MacRitchie Trail via Windsor Nature Park and Rifle Range Road

 

Windsor Nature Park

 

Windsor Nature Park
From Thomson Plaza we walked north along Upper Thomson Road to Venus Drive where we turned into the car-park. We walked to the end of the car-park for the trailhead at Venus Loop.
We walked along this until the first junction where we turned right into the Squirrel Trail. We kept  walking until the entrance to the boardwalk. We climbed the steps to the raised boardwalk. One could also follow the earth trail that runs parallel to the boardwalk as it would eventually meet at the final junction of the boardwalk. At the end of the platform boardwalk we turned left and followed signage for the Ranger Station. Here we continued on the road. 

 

Raised boardwalk

  

Trails to the Ranger Station
We skipped the first trail on the left as it would lead us to the MacRitchie Reservoir entrance.
The next three turning would all lead to the Ranger Station. The first is the longest and is part of the Terentang Trail. Eventually this trail would reach a bend with a number of large stones behind which would be the start of an obscure trail to the Shinto Shrine. Recently two teenagers lost their way while looking for it. They were rescued by the police and rangers by boat. They were located using a British app called what3words. Basically every 3m by 3m place on earth is given a combination of 3 words. The app would give 3 words to your current location which rescuers could use to find you. See https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app/
The next trail is meant for those returning from the TreeTop Walk to Venus Drive. The intention is to separate the crowds on weekends.
We however preferred the third trail which we call the employees entrance to the Ranger Station. This is the shortest way to the Ranger Station.
The Ranger Station contains offices for the staff, toilets and water cooler - a pleasant stop before people venture for the TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk is closed until 2Q next year for repairs and improvement.

 

Ranger Station

  

Pipeline Trail (Rifle Range Link)
After a short break at the Ranger Station we continued on the Terentang Trail and Sime Track to the pipeline trail that will lead us to Rifle Range Road. To reach the trail we turned right after Petaling Hut and after crossing the bridge over a small stream. The stream contains water from the spillway releasing water from Upper Peirce Reservoir
Along this trail we had to cross another stream. We used to get our shoes wet but recently stones were placed here allowing us to keep our shoes dry. Finally we reached the beginning of the pipeline trail. It runs along the security fence of ST Kinetics. This trail is interesting as it has several undulating slopes to tackle. Efforts are now ongoing to fill up some of the cracks along the trail eroded by rain water.

Rifle Range Road
Just before accessing Rifle Range Road we had a short water break than started the final hike along the road to Jalan Anak Bukit.
Along here we passed the satellite station before walking above the Bukit Timah Expressway.
Just before the Jalan Anak Bukit Flyover we walked past the Rifle Range Nature Park being under construction.
At the end of the road we managed to experience a short part of the improved rail corridor with its brownish hard surface. Finally we emerged onto Jalan Anak Bukit and crossed over to Beauty World where we ended our walk.

Our Route

Map data ©2020 Google, URA

 

 

Chestnut Nature Park

Chestnut Nature Park
Our hike would start from Bukit Panjang Food Centre to the Chestnut Nature Park via the Nature Trail and back to the starting point via Zhenghua Park a distance of about 8.5km.
Chestnut Nature Park consists of two areas the Chestnut Nature Park North and Chestnut Nature Park South separated by Chestnut Avenue. Each area has its own dual sets of separate hiking and biking trails. The hiking trails have total distance of 5.6km and the biking trails 8.2km.

Chestnut Point

The Route
We walked along Bukit Panjang Road turned left along Bangkit Road and right into the carpark at Block 271. We passed the Pipeline Trail toward Zhenghua Park. There is a track that leads under the Bukit Timah Expressway. After that we took the right trail leading uphill to the Northern Trail.

We walked along this past the Bangkit Shelter and moved in an easterly direction until Piper Hut where we turned south. The previous Chestnut Track had been reshaped into a bike and walking trails.

Nature Trail

Eventually we reached Chestnut Ave where we turned right toward the Visitor's Centre now named Chestnut Point just a short distance away. Here there are toilet facilities where we could also refill our water bottles. There is a bike rental shop here as well as vending machines. Cyclists can also wash their bikes after their rides.

Chestnut Nature Park North
We took the Nature trail that was newly opened in February. This trail lies besides the Bukit Panjang Exit of the Bukit Timah Expresswway. There were a couple of new bridges spanning the streams. There is also a fallen log where we could walk on it as part of the walking trail. One should check the map board to ensure he is going in the right direction or end up in an endless loop. On the day of our walk we came across a number of hikers here to check out the trail one week after its official opening. After finishing the Northern Nature walking trail we returned to Chestnut Point.

Northern Nature Trail

Chestnut Nature Park South
After a short rest we proceeded to the southern section to enjoy the walking trail there. This trail is 2km long. It was opened in 2016.

Southern Nature Trail

The first half of the trail runs roughly parallel to the BKE then turn back in a northerly direction back to Chestnut Ave. There are two rest huts along this trail. When we returned to Chestnut Ave we walked along it until Zhenghua Park where we turned right to walk toward Bukit Panjang where we ended our walk.

Mapboard at Chestnut Point

 

Related Posts
Pipeline Trail from Bukit Panjang to Woodlands
The Pipeline Trail 

GPS Track

Map data ©2017 Google, Urban Redevelopment Authority

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

Related Posts
The Pipeline Trail

Gangsa Bike Track

Trail under the BKE

The Gangsa Bike Track

It runs north south next to the Bukit Timah Expressway BKE and stretches from Chestnut Ave to connect with the Central Catchment Park Connector to Mandai Road. It is popular with both bikers and hikers.

At the southern end is Gangsa Hill where mountain bikers practise their jumps and other stunts.

The Route

The route described here will take us along the Gangsa Track northward to the Central Catchment Park Connector to Mandai Road then back along the Bukit Timah Pipeline Trail to Bukit Panjang.

We accessed the trail from Bukit Panjang Road near Block 276 where there is a footpath leading to Zhenghua Park and here we turned right and almost immediately turned left to go under the BKE.

Leading to the Gangsa Track

After the BKE is a vegetable and fruit garden tended by nearby residents. They maintained a rest area under the BKE to relax with their stray dogs and while away their time. This area used to be more widely farmed but some of the gardeners have migrated to the community gardens nearby.

We turned left along the trail and crossed a small drain and proceeded to walk uphill northward. Part of the track was formerly a kampong road but now the jungle had overgrown and provided a canopy to shelter us from the sun. Occasionally a lone cyclist or two passed us by.

Eventually we walked beside the Kranji Expressway KJE junction where there were some exposed stretches. Then we came to a junction with a road leading east to a pumping station.

Gangsa Track

We continued walking straight onto the Central Catchment Park Connector. This was built to allow us to experience nature and keep us away from Track 15 used by the Army to get to the Rifle Range nearby. On some days we could hear the sound of firearms.

There are a few durian trees along this part of the trail and when in season you can see the fruits hanging from the branches.

The Pipeline Trail

When we arrived at Mandai Road we turned left and walked past the Mandai Camp II to the pipeline control valves enclosure next to the camp. We located a path next to the enclosure and got on to the Pipeline Trail. It was uphill for about 400m through open grassland. On the right of us is a forested area inhabited by a man who loved living alone and growing fruits and vegetables. There are a few durian trees here and the nearby residents would come for the fruits when in season.

This trail continued under the BKE on the west side. Here it is undulating and eventually we arrived at the KJE junction. Just after walking under the KJE we reached Zhenghua Park. We followed its trail which was paved and offered occasional shade from the sun. And we came across a man collecting water from a spring just above the drain. He claimed that the water has health benefits.

We finally arrived at Bukit Panjang Road where we ended our walk and replenished our depleted salts with a refreshing 100plus.

Related Posts
Chestnut Nature Park

Route Map

Map data ©2017 Google, Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Pipeline Trail

The Pipeline Trail
The trail is the result of the passage of several pipelines that bring in water from Johor in Malaysia to Singapore. Three pipelines can be seen on the causeway joining the two countries continuing all the way to the Dempsey Road area. Most of the pipelines are buried with the ground above kept free from trees but covered with grass. Some sections are exposed when crossing streams/drains. These exposed sections can be seen in Google Earth.

The trail begins at Marsiling in a southerly direction to Farrer Road. Our walk took us from Marsiling to Rifle Range Road where we would divert through the Durian Loop (a former durian plantation) to check for durians. The length of the walk would be 12km.

Woodlands 
We started our walk on the trail next to Woodlands St 41. As this street turned south we could see the trail as we walked along it. To access the trail we followed the well-trodden footpath next to the fence that was opposite block 413A. About 250m away we came across the first exposed pipes. One of these allowed us to walk on it to cross over the low lying area.

Start of the trail at Woodlands St 41

We stepped around a fenced-up area protecting control valves just before walking under the SLE heading south. After this, we noticed durian trees on our left. Again there was a slight delay to search for durians. We met a guy who had been waiting and was rewarded with three fruits which he claimed tasted good. He suggested we go further south near the highway crossing where there were plenty of fruits. We left him and continued southward. We believed that this guy was just trying to get rid of us.

First set of exposed pipes

The next set of pipeline crossing was about 400m from the SLE and were about 170m long. It was exciting walking across these. There was no danger walking on these as they were about 5 feet in diameter but a fall could be nasty.

Mandai Road
The approach to Mandai Road was steep but manageable. We crossed this road at the traffic light and proceeded back to the trail, but were blocked by fences. So we skirted along the access road to the BKE and spotted a footpath in the undergrowth. At the end of the path was the trail again but the area here being low-lying was muddy. There were bamboo poles lying on the ground. These helped prevent us from getting too dirty.

Up the slope of the trail we proceeded and were rewarded with a breath-taking view at the top of the hill. This spot overlooked the army transport base and the BKE ahead of us. We took a short rest here.

About 400m further, the pipeline crossed under the BKE, resuming its southward heading on the right side of the highway, as we looked south.

Looking towards KJE

There was a dirt road immediately after this with lorries carrying soil moving along it. I accidentally stepped into a drain that was overgrown with wild grass but except for some dirt and minor scratches was okay. About 1km further south we crossed under the KJE. Immediately after this was the Segar Road Estate. We had a break at a coffee-shop that was situated in the newly-built Zhenghua Community Club at the east junction of Segar Road and Bt Panjang Ring Rd.

Zhenghua Park
After the break, we proceeded south along the Ring Rd and rejoined the trail at the fence on the north side of Greenridge Sec School. The drop to the trail was steep so we relied on the fencing to support us as we climbed down the slope. There was the Bukit Panjang Park Connector parallel to the trail so we followed it instead as it was paved. The Park Connector Network is a series of track for hikers and cyclists usually along canals/parks linking parks in different parts of the island. After about 500m we arrived at the Zhenghua Park. There was a track that went under the BKE on the left leading to the Gangsa Bike Trail. We continued southwards along the track crossing the Bt Panjang Rd. Since leaving the school, we had been following the shaded paved track that parallel the exposed pipeline trail. 300m away we crossed Chestnut Ave. This is an access road for the pumping station at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Another 300m we crossed Dairy Farm Rd using a path that went under the road.

Zhenghua Park

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The track became the Belukar Track of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, part of the bike trail that ran along the border of the reserve. After 1km the bike trail turned right. This is where we left the bike trail and rejoined the pipeline trail that headed for Rifle Range Road. After crossing Rifle Range Road the trail followed the boundary of the Murnane Reservoir and on to Kg Chantek Road. We explored the Durian Loop to check for durians but we were too late in the season as there were no more fruits on the trees. We continued on to Kg Chantek Road and took a rest at the coffee shop at Binjai Park, then to Bt Timah Road where we took the bus for home.

Near Rifle Range Road

The Route

Map data ©2017 Google

See Also:
Pipeline Trail from Bukit Panjang to Woodlands
Admiralty Park to Sembawang
Woodcutter Trail
Woodlands Town to Bukit Panjang via Ulu Sembawang Park Connector