The MacLehose Trail - Section 4: From Kei Ling Ha to Tai Lo Shan

The MacLehose Trail - Section 4: Kei Ling Ha to Tai Lo Shan

MacLehose Trail | Section 4 | 12.8km | Difficult | One Of Hong Kong's Most Scenic Hikes

Welcome to MacLehose Trail's Section 4, a 12.8-kilometer trail from Kei Ling Ha to Tai Lo Shan / Tate's Cairn and one of our top 5 hikes in Hong Kong. This challenging section boasts an impressive elevation gain of 1100 meters, requiring approximately four hours to complete at a leisurely walking pace. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Section 4 is a must-do for seasoned trail runners and hikers. However, the trail is classified as difficult and not recommended for beginners. The journey is well-marked by distance posts from M068/M069 to M094, guiding you through some of Hong Kong's most stunning landscapes.

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MacLehose Trail - Section 4 - Key Facts

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Why Hike Section 4 Of The MacLehose Trail

After gnarly Section 3, Section 4 is a true feast for the eyes!

Section 4, from Kei Ling Ha to Tai Lo Shan, a 12.8 km stretch, offers breathtaking views that make every step worthwhile. The trail boasts an impressive elevation gain of 1100 meters, ensuring that hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas from the highest points. Completing this section typically takes around four hours, making it a half-day adventure that is both challenging and fulfilling.

One reason to hike Section 4 is its scenic beauty. The trail winds through some of Hong Kong's most picturesque landscapes, offering stunning views of distant hills and the sea.

Taking a photo on Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail is almost a rite of passage for hikers in Hong Kong. The trail runs along a dramatic ridge, twisting and turning with Pyramid Hill and the stunning landscapes of Sai Kung as your backdrop. It’s a picture-perfect moment.

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MacLehose Trail Section 4 with Pyramid Hill in the Background

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For photographers and nature lovers, this section is a paradise, with iconic spots like Pyramid Hill and Wan Kuk Shan providing perfect backdrops for capturing memorable moments. The trail's difficulty level ensures that only those who are well-prepared and physically fit will be able to fully appreciate its beauty, making the experience even more satisfying for those who complete it (even though there are shorter ways to reach the same viewpoints, as explained here).

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Section 4 of the MacLehose Trail also offers a unique opportunity for hikers to connect with nature and challenge themselves physically. Almost right from the get-go, hikers need to conquer Ma On Shan (though the mountain peak is not part of the trail), an extended and tiring climb.

As always, the trail is well-marked, starting from distance marker M068/​M069 and ending at M094, making navigation straightforward for those familiar with the route. However, the steep inclines and rugged terrain mean that hikers must be prepared with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks to keep energy levels up throughout the journey. At 12.8km, it is one of the MacLehose Trail's longer sections. More than that, it is also the section with the most elevation gain.

MacLehose Trail Section 4: Good to Know

Unless you’re running the MacLehose trail competitively, many hikers prefer to take their time on MacLehose Trail Section 4—and for good reason. This stretch is packed with stunning views that are worth savoring. One of the highlights is the Ngong Ping Viewing Point, a popular spot to rest, soak in the scenery, and even watch paragliders take off against the backdrop of Sai Kung’s rolling hills and sparkling coastline.  

This section is a must-visit hike in Sai Kung, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Hong Kong. However, if the main goal is to reach the lookout points like Ngong Ping, there’s no need to tackle the entire Section 4. Shorter routes from Sai Kung, such as the Ma On Shan Country Trail from Tai Shui Tseng can lead you directly to these viewpoints, making it easier to enjoy the panoramic vistas without committing to the full trail.  

Whether you are hiking the entire section or opting for a shorter route, the views and experiences along this trail are unforgettable. Make sure not to forget your camera!

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The View of Sai Kung from Ngong Ping Viewing Point

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MacLehose Trail - Section 4: Public Transport Options

To get to the start of MacLehose Trail Section 4 at Kei Ling Ha, you can take a bus from Sha Tin MTR station. Specifically, take the 299x bus and exit at Shui Long Wo, just after Kei Ling Ha Lo Wai. From there, walk a few hundred meters along the main road until you reach the trailhead for Section 4, which is located across the road from Section 3.

To return home after completing Section 4, which ends near Tai Lo Shan, you can continue on to Section 5 and exit at Sha Tin Pass. From Sha Tin Pass, you can either walk down to Sha Tin or take a taxi if available.

Alternatively, you can walk down to the Sha Tin Estate and take the No. 18 mini bus to Wong Tai Sin MTR station. Another option is to head towards Gilwell Campsite and then walk about 5 km along Fei Ngo Shan Road to catch a bus back to Choi Hung MTR station.

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MacLehose Trail: Sections, Distance, and Difficulty

The total distance of the MacLehose Trail is approximately. 100km with more than 5,000 cumulative elevation gain. The trail is divided into ten sections:

Section 1: Pak Tam Chung To Long Ke

• Distance: 10.0 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Learn More About Section 1

Section 2: Long Ke to Pak Tam Au ⭐

• Distance: 14.1 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Very scenic and a must-do!
• Learn More About Section 2

Section 3: Pak Tam Au to Kei Ling Ha

• Distance: 9.1 km
• Difficulty: Demanding
• Learn More About Section 3

Section 4: Kei Ling Ha to Tai Lo Shan ⭐

• Distance: 12.8 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Our favorite section
• Learn More About Section 4

Section 5: Tai Lo Shan to Tai Po Road

• Distance: 10.7 km
• Difficulty: Demanding
• Learn More About Section 5

Section 6: Tai Po Road to Shing Mun

• Distance: 4.1 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Learn More About Section 6

Section 7: Shing Mun to Lead Mine Pass ⭐

• Distance: 7 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Learn More About Section 7

Section 8: Lead Mine Pass to Route Twisk

• Distance: 9.1 km
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Learn More About Section 8

Section 9: Route Twisk to Tin Fu Tsai

• Distance: 6.2 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Learn More About Section 9

Section 10: Tin Fu Tsai to Tuen Mun Town

• Distance: 15.2 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Learn More About Section 10