Continuing my hiking journey, Hong Kong Trail Section 5 is undeniably the most challenging section for me. With its ups and downs (literally, because of its stairs), this section makes it a perfect training ground for hikers and trail runners alike!
Disclaimer: I hiked the Hong Kong Trail from West to East which is Section 1 onwards. However, it is not necessary to do the trail in that order. You can also start from East to West which is in reverse order (Section 8 to Section 1). Last but not least, you can also hike one section at a time. If you want to jump to a particular section, refer to my Hong Kong Trail Hiking Guide and take it from there.
Hiking Trail Overview of Hong Kong Trail Section 5:
- Section Number: #5
- Route: Won Nai Chung Road to Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road
- Distance: 4 kilometers
- Distance Post Numbers: #51 - #59
- Time Taken/Needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level (own opinion): 2.5 out of 5
How to get there and how to get out?
You probably came from Section 4 like me and that’s a good thing! Continue the hike and follow the distance posts ahead.
But if you didn’t come from Section 4 and you’re starting from scratch, I have two options for you on how to reach Hong Kong Trail Section 5:
- A tip from Hong Kong Hikes is to take the CTB bus 6 from Exchange Square. Get off at "Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park".
- A tip from The Big Four is to take bus 6 or 66 from Exchange Square and alight near the Cricket Club at Won Nai Chung Gap.
I didn't leave the trail at this section and continued my hiking until the end of Section 6. If you want to get out from this trail, another tip from The Big Four is to walk from Mount Parker Road (end of Section 5) for about 3 km down to Quarry Bay.
Hiking Trailhead:
Since I came from Section 4, I will guide you as someone who came from Section 4. As confused as a lost sheep, I really could not find the trailhead until a few locals helped me. So, let me share this amateur customized map from me to guide you.
The 'star' is your location at the end of Section 4 (where the roundabout is). To find the trailhead, turn left and turn right at the first street right away which is a one-way street against you. Then it will be a two-way street right away and you are already at Tai Tam Reservoir Road.
Continue to walk for about 10 minutes until you reach the trailhead of Hong Kong Trail Section 5. It is marked in Google Maps as Wilson Trail - Hong Kong Parkview.
This is the start of the Hong Kong Trail Section 5 as well as the Wilson Trail. The two trails overlapped with one another for about 75% of the trail until distance post #57 of Hong Kong Trail. Hence don't get confused (well I did!) about why the two names are written at the entrance.
On the map, the red line is for the Hong Kong Trail and the blue line is for the Wilson Trail. Notice that after distance post #27, the blue outline takes a sharp left turn (if you're facing the trail forward). That's where the two trails (Hong Kong Trail & Wilson Trail) separate.
Hiking Trail Highlights:
I am a sucker for great views, and this section didn't disappoint. But of course, it comes with a little challenge and you'll find out below. But first, let's aim for Jardine's Lookout and start with some paved stairs.
At the Jardine's lookout, a stunning view awaits you. You will be able to see Ocean Park from this section like in Section 4 but from a different angle. My photo is bad but the view is not bad, right?
Let me include a gallery of stairs too because you have to face them throughout the trail. Most of the stairs are paved with a little bit of shade. Also, most of the time you are exposed to the sun.
As mentioned above, the Hong Kong Trail and the Wilson Trail overlap in this section. In the photo below, you will see the distance posts for Wilson Trail (stone posts with blue color on top). Make sure you follow the Hong Kong Trail signages and distance posts until the end.
Prepare to hike more and as you get higher, the views will get better. Check out this view with the Quarry as your backdrop!
By the time you reach this view, prepare your knees for descent (if you have a bad knee). Conserve your energy because uphill stairs are waiting for you on the other side. Here is a closer shot of the trail to emphasize the stairs.
Even if you struggle along the trail, you will be surprised by skyline views of Hong Kong, Kowloon, and even Quarry Bay from another angle.
After passing the quarry, your next aim would be Mount Butler. On your way, you will see that overexposed white golf ball (Mount Parker Route Surveillance Radar Station) in the photo below. However, it is on Mount Parker and it is NOT along your way.
Then here comes my favorite view of Hong Kong Trail Section 5, the Tai Tam Reservoir! Even at noon when the view isn't the best, I still find it breathtaking! A multitude of greeneries and blues from the water, oh this is such a treat for a visitor like me!
From this view, you will hike some more. But once you reach the summit of Mount Butler, the remaining part of the trail is the stairs downhill until you reach Mount Parker Road which is the end of the trail.
Personal Thoughts:
We all have different adventure appetite or what I call ‘#hikeppetite’ to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you. And that’s completely okay, we don’t need to agree with everyone all the time. Anyhow, here’s what I think about Hong Kong Trail’s Section 5:
Pros:
- If you're looking for a trail to test your endurance and capabilities, this is the perfect trail. You can use this trail as your training ground.
- This section has a combination of paved/dirt trails. Most of the stairs are paved except the trail near Mount Butler which is more of a dirt trail.
- Amazing views of Hong Kong/Kowloon/Quarry Bay skyline, Quarry, and Tai Tam Reservoir.
Cons:
- The trail is quite challenging for kids. It is not as family-friendly as other sections.
- There are a lot of uphill stairs/trails in this section. When you think that's the end of it, the knee-breaking descent trail is waiting for you.
- Almost 80% of the trail is exposed to the sun. There's no shade from Jardine's Lookout until you start your descent from Mount Butler.
Overall, this is a challenging section for your knees and for your tolerance of being exposed to the sun. But if done very early in the morning or late afternoon, I would say this is a perfect training ground for trail running or for a bigger/longer hike. This is just right for my #hikeappetite and I will try this again once I visit Hong Kong in the future.
If you’re #hikeppetite is more (like me!), I suggest to continue your hike to SECTION 6 or even finish 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 💗
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
