Gravel crunches under our feet. Today we explore the Tai Lam Forest Track Twisk Section. It’s a paved path offering an easy hike with scenic views. Sadly sometimes foggy days obscure the vistas.
The Tai Lam Forest Track Twisk Section forms part of the MacLehose Trail Section 9. This section is about 6.3km long. It’s considered relatively easy to hike. Remember that bikers and government vehicles use this road. Stay alert.
Walking along the Tai Lam Forest Track Twisk Section involves some uphill. More of the path is downhill. Prepare your legs as it can be tiring. There are plenty of sitting areas along the way. Rest and refuel as needed.
Continuing along the Tai Lam Forest Track Twisk Section you’ll soon reach Section 10. Section 10 begins at the Tin Fu Tsai Campsite. Here the road becomes the Tai Lam Forest Track Tin Fu Tsai Section.
Tai Lam Country Park is the second largest country park in Hong Kong. It spans Tuen Mun Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan districts. The eastern edge borders Route Twisk. Tai Mo Shan Country Park is on the other side of the road.
Tai Lam Chung Reservoir is the biggest water body in the park. Locals call it “Thousand Island Lake”. It has many islets making it a popular attraction.
Afforestation efforts have restored much of the barren landscape to a lush domain. Exotic species like slash pine and Brisbane box are common here. Native trees are also making a comeback. Sweet gum trees in the northern part turn red in colder months.
Before motor transport footpaths linked Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan. These paths are now popular hiking trails. Tai Lam Chung Reservoir’s construction led to village relocations in the 1950s.
The MacLehose Trail Section 10 is the longest section. It’s around 15km. Many consider it the easiest. The paved road leads to the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir Memorial Stone. It passes the Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods. These woods are famous for their red leaves in winter.
Hikers can detour to the Thousand Island Reservoir Viewing Point. This offers stunning views. After that Section 10 continues along the catchwater after Pak Shek Hang. The path is mainly flat with some uphill sections. It passes BBQ sites before descending towards Tuen Mun.
Remember to bring at least 2 liters of water. Snacks are essential for the long hike. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Trekking poles can be useful.
So as you traverse the Tai Lam Forest Track Twisk Section remember its history. Appreciate the nature around you. Enjoy the journey through this beautiful part of Hong Kong.