5 Hong Kong hikes for when you’ve had enough family and food this Christmas, from gentle strolls to strenuous climbs
- Over indulged or just in need of some alone time, the city’s hills are perfect for that blast of fresh air you may well need
- From a gentle stroll to tackling one of Hong Kong’s toughest peaks, there is something for everyone on our list of holiday hikes
Where better way to spend Boxing Day, and counter the Christmas indulgence, than by tackling one of Hong Kong’s multitude of hiking trails?
And whatever your motivation, be it escaping the four walls of home for fresh air, putting your physical and mental endurance to the test, or something in-between, the city caters for all needs.
These five suggestions include something for everyone, so take your pick and get outside and enjoy.
Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk
As the name suggests, this one is at the easier end of the scale, and probably best avoided by those not necessarily embracing the seasonal spirit.
Navigating the S-shaped reservoir, you will encounter winding streams and marshes, but nothing in the way of hills.
The quiet of the verdant forest and rolling hills supplies a refreshing antidote to the festive bedlam, and a perfect setting for quiet reflection and hushed conversation.
If you still have a spring in your step after covering the 2.5-kilometre path a small hike connects Hok Tau Reservoir to the equally scenic Lau Shui Heung Reservoir.
Located on the eastern edge of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, your best bet for reaching the beginning of the walk is to jump on the 52B green minibus from exit C of Fanling Station.
Quarry Bay to Repulse Bay
Any plans that involve ending up in Repulse Bay, with its magnificent beach, gleaming vistas, and surfeit of eating and drinking options, have plenty going for them.
And this hike, which will take around two hours and is suitable for beginners, provides a perfect opportunity to quicken your heart rate and get some fresh air in your lungs.
To reach the start, take the MTR to Taikoo, and leave the station at exit B. Follow the Wilson Trail sign, and when reaching Mount Parker you will face your first moderate climb of a hike that features around 400 metres of elevation.
Dip down into Tai Tam Reservoir, then cross the bridge with its lush backdrop, and Koi carp swimming below. You will soon discover some rugged terrain, so hiking shoes are a definite plus, before reaching Tsz Kong Bridge. Head left and, before long, start tracking down into Repulse Bay, where you can take your pick of restaurants and bars as reward for covering around eight kilometres on foot.
MacLehose Trail Section 5
If you fancy tackling the full 100km MacLehose Trail in one day, by all means, crack on. And, in truth, if that is the level where you are operating, you do not need pointers from us.
But the MacLehose, spanning Hong Kong’s New Territories, is handily split into 10 sections.
We are recommending No 5 for any robust hikers who are seeking a good workout, and keen to get into nature to enjoy the views and some of life’s finer things.
The 10.6km route begins at Tate’s Cairn, most readily accessible via taxi from Choi Hung MTR Station (use exit A3).
Gin Drinkers Line provides a gentle opening to the hike, before you earn your panoramic views of Kowloon and Hong Kong with a climb up Lion Rock.
Advancing along the path, you reach a nature walk to Sha Tin that features a full monkey colony. Great for fun and pictures, but you might want to finish your lunch while enjoying the setting from the summit of Lion Rock, rather than risk unwanted interest from an impudent simian keen on your leftovers.
Allow around 2½ hours for the hike, longer if you are planning eating and drinking stops. Finishing on Tai Po Road, an 86B bus will get you to Sham Shui Po MTR Station.
Mui Wo to Discovery Bay, via Tiger’s Head
If you fancy committing a good half-day to your hike, this one is a sound choice.
A ferry from Pier 6 at Central will take you to Mui Wo, via a walk following signs to the Olympic Trail after you are back on dry land.
Work up an appetite ascending beyond Mui Wo, then sit yourself down on one of the boulders scattered past the entrance to the old mine to tuck into lunch.
You will be grateful for the sustenance, as the hike continues its uphill trajectory, providing views of Lantau and, on a good day, the Central skyline. You can peer down on Hong Kong airport, too.
The shape of a tiger’s head visible in a rock formation from the path’s summit is responsible for the etymology of the name of this hike.
What goes up must come down, so when you are done gazing around, descend to the end point in Discovery Bay.
Sharp Peak
If you are in the mood for an all-out, full-on stomp, then the sharpest peak in Hong Kong will provide what you are after.
Only those who could tick boxes confirming they are strong, confident and experienced climbers should embark on this 15km trail, which will comfortably swallow up more than five hours.
Those who have gone big on the food on Christmas Day might appreciate the fuel, as they clamber 468 metres to the summit of the tallest of three imposing peaks in Sai Kung.
The rocky slopes provide clear views of the East Sai Kung coastline. The euphoria of reaching the top of the peak, and accomplishing what many consider the Holy Grail for Hong Kong hikers, will give way to stern concentration during a tricky descent. But the three white-sand beaches waiting in Ham Tin make the scrambling up and down all worthwhile.
A taxi to the eastern part of the High Island Reservoir from Sai Kung is your best way of reaching the start of the trail. When you are out of the car, walk past the principal dam and pavilion, turn left … and away you go.
