Introduction:
Section Three crosses some of Hong Kong's least visited uplands -- the hills and peaks between Pak Tam Au and Three Fathoms Cove (Kei Ling Ha Hoi). Here the Trail runs through Sai Kung West Country Park (3,000 hectares).

From Pak Tam Au the route climbs towards Ngam Tau Shan. Once in the uplands there are memorable views in almost every direction: east to the ocean coast, north across Tolo Channel, west to Tai Po, and south to Ma On Shan. Section Three includes some very strenuous climbs over three mountains, each almost 400 metres high: Wa Mei Shan, Lui Ta Shek, and Kai Kung Shan.

Scattered through these uplands are Hakka villages. Hiking the region today, the land seems far too steep for growing crops. However, throughout the hills, half-hidden under grasses or shrubs are the remains of stone-walled farming terraces. On them, not so long ago, tea and indigo grew on the higher slopes, peanuts and vegetables lower down, and rice wherever water was plentiful.

These uplands, once very remote from the central New Territories, were the last parts of rural Hong Kong to be settled. Until then, like most of the region, the area was wooded; but Hakka villagers, settling and farming the land, cut back the native forests. The resulting loss of habitats led to a decline in fauna, especially of larger mammals such as South China tigers, barking deer and wild boars. Smaller mammals, such as badgers, civets, pangolins and porcupines retreated into the remaining woodland areas.

Transport Access:
To access Shui Long Wo of Kei Ling Ha along Sai Sha Road take bus 299 from Sha Tin or Sai Kung Town.

The village kiosk at Cheung Sheung opens irregularly on Weekdays but mostly on Sundays and Public Holidays.