A scenic North District hike (Photo-essay)

The North District is the northern-most of Hong Kong's 18 districts, and also one of its largest.  When talking to people, I often get the sense that it's additionally the least visited -- which I think is too bad for those who don't realize that it's home to some scenic spots, including those located within Pat Sin Leng Country Park, which a friend and I checked out on a hike that saw us venturing along the northern section of Section 10 of the Wilson Trail and detouring to Bride's Pool rather than connecting with Section 9 and snaking up the formidable Pat Sin Leng mountain range. 

Its location (closer to mainland China than much of the rest of Hong Kong) has quite a bit to do with many people being disinclined to go up there.  But I have to say that I've enjoyed every hike I've ever gone on in the area, and am often left with an urge to return again before too long. :)

Even before we actually began our hike that day, my friend 

and I already were being treated to some scenic views! :)

Something that strikes me every time I'm in the area is how rural is 

the part of Hong Kong south of the Starling Inlet (aka Sha Tau Kok), 

especially when compared to built-up Shenzhen over on the other side!

 

At Nam Chung are three villages bearing the name of the

area and also their clans (i.e., Yeung, Cheng and Lo)

 

 Also living in Nam Chung was this pretty lepidopteran :b

A splendid view of Nam Chung and beyond 

from the Sir Edward Youde Pavilion

 

 At certain points during the hike, it was best to keep

one's eyes on the path to prevent slip ups... :O

But the wet bits of trail couldn't dampen our spirits since we 

were treated to lovely views of nature for much of the hike!

 

And, actually, some of the paths we went on

that day were very nicely laid out indeed! ;b