From Pokfield Road to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

The trail of the day is to hike from the Pokfield Road stairs to the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir.  I have headed up the trails from the Pokfield Road stairs a few times. This time is no different. Next to the gas station of Pokfield Road bus stop, head up these long stairs.

When you reach the top, follow the signs for Hatton Road for another section of gentle climb on both stairs and a gentle slope.

At this crossroads, go straight to head to the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir direction.

At this point, head up the stairs on your left.  The sign to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is on the stairs.  This is the Hong Kong Trail No. 1 section.

The Hong Kong Trail No.1 section comes with some pretty good views of western Hong Kong.

When you reach this point, go downstairs on your right to reach the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir.

Views at the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

Compared to a number of other well-known reservoirs in Hong Kong, such as the Kowloon Reservoir Group, the Shing Mun Reservoir and the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir clearly pales in the view that it offers. However, it has much historical significance as the first public reservoir in Hong Kong.

I simply walked along the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road for a look.  However, I did not seem to see the antique monuments of the reservoir (see below) along this way.

To exit, walk along the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road on the other direction, toward Pok Fu Lam Road, and there are many buses and minibuses that will take you back to the urban areas in Hong Kong Island.

About the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

The Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is the first public reservoir in Hong Kong. Its construction completed in 1863. Before this point in history, the people of Hong Kong relied on natural and primitive water sources. Due to the growth in population, the needs for fresh water resulted in the construction of Hong Kong’s first reservoir.

There are a few waterworks facility of the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir that have gained the status of declared monuments. This includes the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Former Watchman’s Cottage, the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Gauge Basin, and the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Masonry Bridges. The following have been given the Grade 2 and Grade 3 Historic Building status: the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Box Culvert, the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Air Vents at the Service Reservoir, the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Embankment, and the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Old Masonry Dam.

Reminder

This trail is generously shaded but be sure to bring plenty of water with you on the way if you are going in the summer. I brought 1 litre water with me that day and almost finished it.

How to Get There

Bus Routes 3X, 4, 4X, 30X, 91, 94, 970, 970X stop at the Pokfield Road bus stop.

Source

Historic descriptions on-site.