Pak Tam Chun trail

A demanding ride with brutal steps, killer climbs and fast winding coastal trails.

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Rules of the Trails

THe way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.

• Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.

• Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!

• Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.

• Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals.

• All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.

• Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Tai Lam Reservoir loop

Trails and roads surounding Tai Lam reservoir create a 22 km loop which in many ways has the most accessible riding in Hong Kong

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Dragon's Back

位於香港島東部的石澳郊野公園龍脊越野單車徑 是港島唯一既合法單車徑。單車友可由連成道轉 哥連臣角道上斜，又可拍車係哥連臣角道中段D 公衆拍車位。上到石澳道，左轉上斜路再轉右直 上就見到入口。

由入口開始，沿路都係泥路同石路，又有好多樹 根，適合新手練習，非常過引。有經驗既車友可 到中段既梯級抬車上山嶺，又推又抬，落斜路段 要睇人，見到行山人士要大聲講早晨，大家要禮 讓。落斜會最後落返涼亭。

如果唔上梯級，直去會到達涼亭。再由原路返回 入口，全程約6.5km，啱哂半日團。

Dragon's Back is a small trail situated in Shek O Country Park, it's the only open trails among all HK island trails

A small dragon lost on a big island
 

The trails is located in Shek O Country Park, it's a section of the Hong Kong Trail (from Tai Tam Gap to To Tei Wan). It's the only trail open to cycling on Hong Kong Island. It's worth a try if you live on the island and don't have time to go beyond it for a ride.

Getting There

Generally, the options are (in order from easiest to hardest);

(1) Get a taxi or hire van to take you to the Tai Tam Gap Correctional institute (aka Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre). This allows you to use, on the trail, the time and energy which you would otherwise use in getting there.

(2) If you are keen to cycle up to the trail, it is easiest to do so from Chai Wan. Make your way to Wan Tsui Road (from Chai Wan MTR, make your way around the roundabout and take the exit toward the Hing Wah Estate). Once on that road, turn left at the first set of traffic lights onto Lin Shing Road. At the t-junction, turn right onto Cape Collinson Road and follow it all the way up until you get to Shek O Road. Turn left and the Institute is a few metres along the road, on your left. While the roads in question are not flat, this should not take most riders more than 20-30 minutes. The other advantages of taking this route are that Cape Collinson Road is one-way, and that there is relatively traffic compared to options (3) and (4). For more information on using the MTR to get around HK with your bike, see the Transportation Guide.

(3) If you want to cycle there from Central - north side - it is much nicer to cross-over to the south side via Wong Nai Chung Gap (road) and to follow Repulse Bay > Beach Road > Stanley Road > Tai Tam. It is unlikely that anyone on an MTB will be able to do this in less than 75 minutes. The penultimate segment alone is a long, grinding ride up Tai Tam Road toward Shek O (from the Tai Tam Reservoir) and will probably take quite a lot out of most riders. At the roundabout, turn right onto Shek O Road and you will see the institute/steps on your left after about 100m.

(3) The other way is to go from Shau Kei Wan through Chai Wan road (6 lines, very steep uphill ride with lots of traffic), followed by a long portion of cycling along Tai Tam Road (slightly less steep uphill, narrow and busy single lane), before turning left at the rounabout.

To the trailhead

To the right of the Correctional Institute driveway you will notice some stone steps. Climb the steps until you come out on road. Ride a short distance and you pass through a gateway. Here you will see a “Bicycles Permitted Sign”

The trail

Turn right onto the start of the trail. This first section is wide and fast, with a few technical sections and stream crossings to negotiate..

After around 15 minutes riding, the trail takes a sharp left turn up a washed-out set of steps to the main Dragon's Back trail. Here you have two options, continue along the contour trail or turn left up the steps to ride the ridgeline

The Contour trail

The contour path that continues relatively smooth and fast with few obstacles and should be followed to its' logical conclusion. You can then return the same way back to the start point or descend the obvious stone steps leading down to the Shek O Road.

The Ridge Line

Alternatively if you are up for something more challenging you can try the ridgeline that is technical and hard going. Climb the washed out steps on the left, once on the ridgeline proper follow the trail as it undulates and descends to the end of the peninsular. At t he end of the trail you need to turn around and ride the trail in reverse.

Download the Trail Finder here:  Trail Finder - Dragon's Back (1.6 MB) or the handy Route Finder:  Route Finder - The Dragons Back (923.9 kB)

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