Introduction:
Stage Seven, the Trail's second shortest section, is memorable for its ridgetop views. Set in Shing Mun Country Park (1,400 hectares), the Trail looks over Sha Tin valley -- and over the reservoir-filled bowl of the Shing Mun valley.

The route starts at the impressive main dam of Shing Mun Reservoir. From there it ascends some rough, gravelly slopes leading up to Needle Hill, before making a steep descent down the other side. The route, now a road, continues on to Grassy Hill, 647 metres -- with superb panoramas. Finally, after a gradual descent by road from Grassy Hill, Stage Seven ends at Lead Mine Pass.

The Trail looks over Shing Mun Reservoir, completed in 1936 and then one of the world's largest water storages. Seventy hectares of fields and eight Hakka villages were submerged under the reservoir, and 855 villagers had to be re-settled elsewhere. Two high dams enclose Shing Mun Reservoir, which can hold up to 13 million cubic metres of water.

At the reservoir's south end is an excellent Country Parks visitors centre, with displays showing both natural and human heritage -- and the Shing Mun vegetation. The valley highlights the benefits of widespread, extremely effective government reforestation. Photos show that in the post-war years Shing Mun valley was almost devoid of trees -- but today woodland spreads far up the slopes of Tai Mo Shan. Much of this woodland results from plantations of introduced species, but it is now helped by natural propogation from old feng shui woods -- enriching the valley with native plant species.

Transport Access:
Minibus 82 runs to MTR Tsuen Wan Station, this minibus station is about 1 km from the end point of this section. There is a flushing toilet and a camp site at Lead Mine Pass.

A food kiosk is located just next to the minibus station.