Introduction:
Stage Nine lies through the hilly country west of Route Twisk. Winding through Tai Lam Country Park (5,370 hectares), the Trail runs along the line of hills that separates Tsuen Wan from the Yuen Long-Shek Kong valley.

The route starts at Tsuen Kam Au, beside Route Twisk, and heads south-west through the hills. Halfway along this stage, Ho Pui Reservoir is seen off to the right, nestling in a deep valley. The track then descends from the ridges, and winds through the woodland. Stage Nine ends at the old village at Tin Fu Tsai, two kilometres from the head of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir.

Near Route Twisk a plaque commemorates the opening of the MacLehose Trail -- by Sir Murray MacLehose on 26 October 1979. More than anyone else, Governor MacLehose inspired government to establish the Country Parks in the 1970s.

Tai Lam Country Park, through which this stage runs, is the second largest Hong Kong Country Park. It forms a large -- and invaluable -- buffer of natural country between the development around Tsuen Wan and in the Yuen Long valley. Woodland paths skirt the high land, looking over the development -- and out towards Deep Bay and the Pearl River estuary.

Transport Access:
Bus 51 running from Tsuen Wan to Shek Kong enroutes Tsuen Kam Au. Supplies are available from the kiosk at Rotary Club Park.

Two camp sites are available along this section, one at Tsuen Kam Au close to the Twisk management centre. Further along the forest trails, the Tin Fu Chai Camp Site is around 7 km from Tsuen Kam Au.