Overview & fast facts
As of June 2019, Robin’s Nest has been designated a country park, marking a huge victory for historic preservationist, environmentalist, and conservationist efforts. Standing at 492 metres above sea level, Robin’s Nest is the highest peak in northern New Territories and boasts a bird’s-eye view of Sha Tau Kok and farmlands on the Hong Kong side, and the Shenzhen metropolis on the other side.
Robin’s Nest Country Park hosts over 650 species of animals and plants, including the endangered Chinese grassbird—90 percent of its population living in the park. The ecological significance of Robin’s Nest makes this hike excellent for those who are scientifically or environmentally curious! Aside from biodiversity, the hills and valleys that make up the country park also host hidden pockets of World War II and mining relics, with abandoned war shelters and houses along the way for exploration.
Tips for this hike: Aside from the general hiking advice, do wear long pants and consider bringing gloves and a hiking stick. The path through the mountains are relatively overgrown and holds a high potential of cutting and scratching your legs. Likewise, the ascents will require gripping at long grass and branches or tree trunks for balance, and descending on the mountain tops means shuffling down dusty paths that flat running shoes may struggle to find grip on. Come prepared!
Distance: 7 kilometres approx.
Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult
Total ascent: 492 meters approx.
Total time: 4.5 to 5 hours approx.