This is an easy route, going from Wong Shek Pier through To Kwa Peng to Pak Tam Au, for families who would like to mix the fun of hiking with an educational element. The starting point is Wong Shek Pier, a popular spot for hiking, barbeques, fishing, camping and water sports. Owing to spring foggy season, hikers may easy to get loss in the mountain. The majority of this hike goes along a coastal path, thus avoiding the spring fog in the hills, with the latter section going uphill towards Pam Tam Au, another hotspot for hikers.
Since this route is not challenging, why not take a stroll by the pier, watch the anglers catching octopus and fish there, or check out the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Centre behind the barbecue pit. The sports centre offers a variety of courses and equipment rental to the public at affordable rates.
If time allows, follow the Tree Walk and learn more about the surrounding vegetation – it only takes about 30 minutes. For those who enjoy coastal scenes, I’d suggest the 2 km Wong Shek Family Trail, a circular route that starts and finishes at the bus terminus and takes about an hour. On your way up the steps leading to the family trail and tree walk, next to the public toilet, take in the panoramic view across the bay to Grass Island (Tap Mun).
After warming up with these two easy walks, set off down the path behind the public toilet again and turn left, following the signage to To Kwa Peng. In 45 minutes you should be able to see this abandoned village nestled in a bay. It’s a small boat haven, and on weekends you will usually see colourful groups in canoes or kayaks out on the water here.
You will also see, however, the sad scene of bulldozed land being readied for property development in front of the village.
Follow the path into the village and hike up to join the MacLehose Trail Stage Three. On the way to Pak Tam Au, which will take about 45 minutes, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the breathtaking view of Long Harbour.
Food and Drink: Best to bring your own. No kiosks on the route. Beverage vending machines at Wong Shek Pier are often emptied quickly.
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3 hrs
Difficulty: 2 (1 – easy, 5 – most difficult)
Getting there: Bus 94 runs between Sai Kung Town and Wong Shek Pier terminus.
By Ken Ng, Summit Development Consultant Group Ltd . Ken Ng, a founding committee member of the Hong Kong Outdoor Education Association, has been in love with hiking for over 18 years. He offers professional courses in mountaineering, adventure and wilderness training.
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