Hong Kong Trail, launched in 1985, is an approximately 50-kilometre hiking trail with 8 sections and is situated on Hong Kong Island. There are gardens, toilets, pavilions and clear signs along the trail. The trail starts from Victoria Gap (The Peak), going from Island West to Island East, across mountains and reservoirs and ending at Big Wave Bay, Shek O. In 2013, Lonely Planet included the Hong Kong Trail among “Ten of the world's best city hikes” around the world. This popular hiking trail celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2020!
The world-famous Dragon's Back is located at Hong Kong Trail Section 8
Hike the Entire Hong Kong Trail
Hong Kong Trail Section 5 overlaps with Wilson Trail Section 2
Long distance hiking trails are popular and Hong Kong Trail is the easiest among the four long distance trails in Hong Kong; consequently, many people will challenge this trail as their first long hike. Climb across Jardine's Lookout, Mount Butler, Shek O Peak and other mountains, while hiking past Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, Aberdeen Reservoir and Tai Tam Reservoirs. There is a mixture of paved and natural paths, about half of this section passes alongside water catchments, and each section is no more than 10 kilometres in length. There are also plenty of exit points along the trail. As a trail that weaves up and down and around the country parks of Hong Kong Island and adjacent to the busy urbanness, this is a unique trail that allows hikers to feel both in nature and also in the city simultaneously.
Hong Kong Trail Section 3’s distance post H037
Direction signs and “Take Your Litter Home” reminders are set up clearly along the way
Witness the Hundread Year of History
Even if you cannot finish hiking the entire trail in one go, doing so by sections is also an excellent experience. The public transportation to reach each section is convenient as the starting and finishing points are always close to the urban areas.
The first section begins at Lugard Road which was built in 1914. This circular walk is named after the 14th Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Frederick Lugard. Walk along the century-old “plank roads” to enjoy the scenery of Victoria Harbour. This section will lead you to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, the first reservoir of Hong Kong which was built in 1863.
Hong Kong Trail Section 4 overlaps with Lady Clementi's Ride and passes by the old English bridge. Soon after the starting point of Section 5, you will see the Osborn Memorial of a Canadian soldier, Company Sergeant-Major John Robert Osborn, who is remembered for his heroic actions and sacrifice in the Battle of Hong Kong. Part of Section 6 overlaps with Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail. Here, while enjoying the reservoir view, take your time to read the interpretation plates to find out more about the Grade I historic buildings, such as the main dam and valve house.
1. Hong Kong Trail Section 1: A Century-old "Plank Roads"
2. Hong Kong Trail Section 1: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
3. Hong Kong Trail Section 4: Old English Bridge
4. Hong Kong Trail Section 5: Osborn Memorial
5. Hong Kong Trail Section 6: Tai Tam Reservoir Main Dam
Enjoy Eco-walks in the Backyard of the Island
After the country parks were first established, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department began planting trees and implemented biodiversity conservation, to nurture and protect various birds and other wildlife for a stronger natural ecosystem. Walking along Hong Kong Trail, you will be surrounded by bird calls which makes you feel like you are in a forest. Spanning across five different country parks and seven reservoirs, there is abundant wildlife to experience throughout the whole Hong Kong Trail. Try to observe and feel nature while in the mountains, build a connection, and fall for the countryside of Hong Kong.
Meet the Hong Kong Freshwater Crab at Hong Kong Trail
The rail is like an eco-corridor where we can find various insects and spiders
There are many different types of ferns along the way
Each section has its own characteristics, whether it’s the gorgeous reservoir scenery, panorama ocean view or military history, and all sections are suitable for a relaxed visit, even if some sections may have some challenging uphill climbs. The detail of each section is uploaded to the TrailWatch app, you can bookmark your favourite routes for your next visit!
Hong Kong Trail Section 1 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001820
Hong Kong Trail Section 2 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001822
Hong Kong Trail Section 3 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001823
Hong Kong Trail Section 4 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001824
Hong Kong Trail Section 5 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001825
Hong Kong Trail Section 6 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001827
Hong Kong Trail Section 7 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10001828
Hong Kong Trail Section 8 https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10048552
Reference:
– Enjoy Hiking by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: http://hiking.gov.hk
– Distance Post of Hong Kong Trail:
https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_wha/files/distance_post_hk_trail_20141031.pdf
– Declared Mournments in Hong Kong: https://www.amo.gov.hk/b5/monuments_88.php