The Hong Kong Trail - Section 2: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir To Peel Rise
Hong Kong Trail | Section 2 | 4.5 km | Moderate
The second section of the Hong Kong Trail is a moderate 4.5-kilometer hike from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to Peel Rise. With an elevation gain of 310 meters, this trail typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely walking pace. It is an ideal afternoon hike and is mostly shaded. Spanning distance markers H015 to H025, this section provides a lovely mix of nature and ease.
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Hong Kong Trail - Section 2 - Key Facts
| From | Pok Fu Lam Reservoir |
|---|---|
| To | Peel Rise |
| Difficulty | ⛰️⛰️ (Moderate) |
| Distance | 4.5 km |
| Recommended Time | 1.5 hours |
| Distance Marker Start | H015 |
| Distance Marker End | H025 |
| GPX & Map | Click Here |
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Why Hike Hong Kong Trail - Section 2
Hong Kong Trail's Section 2 is rather short: its starting point near Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is just 4.5 kilometers away from its end at Peel Rise. The journey takes roughly 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the conditions. The trail is well-marked and suitable for a family outing or an individual seeking a short, mostly shaded, and moderately scenic hike.
One of the attractions of Section 2 is its rich biodiversity. The trail passes through secondary forests and is surrounded by streams, making it a haven for forest birds and insects. The trail also features pavilions and long benches, providing convenient rest stops during the hike.
There are several points on the trail where you can catch a glimpse of Aberdeen and Lamma Island. The trail's proximity to both natural and urban environments is a distinctive characteristic of Hong Kong's countryside, where the wilderness and skyscrapers coexist in close proximity.
The trail is well-suited for those seeking to enjoy nature in a relaxed manner. It features level grounds and gentle slopes for the most part, with only a short initial climb via stairs at the beginning. This makes it an ideal choice for hikers who prefer a more leisurely pace or those looking to introduce their families to the world of hiking on Hong Kong Island.
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Hong Kong Trail - Section 2: Public Transport Options
To reach the starting point at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, some walking is required.
For example, Bus 15 from Exchange Square stops at The Peak Galleria Bus Terminus. From there, walk along Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road or follow Section 1 of the Hong Kong Trail. Bus #30X from Statue Square to Pok Fu Lam Village/Pok Fu Lam Road is another option. From there, follow the Pok Fu Lam Family Walk trail to the trailhead. Alternatively, take buses 4, 7, 37A, 37B, 91, or 94 from Central and get off at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road bus stop. Minibus options include 91 from Hollywood Terrace on Queen's Road Central or 71 from Connaught Road Central.
After finishing at Peel Rise, you can:
- Walk south and take buses 7, 70, 91, or 94 from Aberdeen Reservoir Road back to Central.
- Exit the trail after distance marker H024, walk to Tin Wan Estate Road, and take Bus #51 to Aberdeen Bus Terminus.
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Hong Kong Trail: Sections, Distance, and Difficulty
The total distance of the Hong Kong Trail is approximately. 45km with more than 1,500 cumulative elevation gain. If starting from the Peak, it is generally descending with a few large ascents. It is overall very runnable and can easily be finished in a single day, even at a slow pace. The trail is divided into eight sections:
Section 1: From The Peak To Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
- Distance: 7 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 1
Section 2: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir To Peel Rise
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 2
Section 3: Peel Rise To Wan Chai Gap
- Distance: 5.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 3
Section 4: Wan Chai Gap To Wong Nai Chung Gap Road
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 4
Section 5: Wong Nai Chung Gap to Mount Parker Road
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Learn More About Section 5
Section 6: Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 6
Section 7: Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 7
- Just a trail along a catchwater: Skip this section unless you run the entire Hong Kong Trail
Section 8: To Tei Wan to Big Wave Bay ⭐
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Learn More About Section 8
- Also known as the Dragon's Back, one of Hong Kong's most iconic hikes
