From Kam Shan Country Park to the Smugglers’ Ridge
The trail of the day is a 5km walk on the Smugglers’ Ridge. I decided to head from the Kam Shan Country Park (also known as Golden Hill Country Park), then to Smugglers’ Ridge via the Smugglers’ Pass. I exited through the Shing Mun Reservoir.
The Smugglers’ Ridge is a hill cushioned between Kam Shan’s northern face and the Shing Mun Reservoir. At 337 meters in height, the hill is of moderate difficulty. Yet at this height and location it offers views of both Tai Wai in the north and Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi in the west.
The Historic Significance of the Smugglers’ Ridge
I took interest in hiking the Smugglers’ Ridge because it once served as a defense post on the Gin Drinkers’ Line during WWII. However, I did not see any defensive structures on the way, although other bloggers have found bunkers there. The only defensive structure that I came across was the Shing Mun Redoubt on Maclehose Trail Section 6, after I have already made my descent from Smuggler’s Ridge.
Another source online suggests that the extensive network of Japanese-built tunnels lie on the northern face of Smugglers’ Ridge. The same source suggests that it takes military skills to locate the tunnels. I shall rest thinking that I have done a good walk in the area on this first attempt. The exploration of war relics is for another day.
The Trail
I have visited the Kam Shan Country Park in more than one occasion. The views of Kowloon Reservoir are indeed beautiful. I have also walked the beginning sections of Wilson Trail Section 6 in Kam Shan, known locally as the “Tail of Kowloon Reservoir.” But neither is the focus of the day.
I quickly walked the roughly 2km Golden Hill Road to reach Wilson Trail Section 6. This whole way is an easy incline.
Photos Above: The walk on Golden Hill Road, reaching the stairs up on Wilson Trail Section 6. Photo on the left: follow the main path on the left to reach the entrance to Wilson Trail Section 6.
I then headed up the steps on Wilson Trail Section 6. These steps will continue for about 15 to 20 minutes or so and they should be part of Smuggers’ Pass. Watch out when you begin the descent from the stony steps, for you will come across the somewhat obscure dirt path o your left that leads you onto Smugglers’ Ridge.
Photos: when you are on descent from the Smugglers’ Pass, look out for this crossroads on the photo on the left. The path on the left will lead you to the signpost (middle and right photo).
The way to identify the path is to look for the signpost. The path on the right, which is properly paved, is a continuation of Wilson Trail Section 6.
Photo above: the mountainous path that will lead you to the Smugglers’ Ridge
The Views
The blue sky was a true blessing for me. The Smugglers’ Pass is already on a high altitude so I saw views of Tai Wai afar, with the Shing Mun Reservoir on the west. The Smugglers’ Ridge seems within reach.
Photos above: panoramic view of Tai Wai from Smugglers’ Pass up to Smuggers’ Ridge. The moutain tip is the peak of Needle Hill. Photo Below: view of the Shing Mun Reservoir
I walked on to climb the Smugglers’ Ridge. This section of the path shows exceptional views on New Territories West, namely Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi. The city glistens under generous sunshine.
I enjoyed plentiful sunshine and had a picnic on Smugglers’ Ridge. I even brought takeout coffee with me. The whole experience was memorably pleasant. It is certainly my plan to visit this area again to explore the obscure tunnel system and locate the known sites for war relics.
How to Get There
From Shatin I took Bus Route 81 and got off at the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir stop on Tai Po Road. Once off the bus, walk toward the Shatin direction to reach the entrance into Kam Shan Country Park on Golden Hill Road. Bus Route 72 also stops there.
Sources
The Wikipedia on Smuggers’ Ridge (Chin).
Gwulo.com, Japanese Tunnels at Smugglers’ Ridge.
The Smugglers’ Ridge
