Hiking Hong Kong: What are the main trails?
By Michelle Kwan | Intern, Mind HK and Medical Student, HKU
With the pandemic restrictions in place, we’ve been given the opportunity to explore what Hong Kong has to offer! With 75% of the city being green, there really are many spots for us to visit. Our city’s very own “Big Four Trails” are a great place to start!
Hong Kong Trail
Hong Kong Trail is 50 km long and connects five country parks on Hong Kong Island. The trail consists of 8 sections; you can always do one or a few sections at a time, or challenge yourself to do all 8 sections at one go! Starting from the Peak Tower on Victoria Peak, enjoy the amazing view of the city. It is a great opportunity for you to take scenic harbour photos and share on your social media! Most of the Trail is fairly easy, except for Section 5, which is from Wong Nai Chung Road to Mount Parker Road, which takes more to tackle. However, the breathtaking view of the Victoria Harbour, Quarry Bay, Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler certainly makes it worth it. The last section of the Trail is the well-known“Dragons Back”; notorious for its incredible views, the hike is accompanied by natural scenery, and brings you to serene.
Check out these hikes:
- Hong Kong Trail Stage 1: https://www.hiking-hong-kong.com/hong-kong-trail-stage-1/
- Hong Kong Trail: https://www.droneandphone.com/hong-kong-trail
Lantau Trail
The 70 -kilometre Lantau Trail starts and ends at Mui Wo and has 12 sections, many of which are fairly difficult and steep. What makes this trail different is its unique landscapes. The trail includes two peaks on Lantau Island: Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak. Have your camera ready and appreciate the captivating views of Tung Chung from Lantau Peak. Sunset Peak, as the name suggests, is a great place to enjoy the beautiful evening sunset. Sunset Peak’s silvergrass fields are also picturesque. Other highlights of the Trail include the Big Buddha Statue in Ngong Ping and the old fishing village in Tai O, which are great spots to understand the culture and history of Hong Kong as a multicultural society, which started off as a tiny fishing village.
Check out these hikes:
- Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Lantau Trail: http://www.arounddb.com/life-on-lantau-articles/walkabout/trailblazing-sections-1-2-and-3-of-the-lantau-trail/
- Beautiful Coastal Walk with Secret Beaches: Lantau Trail Section 7, Tai O: https://hkfiles.org/2017/02/02/beautiful-coastal-walk-with-secret-beaches-lantau-trail-section-7-tai-o/
- Shui Hau Village to Shek Pik Reservoir Lantau Trail Section 9: https://droneandslr.com/travel-blog/hong-kong/shui-hau-village-to-shek-pik-reservoir-hike/
Wilson Trail
The Wilson Trail takes you from the south to the north of Hong Kong. It is 70 km long, with 63 km running through eight country parks, and includes 10 sections. It begins in Stanley, passes Quarry Bay and Yau Tong. The trail then continues by heading up to the Devil‘s Peak and Black Hill. After passing Shing Mun Reservoir is the most challenging part of the trail — a tough climb up Cloudy Hill and Pat Sin Leng. The trail finally ends in Nam Chung Village. This trail features wartime heritage, Jardine’s Lookout, mountain streams and Amah Rock. You may also see the skyscrapers of Shenzhen when climbing Pat Sin Leng and arriving at the final destination, Nam Chung Village, which is only a few kilometres away from the borders of China.
Check out these hikes:
- Hong Kong’s Wartime Hike: Stage Two of the Wilson Trail: https://zolimacitymag.com/hong-kongs-wartime-hike-stage-two-of-the-wilson-trail/
- Wilson Trail Stage 4: Tung Yeung Shan — an unexpected silver grass heaven: https://www.laughtraveleat.com/asia/wilson-trail-stage-4-tung-yeung-shan-an-unexpected-silver-grass-heaven/
MacLehose Trail
The MacLehose Trail is the oldest trail in Hong Kong and is known for its beauty. It is named after the 25th Governor of Hong Kong, who was a great hiking enthusiast. The MacLehose Trail is 100 km long and consists of 10 sections, beginning from Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung and ending at Tai Lam Country Park in Tuen Mun. The trail passes through eight country parks in Hong Kong and allows you to explore the New Territories from the east to the west. Along the Trail, there are a range of easy family walks and more intense, steep climbs. For example, the Lion Rock and the highest peak in Hong Kong, Tai Mo Shan, are no easy feat. You will also pass through several reservoirs, such as Shing Mun Reservoir and High Island Reservoir. Named as one of the best hikes in the world by the National Geographic Society, this trail requires a certain level of fitness to be able to complete. However, we guarantee that the stunning views are definitely worthwhile.
Check out these hikes:
- The Three Mountains of MacLehose Stage 3 (Long & Challenging Hike): https://hkfiles.org/2018/03/29/the-three-mountains-of-maclehose-stage-3-long-challenging-hike/
- MacLehose Trail Stage 4 — Shui Long Wo: https://www.laughtraveleat.com/asia/shui-long-wo-maclehose-trail-stage-4/
- MacLehose Trail Section 6: Kowloon Reservoirs: https://www.visionsoftravel.org/maclehose-trail-stage-six-kowloon-reservoirs/
Hiking not only allows us to discover the beauty of the city; being nature also benefits our physical and mental health. This February, why don’t we try something new — exercise in nature, starting with these trails.
This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Sign up for ‘Move It for Mental Health’ Campaign: www.moveithk.com
Read more:
Ideas to help you get started on your #50kmNatureChallenge: https://medium.com/mindhk/ideas-to-help-you-get-started-on-your-50kmnaturechallenge-2bd54a0b3a77?source=collection_detail----af8f9c5821da-----0-----------------------
Safety
At Mind HK, safety is always our top priority. Given the flu season and Coronavirus outbreak, we ask all ‘#MoveItHK’ participants to take extra safety precautions during this time and follow government guidelines. At all times, we encourage you to take extra precautions: wash your hands before and after working out, wear a mask when in the community or in crowded areas, avoid hiking in groups and in crowded areas, and refer to government guidelines: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/index.html.
Learn more about Nature and Mental Health: https://www.mind.org.hk/mental-health-a-to-z/nature-and-mental-health/how-can-nature-benefit-my-mental-health/
Managing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.mind.org.hk/mental-health-a-to-z/covid-19/managing-mental-health-staying-well-during-a-virus-outbreak/
For a list of emergency contacts, please visit: www.mind.org.hk/find-help-now/
For other local mental health services, please visit our Community Directory: www.mind.org.hk/community-directory/
For more information on mental health in Hong Kong, please visit: https://www.mind.org.hk/mental-health-in-hong-kong/
For more information on seeking help in Hong Kong, please visit: https://www.mind.org.hk/getting-help/
Questions? Email the team at media@mind.org.hk .
