The Wilson Trail is one of four long distance trails in Hong Kong and is 78 kilometres in length. The trail was designated in 1996 and is named after former Hong Kong governor David Wilson (1987-92). It transects Hong Kong from South to North and is divided up into 10 sections, taking in numerous country parks, rural patches (green lungs) surrounded by city, war relic lined ridges, mountainous areas and old villages. The Wilson Trail starts at the seaside village of Stanley on the southend end of Hong Kong Island (Section 1) and finally ends at Nam Chung Village (Section 10) near the border with mainland China.
One of the most popular stages of the Wilson Trail is Section #9 between Cloudy Hill and eastern end of the Pat Sin Leng mountain range in the Pat Sin Leng Country Park. This is a challenging hike but one that offers remarkable views from the numerous peaks and high elevation ridges that you will traverse along the route. Many consider this trail to be amongst the finest hiking opportunities in all of Hong Kong.
Note: Section #9 of the Wilson Trail requires a certain level of hiking experience and fitness to complete with comfort. It is not one I would recommend to new hikers or for your first hike of the season. There is a long, steep and steady ascent during the first half of the the hike and numerous shorter ascents up the series of 8 peaks at the east end. The trail is in good condition but requires stamina and fitness, plenty of water, especially during the warmer summer months, and sunscreen (very little shade). Further, you will be exposed to the elements throughout so it is important to know weather and hiking conditions and to have adequate hiking attire before attempting Section 9. Lastly, there are almost no facilities between the start and finish of this section of the trail.
Note: Best to upload Hiking Trail HK app to your mobile phone and to have printed maps for these long distance trails in Hong Kong. This stage of the Wilson Trail is very well marked and signed throughout, making it easy to follow. However, still better to come prepared with basic navigation equipment and maps just to be safe.
Section 9 is 10 km in distance between starting at Cloudy Hill (end of Wilson Trail Section #8). You will quickly pass a small and attractive, S-shaped reservoir at Hok Tau before beginning a long and steady ascent up to the mountain range which you will traverse across the country park. After your initial climb, the trail mostly levels off as you trek along a line of mountain ridges and through short passes until you reach the eastern end and have to clear the 8 monumental peaks of Pat Sin Leng. Interestingly, these are named after the Eight Fairies of Chinese Mythology. Each peak has signage identifying the peak name and location. Views from the ridge lines and peaks throughout the trail are outstanding on days with good visibility.
After clearing the eighth peak, you have finished Section #9 and will begin a steep downward descent until you intersect the Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail which you can use to carry on to either Bride's Pool Road or Tai Mei Tuk, both of which are a further 2 km away. For those finished with their hiking for the day, best to go right towards to Tai Mei Tuk where you'll find a major bus transportation hub with regular and frequent transportation to the Tai Po Market MTR Station. For those wanting to press on to Section 10 and the final leg of the Wilson Trail, technically, this Section started at the descent from Pat Sin Leng, take a left at Nature Trail intersection and continue onward towards Nam Chung Village.