Date: Jan 16th 2022

TAI PO KAU (NATURE RESERVE)

This densely forested nature reserve is a gem for hikers and runners alike. It has clearly marked trail options of varying lengths, most kicking off with a steepish ascent of the mountain before levelling out for some flatter, smooth-running track. We like to tailor our own routes but in this case it’s hard to beat the existing, and longest, “yellow” trail. A future, extended version might incorporate a loop out to legendary Maclehose Hills, ‘Grassy’ and ‘Needle’, which are surprisingly (to us anyway), close to this area - watch this space! The only change we would make to this route is the start point; access to the trail is via an unappealing, steep tarmac road (no scooters allowed 😒). So far, we’ve failed to find an alternative, more scooter-friendly, start-point for this run but we’ll keep looking! 😁

THE RIDE 🔥🔥

Best described as ‘direct’… yet still enjoyable. Riding along (traffic-free 😜) Route 1 is an exhilarating experience as it carves through central Kowloon with increasing elevation, providing sweeping city views (especially on the return leg), before making a bee-line approach to Lion Rock Mountain. Re-emerging from the tunnel into the surrounds of Sha Tin feels like a different world, reached in mere minutes. Classic HK. Switching onto Tai Po Road we’re treated to some fast, undulating road, sweeping around the mountain side and delivering us (too quickly for our liking), to the entrance of Tai Po Nature Reserve. All-in, a ride of no more than 20-25 mins from HK island and another startling reminder of how easy it is to swap bustling metropolis for tranquil countryside (+ stunning, varied running terrain), in this unique city.

START / FINISH POINT 🅿️🏪🚻

Plentiful parking for both bike and car although, as a popular hiking spot for locals, the latter fills up quickly. Amenities are basic with a shack-style convenience store and port-a-cabin toilets.

THE RUN 🍺🍺

A short walk (thankfully) up the tarmac entry road, we enter the reserve at the first left, clearly marked “yellow route”. The first couple of km’s are more trek than run as we seek to conserve energy and – fighting Chicken’s natural instincts – resist blasting our way out of the blocks. It’s fairly technical at this stage of the route and even intermittent flats are tricky, comprising rocky trail which can be slippery, so caution recommended (broken ankle memories still fresh in the mind). The density of tree cover and sense of quiet here is striking. The level of elevation + thin layer of fog on this occasion, gave a sense of running amongst the clouds. With that sense of zen in our sails, we hit the most runnable section of the trail around 3km, taking us through some unusual bamboo-lined ‘corridor’ sections and swinging around the mountainside. Having coming full circle, the last few km’s see us descend through lush forest before being spat out, despicably, onto that steep tarmac road, leading back down to base (we really need to do something about that finish, it’s a real zen killer😜).

TIDBITS + TAPAS 🤔

Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve comprises one of Hong Kong’s most mature secondary forests. Flora and fauna abound here, thanks to a decision around 100 years ago to afforest the area to the stage it was awarded nature reserve status in 1977. The array of animal and plant life is impressive; 110+ species of trees 🌳, 160 of birds 🐦, 100+ of butterflies 🦋, 50+ species of dragon flies 🐉🪰! It’s here that HK’s most elusive wildlife also reside; the leopard cat 🐆and barking deer 🦌(what we wouldn’t give to spot those). Anyway, I think you get the picture. HK isn’t renowned for its wildlife, making this place all the more special.

NEW RECRUIT ❓

Where to start? If only we’d spotted one 🤷‍♂️