Tai Po Kau、Yuen Tun Ha、Lead Mine Pass、Wilson Seven、Shing Mun Reservoir

Lead Mine Pass

【Lead Mine Pass】 is the mid-point of the path from Tai Po to Tusen Wan. It derives its name from, a lead mine near the pass which went out of the economic production before the lease of the New Territories in 1898.

From Yuen Tun Ha

Lead was the first mineral to be mined on an economic scale in the New Territories and it is believed that it was used for debasing coins. The mineral appears locally is the form of galena (PbS) but of rather inferior quality.

The hill slopes on both sides of the pass were used extensively for the growing of tea until late 19 century. Some stone wall of the tea terraces can be seen especially after hill fires.


【Wilson Trail Seven】

Wilson Trail Seven 1

Wilson Trail Seven 2

Highlights of this trail are the views from Tai Mo Shan (957m), Hong Kong's highest mountain, from Tai Po, Lead Mine Pass. Vistors can see the nearby Plover Cove Reservoir, Tolo Harbour; towards Lantau and Tsing Yi Island.

The summit of Tai Mo Shan itself is cloudy most of the time. It is closed, but nearby are enough lookout points.
 

Lead Mine Pass: Middle point between Tai Po and Tusen Wan

【Minerals】
Those who enjoy walking in the country parks (Maclehose or Wilson Trails) will be familiar with Lead Mine Pass; the pass linking Tai Po and Tsuen Wan. Why is it called Lead Mine Pass, where is the mine?

CEDD provide a record of all the mineral occurrences and mining activates in Hong Kong (Note 1). When superimposed on today’s mapping, the closest mineral workings to Lead Mine Pass are those at Needle Hill, at the foot of the Shing Mun Valley that leads to the pass.


Route Details: 
Start Point : Tai Po Kau (Tai Po Market Station)
End  Point : Shing Mun Reservior
Distance  : 10.5 km, 5 hours
Difficulty  : Easy Walk

Road Map

【Other Details】
http://industrialhistoryhk.org/lead-pass/
http://www.hikingtrail.hk/en/book_of_trails-en-1135

Picture By Frankie