South China Morning Post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Explore Hong Kong
Get more with myNEWS
A personalised news feed of stories that matter to you
Learn more
Runner Stone Tsang, 39,running on Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, which forms part of the 100km MacLehose Trail. Picture: AFP
Post MagazineShort Reads

Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail turns 40: hiking it is the perfect way to celebrate it

One of the best trails in the world, according to National Geographic magazine, the MacLehose was named after a former Hong Kong governor who was an avid hiker

Explore Hong Kong
Lauren James
Lauren James
Why you can trust SCMP

Lace up your hiking boots, stash your water bottle and leave the city behind this month to take on the 100km MacLehose Trail in celeb­ration of its 40th anniversary. Stretching east to west, from Sai Kung to Tuen Mun, the trail, split into 10 stages, forms the route for events such as the annual Oxfam Trailwalker.

While few of us could dream of blazing the trail in the current record of 10 hours, 58 minutes – set by a team of Gurkhas in 2013 – the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has launched its rather uninspiringly titled “Complete Walk” to “encourage mem­bers of the public […] to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the countryside”.

To participate in the hiking challenge, which is open until November 30, members of the public can scan QR codes placed in each section. Those who tick off all 10 will be awarded a commemorative umbrella. The AFCD is also running a series of family-friendly talks, workshops, guided hikes and overnight camping trips themed around the MacLehose.

Murray MacLehose (centre) cuts a ribbon to mark the opening of the trail that bears his name. Photo: SCMP

Opened on October 26, 1979, the trail – named after then-governor Murray MacLehose, himself an avid hiker – connects Sai Kung with Kowloon and the New Territories. After the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, in 2003, the great outdoors exploded in popularity with more families turning to hiking as a weekend pastime. Fast forward to 2016 and the MacLehose Trail was named one of the best hikes in the world by National Geographic magazine.

Shum Si-ki, founder of Hong Kong Hiking Meetup, says the trail is incorporated in about a third of the group’s 1,700 annual hikes.

“It has come to symbolise the hiking history and culture of Hong Kong,” he says. “The first stage is High Island Reservoir: it’s all paved path but there are spectacular views. Other stages are more challenging.”

Shum, who has completed the trail six times, encourages everyone to cross the MacLehose off their Hong Kong bucket list. “It’s suitable for everyone, from kids to hard-core hikers, because it’s split into stages and has become well-maintained with better signage.

“Going outside is better than staying in the city.”

For details, seenatureintouch.gov.hk.

Post