Continuing my hiking journey, Hong Kong Trail Section 4 is just the perfect trail to warm up before the challenge of Hong Kong Trail Section 5. With its combination of lush forests and a panoramic view of the Middle Gap, it doesn't disappoint!
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 4:
- Section Number: #4
- Route: Wan Chai Gap Road to Won Nai Chung Road
- Distance: 7.5 kilometers
- Distance Post Numbers: #38 - #50
- Time Taken/Needed: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty Level (own opinion): 1.5 out of 5
How to get there and how to get out?
You probably came from Section 3 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 3 and you’re starting from scratch, I have two options for you on how to reach Hong Kong Trail Section 4:
- Based on my personal experience, take Bus15 from Exchange Square towards The Peak and alight at Guildford Court.
- A tip from The Big Four is to take Bus15 from Exchange Square towards The Peak. Alight at Wan Chai Gap Rd on Stubbs Rd. Walk down Aberdeen Reservoir Rd.
At the end of the trail is this signpost, and if you want to stop at this point, walk towards the left side. There are some options for bus stations further down the road so you will have no trouble going back to Central or wherever you want to go.
Hiking Trailhead:
Since I came from Section 3, I will guide you as someone who came from Section 3. So picking up from where we left off, the previous section ends at distance post #37. Not long after is our usual trail map above with Mr. Lizard as our guest. Can you spot Mr. Lizard?
By now, you're already at the start of the trail. The trail should be on the left side if you're facing the road. Distance post #38 will be in front of you if you keep on walking straight.
Hiking Trail Highlights:
In the first few minutes of the Hong Kong Trail Section 4, you'll encounter this metal tube in the middle of the stairs. You will also be walking through the woods with trees as your shade from the sun. Not a bad start right?
After a few meters ahead, you'll pass by these English-style bridges and the flowing streams below.
Not only there are regular streams but there are small waterfalls too! From little ones to cascading ones and up to colorful ones! Look at that turquoise color!
Unfortunately, no one is allowed to enter the water which is a good thing to protect nature in its original form. Soon after, we're back at a dirt trail in the woods.
You'll be able to get a glimpse of this structure which is a part of the Aberdeen Upper Reservoir.
This is the middle part section of this trail and multiple signposts are well-built to guide you. Remember that your destination should be Black Link via Middle Gap Road.
Why is it called Middle Gap though? Based on my understanding, which I read somewhere and unfortunately, I cannot find the reference anymore is that the woods/dirt trail ended at the start of the Middle Gap Road. Then, a paved/concrete trail awaits you to connect the trail to the next woods section again. The paved road then serves as the middle gap between the two dirt trails.
Not only the middle gap trail is paved, but there's also a short winding uphill section before the viewpoint area. This uphill section and the other parts of the section are exposed to the sun so prepare accordingly.
And here's my favorite part, your reward after the uphill/paved trail, the Middle Gap Viewpoint!
The Ocean Park (above) and Wong Chuk Hang Estate (below) points are visible. Just you wish that the weather is not humid and foggy because the visibility might get affected.
I spent a couple of minutes at this viewpoint because who can't resist a wonderful view? These photos can't bring justice to the 180-degree view, but I hope you get the idea... IT'S LOVELY!
Going back to the reality, continue your hike. A few meters ahead, you'll walk through the woods once more. Soon enough, you will reach the residential area (Black Link's villas). Continue to walk down until the main road. The trail ends at the signpost with arrows pointing to both Section 4 and Section 5 (picture above at directions section).
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 4:
Pros:
- The diverse beauty of this trail is underrated. The greens, the blues (streams, waterfalls, ocean), the combination of the paved trail with the dirt trail, and the view from the Middle Gap Viewpoint!
- The trail is not crowded despite how beautiful it is. Though I am not sure about the volume of the crowd on weekends.
- The accessibility of this trail to public transportation is not as complicated as other trails which is very important to me.
Cons:
- The signposts at the end of Section 4 going to Section 5 were confusing for a first-timer. I wasn't that bad when it came to directions, but I nearly spent 30-40 minutes trying to find the next signpost (distance post #50) until I met the helpful local hikers who gave me directions to find my way. This whole mishap killed my momentum.
Overall, I liked this section! The trail is easy, it is accessible to public transportation, and the scenery is amazing. May it be a stand-alone section or a part of a longer hike, I will always suggest this section if you're looking for a nice hike.❤️
If you’re #hikeppetite is more (like me!), I suggest to continue your hike to SECTION 5 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!
