Continuing my hiking journey on the famous 50-km Hong Kong Trail, Section 3, left me with weird emotions. Not my favorite one though; it's a trail you should consider as a stroll in the woods!
Disclaimer: I hiked the Hong Kong Trail from West to East, starting with Section 1. However, it is not necessary to hike in that order. Hiking in reverse order from Section 8 to Section 1 or even one section at a time is also recommended. If you're looking for a particular section, check out the below links:
๐กRelated Hiking Guides:
- Section 1 - The Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road
- Section 2 - Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise
- Section 3 - Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap Road
- Section 4 - Wan Chai Gap Road to Won Nai Chung Road
- Section 5 - Won Nai Chung Road to Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road
- Section 6 - Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
Hiking Trail Overview of Hong Kong Trail Section 3:
- Section Number: #3
- Route: Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap Road
- Distance: 6.5 kilometers
- Distance Post Numbers: #26 - #37
- Time Taken/Needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes*
- Difficulty Level (own opinion): 1 out of 5
*According to Wikipedia, Hong Kong Trail Section 3 takes approximately 1.75 hours to complete. The time recorded above is based on my own paceโ1 hour from distance posts #26 to #34 on Day 1, plus an estimated 15 minutes from distance posts #35 to #37 on Day 2.
How to get there and how to get out?
If you came from Section 2, you're off to a good start! Continue your hike and follow the distance posts ahead.
However, if you're starting from scratch, the most direct way to reach the trailhead as of March 2025 is by taking:
- Bus 70P from Cityhall; Connaught Road Central (that's the exact name of the bus stop) to Pak Sha Lau Yue Kwong Chuen; Aberdeen. From here, you will have to walk uphill by following Peel Rise Road, passing by St. Peter's Secondary School and Aberdeen Chinese Cemetery.
Depending on your starting point, there could be other bus options. In case you find something more convenient, please feel free to share with me in the comments section below.
Based on my experience, I exited the trail midway since it was starting to get dark. A trail runner I met pointed out the nearest exit point (from where we were); however, this was NOT the end of the trail yet. I took the stairs after the distance post #34 (on the left side of the trail).
The trail continues uphill in the woods until another set of stairs. After the stairs, I was finally on Watford Road.
From this signpost, I walked straight until I reached a small supermarket to ask for instructions. Since it was a weekend, I was asked to take Bus #15 from Sinopec Peak Road (it's a gas station) to take me back to Central.
As of March 2025, you can also try another option by continuing to hike up to the start of the Hong Kong Trail Section 4. From here, follow the Aberdeen Reservoir Road, then Coombe Road, and then walk up to Sinopec Peak Road (same as above). Upon reaching the gas station, you can take the Green Minibus #1 back to Central.
Hiking Trailhead:
Since I came from Section 2, I will guide you as someone who came from Section 2. Picking up from where we left off, the trail continued up to a reservoir-looking structure after the stairs. If you walk further, you will come to the junction between Peel Rise (on the right) and Hong Kong Trail Section 3 (on the left), where the map is. Follow the trail ahead.
Hiking Trail Highlights:
Unfortunately, my camera ran out of battery in this section. I didn't bother to charge it anymore as I was thinking of leaving the trail anyway. As a result, I don't have many pictures apart from my collection of the distance posts.
The vibe of the whole section is pretty much the sameโa walk through the woods with lush greenery left and right. There were small streams and pools of water and I used it as my water source. It was clean enough, and I didn't get sick from it. But if you have a sensitive stomach, I advise to do so at your own risk.
I came across an emergency phone booth in this section, too. It was quite reassuring to have an option to communicate in case of an emergency. After this phone booth, you will come across the signpost to exit to Watford Road (in case you want to leave the trail).
Two days later after I left the trail, I went back to continue my unfinished business and followed the trail up Wan Chai Gap Road with my bread for breakfast.
Personal Thoughts:
We all have different adventure appetites or what I call โ#hikeppetiteโ to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you. And thatโs completely okay, we donโt need to agree with everyone all the time. Anyhow, hereโs what I think about the Hong Kong Trailโs Section 3:
Pros:
- Compared to Section 2, the paved/concrete trail in this section is quite short. It is only at the beginning and the last parts of the trail. The middle section of the trail is a walk in the woods which was refreshing.
- The whole trail is pretty much covered by trees, so you don't need to worry about being exposed to the sun! Who wants to get exposed to the sun anyway?
Cons:
- Like Section 2, the options to reach the trailhead or the end of the trail are limited.
- If done as a standalone hike, the trail is too plain and short.
Overall, the trail is easy, chill, and relaxing. It is perfect if you like a short walk or stroll in the woods. It's the kind of trail you would like to take to ease your worries away. It's just too short for my #hikeppetite. If youโre #hikeppetite is more (like me!), I suggest continuing your hike to Section 4 or even finishing the whole Hong Kong Trail!
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!
