Pipeline Trail from Bukit Panjang to Woodlands

Pipeline Trail

For this walk we revisited part of the Pipeline Trail that runs from the Causeway to Rifle Range Road parallel to the Bukit Timah Expressway BKE.

Central Catchment Park Connector
As usual we started from the end of Bukit Panjang Road by way of Zenghua Park and following a trail that led under the BKE. Just after the BKE, we took the trail that veered to the left and turned northward. This is the Gangsa Track used by both hikers and bikers to get to the Central Catchment Park Connector.

Bamboo grove on the Central Catchment Park Connector

Along the way we skirted the occasional puddles left by the recent thunderstorms. One of our hikers had a field day adding more photos of butterflies to his collection. Some of these were rare according to him. We enjoyed calling for his attention whenever we sighted any along the way. At times we also helped to take some photos if he was not nearby or to avoid disturbing the butterflies with our excessive movement. Once I had to keep still as three different species chose to dance around next to my feet. My friend managed to capture them on video dancing for us.

It was a hot day and we encountered only 2 hikers and 2 bikers. We saw the 2 bikers again after they reached their destination and turned around for the return trip. These were local bikers and we exchanged friendly greetings and words of encouragement.

When we arrived at Mandai Road, we had a brief water stop near the Shimano repair station. Then we turned left to walk past the army camp to the traffic light to cross to the northern part of the road. When we arrived at the trail we turned left to climb up the slope.

At Seletar Expressway

The Pipeline Trail
From here to Woodlands St 41, we would come across 3 sets of exposed pipes. On the first one, near Lorong Asrama, and the third one, near the American School, we had to cross over on one of the pipes. For the second set, under the Seletar Expressway, we could skirt around them. Just after crossing the first set of pipes, we could see durian trees in the forest on our right. We could see the remnants of the fruits from the past season. Some pickers must have enjoyed a feast months ago. We did not see any flowers or fruits on the trees as the durian season was over.

Exposed pipelines along the trail

The trail near the American School was usually muddy but because the day was hot, the trail was relatively dry except where we exit near St 41. When we encountered these soft patches, we quickly turned toward higher ground which was better drained.

By the time we reached Woodlands St 41, we were hot and thirsty. The coffee-shop at Ave 1 was a welcome sight. The first thing we had was 100Plus to replenish the salts lost during our walk. Distance walked was about 9km.

The Route

Map data ©2017 Google, Urban Redevelopment Authority

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