The Hong Kong Trail Section 2 from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to Peel Rise in Aberdeen

The day was foggy and there were drizzles, but the cold temperature made the hike pleasant throughout. The Hong Kong Trail Section 2 begins at the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. Then the trail routes through Mount Kellett and Tin Wan Shan. Due to time pressure, I stopped short at the Aberdeen Reservoirs, and instead exited toward Peel Rise in Aberdeen.

This walk will take you at least 2-3 hours to complete.

The Hong Kong Trail Section 2

From Pok Fu Lam Road, go on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. You will be walking along the northern edge of the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir.

Keep on going for about 10-15 minutes, and you will noticed these structures on your right that shows windows sealed with bricks. The stairs up to Hong Kong Trail Section 2 is right after you pass these structures.

Photos: After passing the structures on the photo (left), you will see the stairs up to Hong Kong Trail Section 2 in photo (right).

In this trail, the only climbing on stairs will take place at this point for about ten minutes.

When you reach the Hong Kong Water Works Pok Fu Lam Service Reservoir No. 2 1977, take the path on your right.

You will keep walking and very soon you will come across the stairs that has a sign showing Hong Kong Trail. This is the beginning of Hong Kong Trail Section No.2.

Keep climbing up those easy stairs and you will come upon another sign, follow the direction for Chi Fu. (Go left)

Observe the signs on the path, and follow the sign for Peel Rise and Chi Fu.

At this intersection, follow the sign for Peel Rise. (Go left)

Pass the branch paths here, keep to your left.

Then at this point, you will be descending on a set of stairs. Soon you will come upon the Pavilion. The view is not overly impressive, but it is a view nonetheless.

At this point, follow the sign for Peel Rise (the path on your left).

At these stairs, keep on going on your left.

The next section of the walk will be along the very, very long catchwater. At this point, make a left.

At this point, if you feel like you have already done enough walk, then exit via the path to Tin Wan Estate.

If you keep on going on the Hong Kong Trail, there are few views along the way besides, really, the catchwater.

This part, however, is somewhat photogenic.

At this point, you may choose to exit via the paved motorway as well. However, I kept on walking along the catchwater on the left.

About 22 minutes later, I finally got to the next exit, which is the motorway that will lead you back to civilization in Aberdeen. Say goodbye to the catchwater and turn here for the exit of the trail.

About 2 hours 50 minutes later, I made it to Peel Rise.

To be sure, this walk does not offer that much of a view. Where there were views, they were of the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery and the Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter only.

A Panorama of the Views on Hong Kong Trail Section 2

Yet there are a few pretty good features. For example, except for the initial 10-15 minute climbing up the stairs, there is no climbing up at all after. The rest of the walk was on level grounds or gentle slopes, and of course, quite a number of stairs down. Furthermore, the trail is generously shaded throughout, making it a pretty good option for hot summer days.

A Word About the Declared Monument of Country Park Pok Fu Lam Management Centre

The Country Park Pok Fu Lam Management Centre stands at the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, but hikers may easily miss it. On Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, when you are on your way to the Hong Kong Trail Section 2, the Country Park Pok Fu Lam Management Centre is on your left when you see the sign for the Pok Fu Lam Country Park.

Although it is a declared monument, its humble appearance is what makes it an easy miss. Formerly the Watchman’s Cottage of Pok Ful Lam Reservoir, this structure was built in 1860-1863. It is contemporaneous with the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, which is the oldest reservoir in Hong Kong.

According to descriptions on site, the former Watchman’s Cottage of Pok Fu Lam Reservoir was built in the “Neo-Classical style featuring white painted walls, triangular pediments and a pitched roof of Chinese tiles.” Like so many colonial buildings built in that era, there is a small veranda. This veranda features granite columns, giving the structure a classic look.

The group of Pok Fu Lam Reservoir structures that has the status of Declared Monuments include the four masonry bridges, the gauge and the Country Park Pok Fu Lam Management Centre.

Sources

Descriptions on site at the Country Park Pok Fu Lam Management Centre.

The Wikipedia on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir.