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Header images courtesy of Thruhiking HK and Lily Valette
Hong Kong’s “Big Four” hiking trails—Hong Kong, Lantau, Wilson, and Maclehose—offer plenty of incredible landscape views and challenges, but there’s a new hiking route that’s just been finalised and trekkers are beyond excited to embark on.
Mapped out by Jack Argyle and Stewart Ross over the course of many months, the Argyle Ross Trail is a stream-hiking trail that’s best suited for the summer months. Trekking along and across trickling streams might not be as mainstream an activity as regular hiking in Hong Kong, but we have a feeling that the Argyle Ross Trail is about to change that. (Plus, the proximity to water and multiple bathing spots is a godsend when you’re hiking in hot and humid Hong Kong climate.)
Launched in 2024, the Argyle Ross Trail is now one of the longest continuous circuits in Hong Kong, and it hasn’t been thru-hiked in one go by many. Here’s everything you need to know to tackle the Argyle Ross Trail as your next hiking adventure.
Comprising nearly 100 kilometres of mainly stream-hiking terrain, the Argyle Ross Trail includes points from the wild islands of Plover Cove in New Territories all the way to the sunset-filled neighbourhood of Ha Pak Lai overlooking Shenzhen, and includes waterfalls, natural pools, coasteering, beaches, and even some open-water swimming!
The Argyle Ross Trail is separated into 12 stages, each with its own personality, and every single one includes a swimming moment, meaning it’s better to hike it in the hotter months. Keep in mind that traipsing streams requires a slower pace than walking on land, so covering a certain distance will take you longer than usual. This can be a hazardous activity if proper care is not taken, and it’s advised for experienced hikers, and not suitable for family outings. However, if you are equipped with the proper gear and do the necessary research, it offers some of the best yomps in Hong Kong.
Since the Argyle Ross Trail was just created in 2024, there aren’t that many maps and checkpoints available, but you can download GPX files for each stage and access routes and information on each section online. Stewart Ross is the hiker we have to thank for Hong Kong’s major thru-hiking website that details all the long-distance trails in Hong Kong, so it’s no surprise that the track he created is properly mapped out, with all the information you need easily accessible, such as hammock and resupply spots.
There are multiple ways of getting to and from the sections of the Argyle Ross Trail. With most sections accessible by public transport, the route also offers an array of dining options. That’s because Jack Argyle is just like us—he likes a good meal and a fresh pint of beer at the end of a day out. For safety purposes, if anything goes wrong, or if you’ve decided you’ve had enough for the day, this also means a bus stop or MTR station is likely just a short walk away. Arguably, sections 1 and 2 of the Argyle Ross Trail are a bit isolated, but MTR stations and buses will take you close to the starting points of most of the other sections. Stream-hiking the Argyle Ross Trail might be hard to reach for some due to its long travel times. However, finding a day to explore the streams and wander along the coastlines is a memorable experience you will never forget.
Total distance: 100 kilometres approx.
Total difficulty: Intermediate to difficult.
Total ascent: 3,835 metres approx.
Total time: 45 hours approx.
Sections 1 and 2 are no walk in the park, but rather an entire weekend of adventure amidst the stunning island landscapes of Double Haven in the Plover Cover area.
To start your journey, catch the 9 am ferry from Ma Liu Shiu to the charming village of Kat O, which only runs on weekends and public holidays. From the pier on Crooked Island, the way to Double Island takes you coasteering around three islands. The highlight of Section 1 is two open-water swims, around 400 metres and 200 metres, respectively.
You will eventually reach Double Island, where you’ll spend the night on Tung Wan Beach, preferably on a slinged-up hammock. As the sun sets, and you’re under the cover of your mosquito net, let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep. For those of you who can’t spare a whole weekend, aim to reach Tung Wan Beach for a packed lunch and carry on straight through Section 2 to complete both in one tough day.
Distance: 9 kilometres
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 3 hours
Recommended kit: Dry bag, hammock and mosquito net, water shoes, gloves, water filter, goggles, headtorch
Wake up refreshed and ready to explore more of this remote and beautiful corner of Hong Kong! Brace yourself for a heart-pumping coasteering challenge around the rugged Double Island, with crystal-clear water and treacherous rocks to navigate, and a 100-metre swim to the pink-hued coastline of Hung Shek Mun. From there, it’s a steep climb up to the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail, followed by a straightforward hike to Wu Kau Tang via the Miu Sam Ancient Trail. At the end of Section 2, you can catch a bus back to civilisation from Bride’s Pool and treat yourself to a seafood feast and refreshing drinks at Tai Mei Tuk and Lung Mei Beach.
Distance: 11.8 kilometres
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 5 hours
Recommended kit: Dry bag, hammock and mosquito net, water shoes and hiking shoes, gloves, water filter, brightly coloured clothes, goggles, headtorch
Listen up, because it’s finally time to stream-hike—the main feature of the Argyle Ross Trail. Start your journey at the Bride’s Pool BBQ site and prepare to get wet and wild as you hike up the dramatic Wang Chung Stream, where refreshing plunge pools and cascading waterfalls await. Reach the awe-inspiring Dragon Ball Waterfall and conquer the technical ascent to the top infinity pool. Continue through the serene upper section, diving into more inviting pools along the way. Refuel in the charming coastal village of Tai Mei Tuk, then head to the trail’s end at Lung Mei Beach—the perfect reward for your aquatic exploits!
Distance: 7.4 kilometres
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 3 hours
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes and hiking shoes, gloves, water filter, headtorch
Buckle up, adventurers, because Section 4 of the Argyle Ross Trail is about to take you on an unforgettable urban swim-hike like no other! Starting at Lung Mei Beach, you’ll embark on your first swim across the tranquil waters of Plover Cove, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views. On the mid-way and aptly named Goat Island, keep an eye out for the legendary local goats. The second swim across Plover Cove is nothing short of magical, with the stunning Pat Sin Leng mountain range and Tsz Shan Monastery as your backdrop.
After your aquatic adventures, you’ll venture through the quaint fishing village of Sam Mun Tsai. But the efforts don’t stop there, as the final leg of this section will have you navigating around the coast, before a straightforward walk along the Waterfront Park and an old-school British pub finish in Tai Po.
Distance: 10.2 kilometres
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes, gloves, brightly coloured clothes, goggles, headtorch
Section 5 of the Argyle Ross Trail touches both the Maclehose and Wilson trails, with the added perk of a challenging ascent up the remote and wild Yin Ngam Stream in Tai Mo Shan Country Park. After the first leg of the section through Tai Po, hikers will reach the tranquil and beautiful Yin Ngam Stream. Whilst serene, Yin Ngam is difficult, with 500 metres of elevation gain over two hours of strenuous stream-scrambling.
After emerging from the stream, hikers arrive at the Maclehose Trail, the highest point of the Argyle Ross at 679 metres. This transition from the isolated, green tunnel of Yin Ngam to the busy Maclehose Trail can feel surreal. Hikers can rest here before continuing on to the next section, or make their way off the trail via Lead Mine Pass. However, this section is best completed alongside Section 6 in one long day.
Distance: 5.5 kilometres
Difficulty: Very Hard
Time: 4 hours
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes, gloves, water filter, headtorch
Get ready for a wild ride down Tai Shing Stream in Shing Mun Country Park! After tackling the uphill slog of Yin Ngam, this section lets you cruise downhill towards the Shing Mun Reservoir. Alternatively, the stream is just as good in the reverse direction starting at Pineapple Dam. This baby is broad, straight, and ready to show off its stunning Dragon Valley views as you descend. Watch your step—those slippery rocks can be tricky!
After a few hours of watery fun, you’ll hit the Shing Mun Reservoir, where a cosy minibus awaits to whisk you back to civilisation. Just keep an eye out for those pesky monkeys—they’re not afraid to steal your snacks!
Distance: 6.3 kilometres
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes, gloves, water filter, headtorch
This challenging section of the trail packs in technical waterfall climbs, serene forest hikes, and stunning urban views. Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled trek along Tai Yuen Stream! This section will see you splash, leap, and scramble your way up cascading staircase waterfalls. Don’t miss the picturesque Silver Flower Pool for a refreshing swim. Scaling the cliff of Flying Ape Gorge will test your nerve, but the views from the top are worth it.
Catch your breath as you skirt along the open hillside, taking in the stunning skyline of Kowloon, Lantau, and Hong Kong Island. Finish strong in the charming Hakka village of Chuen Lung, where you can reward yourself with some delicious dim sum.
Distance: 7.6 kilometres
Difficulty: Very Hard
Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes and hiking shoes, water filter, headtorch
We recommend you don’t pass on a delicious dim sum breakfast before tackling this hike through the lush slopes of Tai Mo Shan! After fuelling up, descend into the picturesque river valleys of Pak Shek Kiu and Tso Kung Tam. Splash through the streams, past rustic farmhouses and urban landscapes, until you reach a stunning waterfall.
Carefully make your way down the cliffside, then take in the picture-perfect plunge pool below. Cap off your adventure with a stroll through the town of Tsuen King. This might be the shortest section, but it’s packed with natural beauty and urban charm!
Distance: 4.9 kilometres
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes, gloves, water filter, headtorch
Section 9 is one of the trail’s most varied, featuring the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail, coastal walks, and the stunning Stone Dragon Waterfall. The ancient trail offers impressive views before descending to stream-filled valleys. At the Stone Dragon Waterfall, you can take a dip in the plunge pool below the cascading waters. The section then follows the coast, with opportunities to swim at beaches like Lido and Casam. The final stretch hugs the coastline, providing magnificent views, before reaching roast goose central in Sham Tseng.
Distance: 8.5 kilometres
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes and hiking shoes, water filter, headtorch
Section 10 starts with a hike to Ghost Anger Stream, where you’ll navigate the narrow, channelised waterway before tackling the technical climb up the towering waterfall. The trail then leads you up to the summit of To Hang Tung peak, offering splendid views of the Thousand Islands Lakes. The final stretch takes you across the impressive Tai Lam Chung Reservoir dam before arriving at the town of So Kwun Wat and Gold Coast, where you’ll find dining options to conclude the arduous but rewarding trail.
Distance: 12.1 kilometres
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes and hiking shoes, gloves, water filter, headtorch
Section 11 is a breezy beach-hopping adventure. This is the shortest and easiest section of the entire Argyle Ross Trail, so you can kick back, relax, and soak up some sun. Starting from the charming town of So Kwun Wat, you’ll stroll along the glitzy Gold Coast marina before hitting the soft, golden sands of Golden Beach. Can’t resist a swim? Go for it!
As you continue up the coast, the beaches just keep getting better: Cafeteria New, Cafeteria Old, and the picturesque Kadoorie Beach. Although the trail indicates a sea swim around Kadoorie Pier and over the shark net to Castle Peak Beach, we recommend you walk the 550-metre distance via Castle Peak Road-Castle Peak Bay instead. You can relish in one last dip there as you rinse off the day’s hike and get ready for the urban adventure ahead.
The final stretch takes you through the lively town of Tuen Mun, following the scenic Tuen Mun River until you reach the park. From here, either head to the MTR or continue on to Section 12.
Distance: 6.4 kilometres
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes, gloves, brightly coloured clothes
Get ready for an epic grand finale! Section 12 has it all, from dramatic peaks to daring descents, cascading waterfalls, and a stunning coastal finale. Start your adventure in the lively town of Tuen Mun, weaving through the park and up to the historic Tsing Shan Monastery where some scenes of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon were filmed.
Brace yourself for a challenging climb up to the top of Castle Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over Shenzhen and beyond. Next, descend into the otherworldly Castle Peak Hinterland, navigating sandy trails until you reach the refreshing Qing Dai Stream, home to arguably the finest natural swimming pool on the whole trail.
Follow the beach-studded river to the coast, where you’ll stroll through the charming village of Ha Pak Nai before reaching the trail’s end at the picturesque Kwun Yam Tin Hau Temple. Time it to arrive just in time to catch the glorious sunset over the Pearl River Estuary—it’s the perfect way to end this unforgettable journey.
Distance: 10 kilometres
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 5 hours
Recommended kit: Dry bag, water shoes and hiking shoes, water filter, headtorch
The Argyle Ross Trail is extremely challenging, so it’s important to come prepared and properly equipped. Don’t forget to bring these essentials the next time you venture out on a section.
Walking through streams and climbing around waterfalls await you on the Argyle Ross Trail, so make sure you bring shoes that don’t slip, with as much gripping power as possible. Five-fingers “barefoot” shoes are also a giant plus for extra grip and to avoid losing your balance on a slippery patch, but they are an investment.
Stream hikes should ideally be taken during hot summer months, when the water is at a good temperature. Although hiking in winter is more blissful in Hong Kong, the water will get quite cold, and the experience might not be as agreeable. Then, there’s the usual thunder and rainstorm warnings to be aware of—you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of a stream during a storm.
Every section of the Argyle Ross Trail allows or requires you to take a nice dip. In most cases, it’s best to invest in a dry bag. The waterproof backpacks are great for keeping your phone, snacks, and clothes nice and dry while you swim, jump, and hike in the water. It’s also a good gadget for the few open-water swims, as it functions as a buoy. You should also bring enough water for hydration, but keep in mind you can also easily filter water from the stream if you don’t want your backpack to be too heavy.
Although you can indulge in a nice meal at one of the restaurants in-between sections, packing lunch is also a great idea, especially when there are a lot of amazing viewpoints that make for a nice picnic break. As a rule of thumb, before going on any hike, you should pack some sort of nourishing snack either from home or buy one on your commute before going into the wild.
Hiking the Argyle Ross Trail without GPS back-up is not a smart choice—you might be used to distance posts on other Hong Kong trails but there are no signs along the way to rely on. You equally want to avoid running out of battery so think about bringing a portable power bank.
If you have any questions about the Argyle Ross Trail, or if you’d like to hike a section with one of its founders, you can easily get in touch with Stewart Ross at [email protected].
Born and raised in the French countryside, Lily arrived in Hong Kong looking for an adventure. Passionate about books, she spent some time in Parisian publishing houses and is the author of an illustrated book about hair. Life in Hong Kong for her entails looking for seaside places to eat and a lot of hiking.
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