After stuffing myself with dim sums and noodles in Tsim Sha Tsui, comes the highlight of my Hong Kong Trip! One of the long-distance trails in Hong Kong, I covered 6 sections of the famous 50-KM Hong Kong Trail.
Due to the limited resources on the Internet (at the time of my visit), I have compiled the information gathered from other blogs (they are properly credited) and from my experience. In this series, I have created hiking guides (section by section) for you to use up to your heart's content! But first, shall we see the overview?
What's the fuss about the 50-km Hong Kong Trail?
According to Wikipedia, the Hong Kong Trail is a long-distance footpath from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay on Hong Kong Island. It is a 50-kilometer walking route that passes through the five country parks on Hong Kong Island.
Hong Kong Trail Hiking Sections:
The Hong Kong Trail is divided into 8 stages/sections as below:
| Section Number | Route | Distance Post Numbers | Actual Time Taken |
| Section 1 | The Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road | #1 - #14 | 2 hours |
| Section 2 | Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise | #15 - #25 | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Section 3 | Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap Road | #26 - #37 | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Section 4 | Wan Chai Gap Road to Won Nai Chung Road | #38 - #50 | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Section 5 | Won Nai Chung Road to Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road | #51 - #59 | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Section 6 | Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road โ Tai Tam Road | #60 - #68 | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Section 7 | Tai Tam Road โ To Tei Wan | #69 - #84 | Not yet done |
| Section 8 | To Tei Wan โ Big Wave Bay | #85 - #100 | Not yet done |
Technically, among the other long-distance trails in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trail is the shortest. The other long-distance trails are:
- Lantau Trail (70 kilometers)
- Wilson Trail (78 kilometers)
- MacLehose Trail (100 kilometers)
Despite being the shortest trail (50 km only), I split the trail into two days since it was my first time in Hong Kong and on the trail itself. I am leaving some room for error as well as a room to enjoy the trail instead of rushing it.
Hong Kong Trail Overview:
1. Maps
Every hike and outdoor activity should always be done with the help of maps. Before my hike, I saved tons of map screenshots from various references (I can't find the maps and the blogs now) to help me guide my way.
To my surprise, I didnโt need to use my map screenshots because there is a map at the start of each section. The maps are informative with details of distance posts, emergency hotline phones, toilets, transportation access (cab, bus, parking), and even picnic sites!
2. Distance Posts
Throughout my hiking guides of the Hong Kong Trail, I kept mentioning the distance posts and you must be wondering what are they. Distance posts are the short metal posts scattered throughout the trail with information such as Distance Post Number (H001 is the first distance post) and Grid Reference (something like a coordinate).
A distance post represents an actual coordinate and is easier to use (and share) during an emergency.
Distance posts are placed every 500-meter interval between the trails to ensure that you are still on the right path.
3. Water Access
As read online from fellow hikers who did this trail, there are sections where you can buy food and drinks. However, I didnโt come across any of them. On a side note, there are natural streams along the way. I drank from one of them when I ran out of water and Iโm pretty fine until now. But if you're sensitive to that kind of situation, make sure to bring enough water.
4. Camp Sites
Unfortunately, camping is NOT allowed at any point of the trail. There were some signposts about it so if you're planning to camp, this is not the place.
5. Public Transportation
If youโre like me who's relying on taking public transportation, youโre on the right track! Most of the trails are accessible by public transportation. Other trails have some challenges in the sense that you will have to walk some more (after taking public transportation) before reaching the trail.
In each hiking guide, I have shared the information on how to reach the trail and how to get out of it. While the information I have is based on my experience back in 2019, I will try my best to keep updating it to the best of my ability.
Finally, let's get to business. Here are my hiking guides starting from Section 1 onwards (West to East). You can hike this trail in no particular order, it's totally up to you. Click below to jump to a particular section and you can take it from there.
- The Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road
- Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise
- Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap Road
- Wan Chai Gap Road to Won Nai Chung Road
- Won Nai Chung Road to Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road
- Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
That's all for today and I'm closing this with my reminder:
Whatever decision you make, always remember to prepare beforehand, stay safe, and last but not least, enjoy the outdoors! #happyhiking!
With lots of love,
PINAYHAKAWATI ๐
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
