Length: 15.06 mi
Elev. Gain: 3468 ft
Time: 5:32:51
The hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/maclehose-trail-sections-1-2-90ba9a0
The MacLehose Trail (麦理浩径) is Hong Kong’s most famous long-distance hiking route, once ranked by National Geographic as one of the world’s best hikes. It had been on my bucket list for a while, so when I spent a few days in Hong Kong in March, I finally decided to check it off.
This 100 km trail is divided into 10 sections and typically takes about four days to complete. With limited time, and more importantly, limited transportation options, I decided to hike only Sections 1 and 2. They’re considered the most scenic and can be completed in a single day.
It took about two hours and a few bus and subway transfers to reach the trailhead, which is just steps from the final bus stop.
The initial stretch followed the southern perimeter of the reservoir, with views to the left along the way.
A couple of miles into the hike, the ocean came into view on the right.
Continuing along the reservoir’s southern perimeter
Section 1 was mostly flat and easy, but the ascent began toward the end, after the trail turned north along the east side of the reservoir.
Soon, Section 1 ended and Section 2 began. With ocean views most of the time, especially at the beginning of the section, it is even more scenic than Section 1.
Lots of climbing but very rewarding
Passing through Sai Wan Village（西湾村）
Sai Wan（西湾）
Ham Tin Wan（咸田湾）.
Some ruins along the trail.
I finished the hike in 5½ hours. As this is a very popular trail, it is usually very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. But since I went on a weekday, I didn’t see too many hikers on the trail, which made the hike more enjoyable. I only wished the weather had been better and that there had been some blue skies. It would have been much more scenic.