Section 2 Tung Wan to Brides Pool
Rugged coasteering and a ridge hike
Difficulty **** | Time 5 hrs | Distance 11.8 km | Transport to start None | Hammocks Brides Pool BBQ site | Food Tai Mei Tuk (3 km) | Water feature Island swim, coasteering
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Section 2 information
Section 2 will take you on a challenging route coasteering around Double Island before crossing the water to the mainland at Hung Shek Mun and hiking through the middle of Plover Cove Country Park.
After leaving Tung Wan you embark on the toughest coasteering piece of the trail. It’s impossible to pick a perfect route around the eastern side of Double Island so you will have to weigh up the tides and sea conditions to see how much scrambling, walking and swimming you fancy doing on the day. The sea urchins and razor sharp rocks will also influence how often you return to the shore after each swim. There are some great little cliff jumps at various parts as you turn the corner at the northwestern tip of the island.
After a couple of hours on the move you will arrive at an abandoned Outward Bound Centre. It’s a real shame that it’s not used anymore as this must be one of the most perfect swimming and canoeing spots in the area. Fortunately, there is still running water inside which makes it an ideal spot to refill, have a rest and take a break from the sun. Just beware of the old caretaker who can get quite protective over his filtered water supply. In any sort of emergency however, this is the place you want to head to.
After hiking along a very rocky beach to the southeastern tip of Double Island, just inside the Yau Chau Tong Marine Park (when you reach the Geopark signpost just around the corner), you will make a gentle 100 metre swim to the unique pinky red-coloured sedimentary coastline of Hung Shek Mun. After leaving the coast take the trail south then west where you will pass over a small reservoir where you can refill water. Soon after this you will climb a narrow, very steep trail up onto the ridge of the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail with some stunning views of the islands which you have just explored. Come off the path around half way, and walk down to the Miu Sam Ancient Trail. From here it’s a straightforward hike until you reach Wu Kau Tang which has a bus to Tai Po MTR or Tai Mei Tuk for some well-deserved food and beers.
After leaving Tung Wan you embark on the toughest coasteering piece of the trail. It’s impossible to pick a perfect route around the eastern side of Double Island so you will have to weigh up the tides and sea conditions to see how much scrambling, walking and swimming you fancy doing on the day. The sea urchins and razor sharp rocks will also influence how often you return to the shore after each swim. There are some great little cliff jumps at various parts as you turn the corner at the northwestern tip of the island.
After a couple of hours on the move you will arrive at an abandoned Outward Bound Centre. It’s a real shame that it’s not used anymore as this must be one of the most perfect swimming and canoeing spots in the area. Fortunately, there is still running water inside which makes it an ideal spot to refill, have a rest and take a break from the sun. Just beware of the old caretaker who can get quite protective over his filtered water supply. In any sort of emergency however, this is the place you want to head to.
After hiking along a very rocky beach to the southeastern tip of Double Island, just inside the Yau Chau Tong Marine Park (when you reach the Geopark signpost just around the corner), you will make a gentle 100 metre swim to the unique pinky red-coloured sedimentary coastline of Hung Shek Mun. After leaving the coast take the trail south then west where you will pass over a small reservoir where you can refill water. Soon after this you will climb a narrow, very steep trail up onto the ridge of the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail with some stunning views of the islands which you have just explored. Come off the path around half way, and walk down to the Miu Sam Ancient Trail. From here it’s a straightforward hike until you reach Wu Kau Tang which has a bus to Tai Po MTR or Tai Mei Tuk for some well-deserved food and beers.
