Introduction:
Now just over halfway along the Wilson Trail’s entire length, the route crosses Shing Mun dam and turns northwards – where Section 7 begins its journey along the reservoir. The valley setting is impressive and, off to the left, Tai Mo Shan’s imposing slopes and summit rise up.

The trail leading around the eastern banks is one of the territory’s most attractive reservoir walks. The water lies close below, the vegetation is varied – and, given the elongated inlets, the path’s turns bring ever-changing vistas. At the start one is looking generally north, across the water to rising wooded slopes. The reservoir itself, edged with orange-brown banks, runs back into narrow inlets ending at stony gullies. Hiking farther on, larger inlets provide views to the south – to the main dam wall and in one place right back to Smuggler’s Ridge. The hillside vegetation becomes richer towards the far end, with fern-filled depressions, canopy trees and – in one place – a curtain of overhanging bamboos. Gully streams enclose lush vegetation, with mosses and lichens.

So the reservoir leads around, with ever changing surroundings and fresh vistas. Towards the northern end its waters narrow. Here one gazes past lagoons to the western shore. Paperbark trees flourish on swampy land, helped by inundations when the reservoir over fills. In spring yellow-flowered acacias colour the hills. Beyond the narrow head of the reservoir a woodland trail wends uphill, amidst tall bamboos. At the top, a stream crosses the path – its shaded rock platform making a pleasant oasis for resting.

Farther on, the woodland is at its most mature and striking. In the densely vegetated gullies, amidst lichen boulders and moss banks, huge elephant ear plants and massed ferns luxuriate.C

Transport Access:
Public Transport Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan station. From Shui Wo Street take Minibus 82 to its terminus below Shing Mun Reservoir. From there it is a 15-minute walk to the start point of Section 7, as described below.

Taxi Distance and Time Kowloon Star Ferry to Shing Mun Reservoir – 14 km, about 30 minutes.

Section Start Point From the Shing Mun Reservoir minibus terminus, bear right and walk up the road for about a kilometre. Go across the main eastern dam. Where the dam ends, turn sharp left. Section 7 starts up the steps (W071).

Section End Point Yuen Tun Ha shelter pavilion, beside a Country Parks map. Continue downhill to the villa houses, where minibuses run to Tai Po Market MTR Station. If you are doing Section 8, it is easiest to take a taxi across to Tai Po Tau Drive – where Section 8 begins the climb to Cloudy Hill. (See Section 8 information.)