Stretching over 100 kilometers through the Highlands of the New Territories northeast of Kowloon from the Sai Kung peninsula to the Tai Lam mountain range, MacLehose Trail is thankfully divided into ten stages so if you aren't up for the full 48 hours of hiking, you can take it in bits and pieces and make the hike as short or as long as you like. 

Named after one of the the territory's last colonial governors, Murray MacLehose, the trail meanders through the incredible wilderness scenery of Hong Kong's highest peaks and rolling hills that slide down into deserted white sand beaches and hidden coves. 

The trail is fairly well-marked and mapped, but it's still recommended to bring a map or guidebook or at least to have a good idea how long you plan to hike for. 

The trail's coastal scenery is reminiscent of South Africa's Garden Route or the beautiful rugged coastline of northeastern Australia. When hiking the trail, it's hard to believe that you're within easy reach of one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. 

Every year in November, the Oxfam Trailwalker event takes place on MacLehose Trail and participants hike the whole 100 kilometers of the trail for charity. Since 1986, the Trailwalkers have raised over $158 million Hong Kong dollars in support of Oxfam's many projects. Many people time their trip to Hong Kong in order to participate in this exciting (and challenging) annual event. You can enter your application for the event starting in May each year.

Stage 2 of MacLehose Trail from Long Ke to Pak Tam Au makes for a great daytrip from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Be sure to wear hiking shoes and pack water. It's also possible to camp for free on the deserted beach at Long Ke Wan campsite and you can even rent tents there.  

There are restaurants and boat pick-ups along the way, but it makes sense to plan your trip so that you know roughly how long it will take and where you plan to end it. 

Note: Stage 3 and 4 are the most challenging and steep areas of the trail. 

1. Pak Tam Chung to Long Ke (10.6 km, 3.0 hrs). 

2. Long Ke to Pak Tam Au (13.5 km, 5.0 hrs). 

3. Pak Tam Au to Kei Ling Ha (10.2 km, 4.0 hrs). 

4. Kei Ling Ha to Tai Lo Shan (12.7 km, 5.0 hrs). 

5. Tai Lo Shan to Tai Po Road (10.6 km, 3.0 hrs). 

6. Tai Po Road to Shing Mun (4.6 km, 1.5 hrs). 

7. Shing Mun to Lead Mine Pass (6.2 km, 2.5 hrs). 

8. Lead Mine Pass to Twisk (9.7 km, 4.0 hrs). 

9. Twisk to Tin Fu Tasi (6.3 km, 2.5 hrs). 

10. Tin Fu Tsai to Tsuen Mun (15.6 km, 5.0 hrs).