The MacLehose Trail - Section 7: Shing Mun to Lead Mine Pass
MacLehose Trail | Section 7 | 7.0km | Difficult
Section 7 of the MacLehose Trail is a 7-kilometer stretch from Shing Mun to Lead Mine Pass. This challenging segment boasts an impressive elevation gain of 740 meters, requiring approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Classified as difficult and scenic, this section promises breathtaking views as you navigate through the rugged terrain marked by distance posts M124 to M137.
The trail's steep inclines, particularly the ascent up Needle Hill (Cham Shan), will test your endurance, but the panoramic vistas from the top make every step worthwhile. With its well-marked paths and scenic beauty, Section 7 is a must-experience for any trail enthusiast in Hong Kong.
___
Get Your MacLehose Trail Poster
Buy NowCelebrate your trail adventures with a stunning poster of the iconic MacLehose Trail!
___
MacLehose Trail - Section 7 - Key Facts
| From | Shing Mun |
|---|---|
| To | Lead Mine Pass |
| Difficulty | ⛰️⛰️⛰️ (Difficult) |
| Distance | 7km |
| Recommended Time | 2.5 hours |
| Distance Marker Start | M124 |
| Distance Marker End | M137 |
| GPX & Map | Click Here |
___
Why Hike Section 7 Of The MacLehose Trail
Hiking the MacLehose Trail, Section 7, is a great experience for those seeking a challenging yet scenic adventure.
This section spans approximately 7 kilometers from Shing Mun to Lead Mine Pass, featuring an elevation gain of about 740 meters. The hike typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete. The difficulty level of this section is considered challenging due to its steep inclines, particularly the ascents up Needle Hill, with its sharp, pointed summit and one of the most notorious climbs on the entire MacLehose Trail, and Grassy Hill, known for its rolling, verdant slopes that make you feel like you are in the Alps!
The scenic beauty of Section 7 is a major draw for hikers.
___
MacLehose Trail - Section 7 - Needle Hill seen from the distance
___
Starting with a walk along the Shing Mun Reservoir, hikers cross over its long dam before embarking on the climb up Needle Hill. From the summit, breathtaking views of Tai Mo Shan, Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi, Lantau Island, Sha Tin, and Ma On Shan are available, providing a panoramic view of Hong Kong's landscapes.
The trail then descends down the other side of Needle Hill, leading to a long concrete path that offers more stunning vistas. The well-marked trail and scenic overlooks make this section a must-do for anyone looking to experience the best of Hong Kong's natural beauty.
For those interested in exploring more of the MacLehose Trail, Section 7 connects to Section 8, which leads to Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain. The distance markers for Section 7 range from M124 to M137.
Overall, Section 7 of the MacLehose Trail is ideal for hikers seeking a mix of physical challenge and scenic reward, making it a highlight of the entire trail!
___
MacLehose Trail Section 7: Good to Know
Before you set off on Section 7 of the MacLehose Trail, here are a few handy tips to make your hike more enjoyable:
-
Vending Machines and Water Refill: At the Junction of MacLehose Trail Section 6 and Section 7, near Shing Mun Reservoir, you’ll find vending machines offering drinks. This is a great spot to stock up on supplies before starting your hike. There’s also a water refill station here, so you can top up your bottles and stay hydrated.
-
Lead Mine Public Toilet: At the end of Section 7, near Lead Mine Pass, you’ll find a public toilet. It’s a convenient facility for hikers to freshen up after completing the trail.
-
Trail Conditions: The trail is well-marked and mostly shaded, making it a comfortable hike even on warmer days. However, the climb up and the descent down from Needle Hill are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and take your time.
___
The sign welcoming hikers to the top of Needle Hill
___
MacLehose Trail - Section 7: Public Transport Options
To get to the start of MacLehose Trail Section 7 at Shing Mun Reservoir, you can take the MTR to Tsuen Wan station and exit at A. From there, you can either take the Green Minibus 82 on Shiu Wo Street or take a taxi to the reservoir. The taxi ride is quick and costs around HK$30 to HK$40, making it a convenient option if you prefer not to wait for the minibus.
After completing Section 7 at Lead Mine Pass, you can continue on to the next sections or return home along Wilson Trail Section 7, which takes you back to Shing Mun Reservoir.need
For returning, and if you are up for a challenge, you can proceed to the end of Section 8 or even 9 and use the public transport options available there. For Section 8, you can reach Route Twisk and use bus services like the 51, though it has a frequency of 60 minutes.
___
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
