The unpredictable weather of the summer makes it challenging to go hiking. We recommend choosing simple and short routes with multiple exit points, and exploring Hong Kong's reservoirs is an excellent option. In the early days of waterworks construction, valleys were selected to build dams for water storage, hence most of the reservoirs are now inside country parks. TrailWatch selects three routes, each with its own unique features and picturesque views. You can use the camera function to select “Reservoir” or “Heritage” and add them to the TrailWatch Gallery to capture the beautiful scenery of the reservoirs with other TrailWatch users.
Reservoir Route 1: Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail
The Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail connects four reservoirs and covers 21 designated monuments. The entire trail is approximately 5 km long, including Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir, Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir, and Tai Tam Upper Reservoir. You can look back over a hundred years of history through 10 information stations, including masonry bridges, dams, and valve houses, and gain a deep understanding of the entire Tai Tam water supply system on Hong Kong Island. To visit the heritage trail, you can start from Tai Tam Road or the Tai Tam Reservoir Road (near Hong Kong Parkview). Before departing, you can download the Water Supplies Department's detailed booklet about the Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail.
Starting from the Tai Tam Reservoir Road, the first stop introduces the history of the Tai Tam waterworks from 1883 to 1918.
Tai Tam Upper Reservoir Masonry Bridge and Masonry Aqueduct (1883 – 1888)
The grand Tai Tam Upper Reservoir Dam (1883-1888)
Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir Valve House (1904). The original cast iron safety railings remain in place.
The entire heritage trail will pass through four British-style masonry bridges at Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir.
One of the four masonry bridges at Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, two of them boast granite arch structures.
The Tai Tam Tuk Raw Water Pumping Station (1907) located in Tai Tam Bay is a red brick building with circular windows. It has a rich history of operating steam and diesel-driven pumps, making it a valuable piece of Hong Kong's waterworks history.
Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10353692
Length: Approximately 6km
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Difficulty: An easy concrete path
Reservoir Route : Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk
The Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk is a circular route around Ho Pui Reservoir, with a total length of about 2 km and an easy and gentle trail. Ho Pui Reservoir, located in Yuen Long, is the smallest irrigation reservoir in Hong Kong, within the boundaries of Tai Lam Country Park. The unique S-shaped dam of the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk and one section that is known as the Hong Kong version of the Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, attract many visitors. During the period of flood discharge, many people also come to capture the spectacular scenes at the spillway.
Both the starting point and ending point of the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk have a wooden arch.
Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk is a natural shaded trail.
The beautiful scenery at Ho Pui Reservoir.
The bamboo tunnel is a popular spot for taking photos.
The famous S-shaped dam and the small island in the reservoir offer beautiful views.
The Water Supplies Department has set up warning signs near the reservoir to protect the natural environment and prevent pollution of the water source.
Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10151538
Length: Approximately 2km
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: A gentle flat route, suitable for families and beginners
Reservoir Route: Shek Pik Country Trail
The Shek Pik Country Trail is about 5 km long and is a trail that goes downhill from Ngong Ping to Shek Pik Reservoir. There are many tree shades along the way, and you will also pass by several streams where the temperature will be relatively cool. This trail offers views of Lantau Peak, Kau Nga Ling, Keung Shan, and the surrounding mountains and Shek Pik Reservoir. Located in the Lantau South Country Park, Shek Pik Reservoir's water source comes from nearby mountains. According to the Water Supplies Department, Shek Pik Reservoir was once the largest reservoir in Hong Kong in the 1960s.
The Wisdom Path in Ngong Ping has 38 wooden pillars engraved with the Heart Sutra scripture.
The country trail runs around the mountainside of Lantau Peak.
Enjoy the panoramic view of Shek Pik Reservoir and the mountain range of Lantau Island.
The country trail passes through several streams, so be sure to pay attention to weather changes and be careful of flash floods.
The latter part of the country trail will pass through a reforestation area.
Shek Pik Country Trail
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10353895
Length: Approximately 5km
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, a natural downhill path