OUTDOORS

Healthy hikes

Explore the city’s highest peaks and best nature trails this January

Hong Kong Trail

The Hong Kong Trail took home the prize for Hike of the Year in our Hong Kong Living Awards 2021 and it’s not difficult to see why. The full route is 50 kilometers long and goes from Victoria Peak all the way to Big Wave Bay. Because of its immense length, the trail is broken up into 8 sections and has plenty of awe-inspiring viewpoints along the way including the Hong Kong skyline and Wong Nai Chung Reservoir.

Tate’s Cairn

Often known as the tunnel running through Kowloon and New Territories, this summit stretches across Wong Tai Sin and Sha Tin. The Tate’s Cairn ridge reaches 583 metres above sea level, and following along the gentle trail, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by luscious greens and grassy plains. Set off in the afternoon for a breezy hike and catch a sunset against the iconic Hong Kong Island backdrop.

Kam Shan Country Park

Besides being famous for its cheeky residents, the Monkey Hill trail gives you access to the stunning views from Kowloon Reservoir. Kick off your hike at Golden Hill Road and look for the entrance to Kam Shan Country Park. From there,

Tate’s Cairn

Sunset Peak

you’ll walk through some concrete slopes with monkeys greeting you on both sides of the road. Pass the spectacular reservoir, unwind in nature via the Kam Shan Tree Walk and explore Hong Kong’s authentic species.

Sunset Peak

Hong Kong’s third highest peak and Lantau’s second highest mountain, Sunset Peak is known for its gorgeous sunset views overlooking the Lantau coastline. The sunsets here are so beautiful, they have even been featured on Cantopop singer Eason Chan’s album Taste the Atmosphere. Be sure to bring along a flashlight since descending from the peak after dark can be dangerous. If you are new to hiking, consider catching the sunrise instead.

Twin Peaks and Violet Hill

Commonly referred to as the “Terrible Twins” due to its seemingly never-ending series of steps, we strongly advise doing this hike from Parkview to Stanley, rather than in the opposite direction. This is because when you’re halfway up the first peak, thinking you should have gone for brunch instead, the visions of Stanley’s restaurants, along with the gentle ocean breeze, will keep you going. The first peak is much harder than the second. You begin the hike with an ascent up Violet Hill - barely a warm up for what’s to come.

Sharp Peak

Located in Sai Kung, this is said to be one of the toughest trails in the city, not only because of the steep climb up and down, but also because it can take anywhere from six to eight hours to complete. You’ll probably need a good pair of gloves to tackle some parts of this hike because it requires a bit of climbing. Once you get to the top, you’ll have a wonderful view of the mountains and surprisingly clear-water beaches that surround Sharp Peak.

Suicide Cliff at Kowloon Peak

Standing at 603 metres above sea level, Kowloon Peak offers panoramic views of bustling Victoria Harbour from one direction and serene Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay from the other. The hike starts with a steep incline up to the summit which takes around an hour. Once there you can follow the trail down to Suicide Cliff (called so because of its rocky feature which resembles a diving board). Here you’ll enjoy stunning views of Hong Kong island from above, far better than any rooftop bar.

Suicide Cliff at Kowloon Peak