BIG DAY OUT

BRIDE’S POOL Take the kids on a ghostly hike this Halloween

While social distancing is likely to put a dampener on trick or treating this Halloween, there are still plenty of ways to get into the ‘spirit’ of things. Located in the northeastern New Territories in Plover Cove Country Park, Bride’s Pool is a scenic area made up of several waterfalls and pools. While this whimsical location may sound like the perfect day out, the tale behind its name may stop you in your tracks.

Legend has it that the pool is named after a bride who crossed the stream in a sedan chair en route to her wedding. One of her servants slipped on the rocks, sending her tumbling to her death. Some say she still haunts the area and nearby Mirror Pool, making the falls a feature on lists of spooky places in Hong Kong. The pool also joins a long catalogue of waterfalls named after wives-to-be, presumably because a cascade of white water reminds onlookers of a white bridal veil.

The waterfall is about 15 metres high and the plunge pool at its base is two metres deep, which makes 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. It also means you can keep cans cool by storing them in the stream – an old camping trick.

The stream is home to tadpoles, spiders, frogs, fish, birds and dragonflies, and is in one of the best areas for spotting butterflies in Hong Kong. There are snakes, pangolins and porcupines in the park, though you’re unlikely to see them. The walk to Bride’s Pool is easy enough for all ages, and takes about 15 minutes. 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.

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.

Casading falls at Bride’s Pool

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.