The Argyle Ross Trail is a challenging twelve-section, 100km swim hike from the desolate far north east islands of Double Haven Geopark to the far west enclave of Ha Pak Lai, overlooking Shenzhen. This hike will introduce you to some of the most spectacular lesser travelled parts of the New Territories and will have you sea swimming between beautiful islands, hiking streams, jumping in waterfalls and traversing rugged coastlines, ridges, reservoirs and beaches across the length of Hong Kong. Best hiked in the hot summer months, every section is wet with swimming designed into each section. This is a difficult trail, for those that love water and seek real adventure beyond anything else offered by other long distance Hong Kong trails.
The Route
Section |
Start/Finish |
Distance (km) |
Water |
Difficulty |
Time (hrs) |
1 |
Kat O to Tung Wan |
9 |
Island swims, coasteering |
** |
3 |
2 |
Tung Wan to Wu Kau Tang |
11.8 |
Island swim, coasteering |
**** |
5 |
3 |
Wu Kau Tang to Lung Mei Beach |
7.4 |
Stream, beach, major waterfall |
*** |
3 |
4 |
Lung Mei Beach to Tai Po Market |
10.2 |
Island swims |
** |
3.5 |
5 |
Tai Po Market to Yin Ngam Peak |
5.5 |
Stream |
**** |
4 |
6 |
Yin Ngam Peak to Pineapple Dam |
6.3 |
Stream |
*** |
3.25 |
7 |
Pineapple Dam to Chuen Lung |
7.6 |
Stream, major waterfall |
***** |
4.5 |
8 |
Chuen Lung to Tsuen King |
4.9 |
Two streams, major waterfall |
** |
2.5 |
9 |
Tsuen King to Sham Tseng |
8.5 |
Stream, major waterfall, beaches |
*** |
3.5 |
10 |
Sham Tseng to So Kwun Wat |
12.1 |
Stream, major waterfall |
**** |
4.5 |
11 |
So Kwun Wat to Tuen Mun |
6.4 |
Beaches |
* |
1.5 |
12 |
Tuen Mun to Ha Pak Lai |
10 |
Stream, waterfalls, coast, beach |
**** |
5 |
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Section 10
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Section 11
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Section 12
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Alltrails
Is this even thru-hikable?
Thru-hiking the Argyle Ross is the ultimate challenge. Bear in mind that sea swimming and stream hiking is significantly slower than hiking the well-trodden trails of the main Hong Kong trails. Therefore, a tough six days should be enough time to complete the whole trail in one shot. Additionally, as you will be swimming many parts of the trail, carrying your supplies in a dry bag is essential and this means going light and small with a hammock instead of a tent. The best hammock spots are shown on each separate section map, otherwise you will be limited to finding a spot on a stream. Pagodas are also a good option and can offer protection if it rains.
The trail is also designed with resupply in mind. The trail will take you through some major conurbations and villages such as Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Sham Tseng, the Gold Coast and Tuen Mun. These urban walks should offer you ample opportunity for restaurants or resupply and we have recommended some of the best local restaurants en-route.
Ensure you check the weather for the duration of the thru-hike. Any rain whatsoever will make hammock camping miserable and turn some of the stream hiking very dangerous due to slippery climbs.
For a guide to thru-hiking the Argyle Ross Trail click here.
The trail is also designed with resupply in mind. The trail will take you through some major conurbations and villages such as Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Sham Tseng, the Gold Coast and Tuen Mun. These urban walks should offer you ample opportunity for restaurants or resupply and we have recommended some of the best local restaurants en-route.
Ensure you check the weather for the duration of the thru-hike. Any rain whatsoever will make hammock camping miserable and turn some of the stream hiking very dangerous due to slippery climbs.
For a guide to thru-hiking the Argyle Ross Trail click here.
Criteria for completion
To complete the Argyle Ross trail in one go.
Complete east to west in 48 hours or under. Support allowed.
To thruhike the Argyle Ross trail.
Complete in one go sleeping on the trail. No hotels allowed. No time limit. Support allowed.
To complete the Argyle Ross trail.
Can be completed over time in sections. Sections can be completed in either direction.
Complete east to west in 48 hours or under. Support allowed.
To thruhike the Argyle Ross trail.
Complete in one go sleeping on the trail. No hotels allowed. No time limit. Support allowed.
To complete the Argyle Ross trail.
Can be completed over time in sections. Sections can be completed in either direction.
Current FKT 30 hours and 2 minutes.
Kit
On the streams, good grip shoes and a dry bag are absolutely essential. On the sea swims you will need water shoes, which can also be used for hiking such as Vibram Aqua, and consider wearing gloves to protect hands and feet from sea urchins and sharp barnacles. Please take care and be seen when you are in the water by choosing a brightly coloured dry bag or using an orange float. Swimming goggles can help you see where you are putting your hands and feet. A light hammock and mosquito net is highly recommended if you are camping.
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