City One (Sha Tin) to Pak Sha Wan (Sai Kung), via West Buffalo Hill (西水牛山) & Buffalo Hill (水牛山)

Duration:  9 km (4.5h)

Difficulty: 7/10. 552m elevation gain. 

Cel phone coverage: Everywhere

Water needs: 1.5 liters. 70% shaded. 

Appreciation: 8/10

Map & Details: https://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/4769996008/

Exercise Area: No

Transportation:  City One MTR station, Exit 'D'. Return via bus available at the end of the trail (92, 96R, 101M, others).

Why it's worth it:

-------------------------------

Exit 'D' at City One MTR station, Ma On Shan line

Turn left onto Chap Wai Kon street immediately upon exiting the MTR station

Turn-right on Siu Lek Yuen Rd, crossing the street. That's about 3-5 minutes into the hike (400m)

Take the tunnel to cross Shat Tin Wai road. 0.8 km and 12 minutes in.

About 25 minutes from City One exit 'D', you arrive at this bus stop which is also the beginning of the hike proper (this and the next 2 pictures). Go around the bus stop... (who can also take the stairs there, same difference)

Around...

Then there's this gentle slope to the trail head

Trail head. Follow the sign in the direction of West Buffalo Hill

Stay on the left on the path

Head right on the village road, and stay on this road for a few minutes...

Until you reach this point with a sign pointed (not very well actually) to the path to West Buffalo Hill. Take the path sloping up on your left.

Then just a few meters after, you'll see this fork. Take a left.

After a 15-20 minutes mostly uphill climb (about 700m distance), you will reach this point where you must head left and up in a somewhat hidden path. It is not obvious to fing if you are not paying attention. Note the 2 trees in the middle of the main path which will be your indicator that you are at the right spot to branch off the main path and onto the 'secret path'

You will reach this point where the 'secret path' meets the main path (on the right). That is about 2 hours into your hike (from Exit 'D') and about 4.2km distance. Obviously, don't go right. Rather, go slightly left and straight towards the top of the hill.
You will reach West Buffalo Hill within 20-30 minutes.

Buffalo Hill. The path down is beyond the rocks. It is quite slippery and steep at times

At the bottom of the hill, you will intersect Maclehose Section 4.
Head right and go for about 5-10m...

... you will then see this sign on your left pointing to Sam Fai Tin, take that path.
The path is clear all the way to the end. You have another hour, hour and a half to go

You will eventually reach your destination, Hiram's highway. You will see the bus stop going back to the city immediately to your right