The Hong Kong Trail - Section 7: From Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan
Hong Kong Trail | Section 7 | 6.9 km | Easy - Very Boring!
Unless you enjoy monotony, avoid Section 7 of the Hong Kong Trail. The trail follows the Tai Tam East catchwater before opening up to more rugged terrain towards the end, adding a bit of challenge to this otherwise straightforward hike. It starts from Tai Tam Road and finishes at To Tei Wan.
Section 7 is not particularly scenic compared to other parts of the trail. Our advice: Skip this section unless you are running the entire Hong Kong Trail.
___
___
Hong Kong Trail - Section 7 - Key Facts
| From | Tai Tam Road |
|---|---|
| To | To Tei Wan |
| Difficulty | ⛰️ (Easy) |
| Distance | 6.9 km |
| Recommended Time | 1.5 hours |
| Distance Marker Start | H068 |
| Distance Marker End | H084 |
| GPX & Map | Click Here |
___
Why Hike Hong Kong Trail - Section 7
Section 7 (Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan) is one of the least inspiring parts of the Hong Kong Trail, primarily following a flat, paved catchwater for its entire length.
While it offers a straightforward and easy hike—suitable for beginners or those seeking a low-effort walk—it lacks the scenic diversity of other sections. The trail is shaded and well-maintained, but the unchanging views of the catchwater and surrounding foliage can feel monotonous. There are no sweeping vistas or challenging terrain, making it more of a "connector" route than a destination hike.
To mention some positives, Section 7 does provide a rather serene journey through Shek O Country Park and along the coastal path of Tai Tam Harbour. Sometimes, you can catch a glimpse of Stanley Peninsula in the distance.
For those willing to venture off track, there is an opportunity to explore Lan Nai Wan Village, which offers a glimpse into the rustic simplicity of Hong Kong's fishing village past. The availability of a small store in To Tei Wan Tsuen for refreshments is another plus, but neither one of these places is a must.
Overall, this section is best for training walks, runners logging miles, or as part of a longer route. It is not worth prioritizing if you’re short on time or seeking dramatic landscapes. So our recommendation is to manage expectations: it’s functional, not thrilling. Skip unless you're completing the full trail or need an easy workout.
---
Hong Kong Trail Section 7: Seven Kilometers of Mind-Dulling Sameness
---
Hong Kong Trail - Section 7: Public Transport Options
To reach the start of Section 7 of the Hong Kong Trail at Tai Tam Road, you can use public buses that serve the Tai Tam area. Buses will typically stop near the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, where the trail begins.
For returning home after completing the section at To Tei Wan, you can make your way to the nearest bus stop at To Tei Wan on Shek O Road. It is accessible after completing the steep staircase near the end of Section 7. Buses from Shek O Road can take you to various parts of Hong Kong Island.
___
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
