotbed for local wildlife - both flora and fauna.
Much of the trail has you following the water and going past natural streams that feed the reservoir. The rest of your journey takes place on a concrete road that ascends slightly and offers great views of the reservoir below.
This is the best of all the hikes for beginners and for those with kids.
If you simply can't make your mind up about what type of hike you want to experience, simply head to Upper Shing Mun Reservoir and figure it out as you go along!
Needle Hill is ideal for intermediate and advanced hikers in search of steep climbs and mountain views.
The Shing Mun War Relics Trail and Smuggler's Ridge is also ideal for intermediate hikers who want to learn about Hong Kong's fascinating World War Two history while also seeking out epic city views.
Lower Shing Mun Reservoir is a great adventure that even beginner hikers can tackle. The descent down Upper Shing Mun Main Dam is a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
Finally, the Upper Shing Mun Reservoir Loop is perfect for beginners and even kids! Along with gorgeous waterside scenery, you'll also almost certainly see some or all of the following wildlife: monkeys, cows, birds and even wild boars!
