If you fancy an adventure into the wild, then a day trip to Plover Cove Reservoir is in order. Nestled among rolling hills, and the gateway to the eastern expanses of Tolo Harbour and Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong), the area is home to breathtaking views, perfect cycling routes, and a whole lot of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So join us as we follow Rory Mackay, founder of
Wild Hong Kong, to find out everything you need to know about how to get there, where to go, and what to expect.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id="73367"]
How To Get There
The trip starts off at Tai Po Market, it might take a little time if you're going from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, but it's relatively hassle-free if you take the MTR. From there, make your way to Tai Mei Tuk via one of the many options such as the 20C minibus, 75K KMB bus, taxi (around $70), or better yet, find out how you can cycle there with our
Guide to the Tolo Harbour Cycling Trail. Once you're there, it's a good idea to first stock up on refreshments, or grab a bite to eat before you shoot off, as there are no facilities out there on the road.
Plover Cove Reservoir
When you are all set to go, make your way towards the Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre, and continue up the small road on the left at the roundabout. After a few minutes walk, you will reach the Plover Cover Reservoir main dam, where you are greeted with vast open waters and an impressive 2km-long dam wall. The Plover Cover Reservoir dam is a very impressive structure, in fact, it is the second largest fresh water reservoir in Hong Kong, and the first sea-level reservoir in the world.
As you stroll along the dam wall, aside from breathtaking views, the promenade is abuzz with people enjoying the outdoors in many fun ways, whether it's windsurfing, kite-flying, cycling, or fishing. Once you reach the far end of the dam, you will find yourself facing a small island in the middle of the harbour, then simply turn left and continue through the gates.
By this point, you would have left the cyclists and most others behind by the dam, and you can begin venturing into the heart of the route. Keeping the calm turquoise waters of the reservoir on your left, the road twists and turns its way around scenic nooks, before traversing a few smaller concrete dams. After this, the hiking trail will start to get intense, rising and dropping many times with each one more dramatic than the last. From here on in, you're really left to your own discretion as to how far you wish to take your adventure before turning back.
Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong)
For the more intrepid types who wish to do the entire circuit around Plover Cove Reservoir, or perhaps head towards Double Haven (Yan Chau Tong), there is an infrequent, but reliable 20R minibus running between Tai Po Market MTR station and Wu Kau Tang. This is recommended as a starting point, with Tai Mei Tuk as the finish, as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes, amenities, and other transport options. If you do decide to take on the challenge, then make sure you are thoroughly prepared as this route will take a long full day of hiking.
Overall, this is an adventure suitable for all. A safe and pleasant excursion catering to the needs of families, while still being engaging and flexible enough to challenge outdoor adventurers. So if you have done your homework on public transport options and how to go about your trip, this stunning part of the New Territories is well worth the effort. Once you're there, you certainly won't be in a rush to leave anytime soon.
Read more! Check out our
5 Hiking Tips for Your Outdoor Adventures, and explore the rest of our
Outdoors section.
[button color="blue" size="medium" link="https://localiiz.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=c2964a434922598f5d8ee53ff&id=07d327a2e8" icon="" target="true"]Subscribe to receive our weekly newsletter[/button]
