Hong Kong New Territories: Tai Mo Shan - HK's highest Peak

I have climbed Tai Mo Shan 12 times since I arrived in Hong Kong, 2 years ago. It is Hong Kong's highest peak (957m), and the road to the top serves the Hong Kong Observatory's weather radar station. 

Tai Mo Shan from Hong Kong Harbour

Hong Kong Harbour from Tai Mo Shan

 (Chinese: 大帽山; pinyin: Dàmàoshān / Dàmào Shān; Cantonese: daaih mouh sāān; literally "Big Hat Mountain") 

It is open to road vehicles in the country park to half way up where there is a car park, after that there is a barrier where only cyclists and walkers can pass.  The sign at the barrier says cycles are not permitted, but the guard in the shed by the barrier has not stopped anyone so far.

It is a great ride, my favourite, for the views, for the nice quiet interesting road, and for the challenge of the slope which goes up to 16% in parts.  Very satisfying once you are fit enough to cycle up at a reasonable pace.  I remember the first time I tried it in January 2012.  Had to push my bike some of the way! 

0 to 950m in around 12 kilometres
from Tai Wo Hau MTR station in HK new territories

The usual route is to get an MTR train to Tai Wo Hau or Tsuen Wan on the Tsuen Wan Line.  I find Tau Wo Hau is easier (see route above), although you really have to cycle on the pavement from the station to the roundabout at the foot of Route Twisk; best done early morning to avoid any police. Route Twisk starts at the roundabout, and after 6.3 Kms you turn right into the country park, for the remaining 4.6 Kms to the top.

Distances/Slope:
Route Twisk Roundabout to Country Park entrance:
6.3Kms  average slope 6% Vertical metres 375
Maximum Slope 13%
Route Twisk exit to the Summit:
4.6Kms average slope 9.9% Vertical metres 456 Maximum slope 15.7%

Kiosk at entry to Tai Mo Shan Country Park with the lady who is always there

At top of Route Twisk (so called because it links Tsuen Wan on one side of the hill with Shek Kong on the other side); there is a kiosk up the road on the right (where the car is)

Near the Car Park and Barrier;
observatory visible at top

View of the road coming up to the car park

My favourite part, the series of hairpin bends near the top; need to be careful descending on a bike as the bends are tight and no barriers

View from the top 1: Tsing Yi Island on right; Kowloon on left; West side of HK Island behind

View from the top 2: Kowloon with Hong Kong Island behind

Best weather I have seen here,
very nice road for cyclists….

….and buffalos

Quite docile creatures……(us cyclists)

Dave conquers TMS for the third time

Inevitable Group photo (Mark, Nick, Ian, and Dave) in front of the HK Observatory Weather Radar Station - as the site is restricted you can't climb to the very top, about 20 vertical metres short

Nick and Osman relaxing at the top after a hard climb

Osman, Jay and Sherman 

The views on a clear day are great, you can see the whole of Hong Kong

Looking north to Tai Po and Fanling

Looking towards the Chinese border

View of Tai Po and Tolo Harbour - looking east

Another view North - towards Yuen Long

Looking South East towards the east side of HK Island

So much for today…..

Here are some photos of other days when I climbed Tai Mo Shan when the weather was not so good….

Now we know why there are white lines on the road

Heading back down from the car park

Tai Mo Shan is up there somewhere

Can still be fun when the visibility is down