Thruhiking HK: a guide to thru-hiking, multi-day hiking and wild camping in Hong Kong's big trails.
  • Thruhiking hk
  • The Maclehose Trail
  • The Wilson Trail
  • The Hong Kong Trail
  • The Lantau Trail
  • The Argyle Ross Trail
  • The Tinworth Trail
  • Northern Passage
  • What to pack
  • Wild Camping
  • YouTube
Picture

Section 1 Kat O to Tung Wan
​
Swimming between three desolate islands
​

Difficulty **  |  Time 3 hrs |  Distance 9 km  |  Transport to start Ferry to Kat O from Ma Liu Shui  |  Hammocks Tung Wan Beach  |  Food Kat O  |  
Water feature Sea swims between 3 islands

Picture
argyle_ross_sec_1.gpx
File Size: 30 kb
File Type: gpx
Download File


Section 1 information

The Argyle Ross Trail begins in one of the most remote, beautiful corners of Hong Kong. The first two sections will take you hiking, coasteering and swimming around three stunning islands in the Double Haven area of Plover Cove Country Park, most likely places you have never been before. These two sections have been designed to be completed over a weekend with a night’s camping on Tung Wan beach or combined into a tough single day.

To reach the starting point of Section 1 you must catch the ferry from Ma Liu Shiu to Kat O (9am Sat, Sun and public holidays only). From the pier you take a short hike south before starting to swim and coasteer around the western and southern coastline of Crooked Island to a scenic v-shaped beach. However much you do of either is up to you. Coasteering is generally quicker but swimming in this clear water amidst stunning scenery is the highlight of Section 1. You will have the whole sea to yourselves apart from the odd canoe or fisherman.

When you reach the southeastern tip of Crooked Island you are at the closest point to Crescent Island and a leisurely 400 metre swim directly east will take you there in about twenty minutes. Foot protection is essential to protect you from the very sharp barnacles on entry to and exit from each swim. Make sure you look out for a man-made “bath” of rainwater and runoff in the middle of this small stretch of coastline on Crescent Island. It is like a coastal oasis in the afternoon heat. Filling up here will set you up perfectly if you are planning to camp on Tung Wan later that day as there is no water supply at the beach.  
​

The last part of Section 1 is to coasteer around the south side of Crescent Island and cross over the Chik Mun Chau channel to Double Island at its narrowest point. It’s worth noting that this channel, although not busy, is where the Kat O ferry and other boats pass so be careful with your timings. You will find Tung Wan beach easily enough on the northeastern part of Double Island, a lovely crescent shaped cove with trees on the north side of the beach to sling your hammock up for the night. 

Picture
Section 2

[email protected]

Copyright © 2023
Outdoors activity can be dangerous. Please ensure proper equipment is used during adventurous activities and never attempt during or soon after heavy rainfall, typhoons or storms. Anyone that attempts any section of the Argyle Ross Trail does so at their own risk. The Argyle Ross trail contains risky activities such as steep climbs (sometimes with ropes), coasteering, stream hiking and sea swimming. Under 18's should not attempt any section of this trail without adult supervision. Wild camping is illegal in Hong Kong and you do so at your own discretion. If you camp anywhere in Hong Kong, please leave no trace.
  • Thruhiking hk
  • The Maclehose Trail
  • The Wilson Trail
  • The Hong Kong Trail
  • The Lantau Trail
  • The Argyle Ross Trail
  • The Tinworth Trail
  • Northern Passage
  • What to pack
  • Wild Camping
  • YouTube