When it comes to hiking, you probably will think of some long-distance trails in Hong Kong (The MacLehose Trail, The Wilson Trail, The Hong Kong Trail and The Lantau Trail) or some mysterious trails near the border of New Territories, Sai Kung or Lantau Island. Apart from the famous trails known as Sunset Peak, Dragon's Back and Sweet Gum Woods in Tai Tong, many other smaller mountains are surrounding Hong Kong and waiting for us to embark on. Viewing from the small mountains to the famous mountains; you may discover different angles to appreciate them. TrailWatch picks three trails near to the residential areas. You are encouraged to start your trip in your community to experience something different.
Backyard in Kwun Tong – Shum Wan Shan
Look up at the highest point in Kowloon
Shum Wan Shan, located in Kwun Tong, is also known as “Reservoir Hill “ because it is near to the former Jordan Valley Reservoir. Nowadays, the Reservoir has been filled and become the Jordan Valley Park, a popular place for families during holidays. Residents can start the walk from Amoy Gardens or Lok Wah Estate via the Chun Wah Road and Shum Wan Shan Pumping Station and walk up slowly to Shum Wan Shan, which is 177 meters high. There are jogging trail and a wide expanse of flat ground in the mountain where one can see Kowloon Peak/Fei Ngor Shan, the highest mountain in Kowloon, and enjoy the sunsets and the scenery of East Kowloon.
Backyard in Lok Fu – Checkerboard Hill
From Kai Tak Landmark to Lion Rock
Located at Lok Fu, Checkerboard Hill is also known as Kowloon Tsai Hill. It is around 20 minutes walk from Kowloon Tsai Park. At the starting point, you will see the view of Lion Rock which is often symbolised as Hong Kong spirit. This route is similar to Garden Hill in Sham Shui Po. Date back to the era when Kai Tak Airport is still in use, Checkerboard Hill is the only way airplanes can get to the airport. This small hill, marked with a checkerboard in red and white, is used as a visual reference point for the pilots.
Route Details: https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10064033
Backyard in Tseung Kwan O – Che Kwun Shan
Che Kwun Shan is around 432 meters high located in Tseung Kwan O. It is even higher than High Junk Peak in the same district. Che Kwun Shan was also known as Razor Hill because of its pointed shape. Most of the residents will start from Ying Ming Court in Po Lam Road North to climb this “ladder”. Due to the exposed volcanic rock formation in Clear Water Bay Peninsula, Che Kwun Shan is also named “Che Kwun Shan Formation”. It is not easy to walk as there is a lot of floating sand along the route,so please be careful. Step up the stairs, hikers can enjoy the stunning sceneries of the entire Clear Water Bay, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Port Shelter and Sharp Island. For safety purpose, it is suggested to retrace your steps to the original position upon when return.
Route Details: https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10062166
Read More: Backyard Walk: https://bit.ly/3cEDuJ4