How to hike Bride’s Pool
A short and easy hike with views of a plunging waterfall and natural poolLocated near Tai Mei Tuk in the New Territories, Bride’s Pool boasts a 15-metres high waterfall and a two-metres deep plunge pool at its base, making this a serene swimming spot. You can barbecue at one of the multiple sites above the falls, but picnicking gets you closer to the water. This also means you can keep cans cool by storing them in the stream. The hike to Bride’s Pool is easy enough for all ages and takes about only 15 minutes.
How to get there
By bus or minibus: From Tai Po Market Station, take exit A3 to the light bus terminal. The 20R bus route runs from the station to Wu Kau Tang via Bride’s Pool. Buses run once an hour, from 6.40am to 8.15pm. On Sundays and public holidays, bus 275R runs from the station directly to the pool. Alternatively, take minibus 20C to Tai Mei Tuk and a taxi to Bride’s Pool.
By bike: Rent a bicycle from Tai Mei Tuk and cycle about five kilometres to the falls. It’s uphill all the way, so you’ll have to decide if a swim at Bride’s Pool and whizzing back down afterwards is worth the effort. Tai Mei Tuk is the last stop on the waterfront cycling route around Tolo Harbour from Sha Tin, the length of which is about 20 kilometres one-way. This may be a bit of a challenge in the sticky season, but it’s a great day out on cooler days.
By foot: Various hikes start and end on Bride’s Pool Road. You can walk to the pool from Wu Kau Tang Village, which is less than a kilometre away, or take the four-kilometre Pat Sing Leng trail from Tai Mei Tuk, which takes two to three hours.
The route
Start from the Bride’s Pool Barbecue Site car park and cut left through the first barbecue area. Follow the trail down to the water and then make your way up the ravine. Feet will get wet and rocks will be slippery after a downpour, so wear waterproofs. The Bride’s Pool Nature Trail takes you to the top of the waterfall, which provides a view, but is not a good lunch spot.
Read more: 5 easy Hong Kong hiking trails for beginners
Bonus: Dragon Ball Waterfall
Those wanting to see some of the other waterfalls in the area can make Bride’s Pool a pit-stop on a circular canyoning route along Wang Chung Stream, stopping to swim at the Dragon Ball Waterfall and various pot-holed pools along the way.
The Dragon Ball falls are 35 metres high, and among the most impressive in the area. Swim in the pool below, or follow the stream to a wider, clearer swimming hole known as Dragon Ball Pool. You can bypass the larger cascades by following the marked route, rather than climbing the falls.
Although you don’t need serious gear, this route requires some clambering and bouldering, so prepare to carry all your kit on your back.
To take this route, start on the opposite side of the road from the barbecue site car park and walk downhill until you see the stream on your right. Follow the stream until it connects with Pin Seng Leng Nature Trail, which you can follow to Bride’s Pool or Tai Mei Tuk.
