The Wilson Trail: A Runner's Guide

The Wilson Trail: A Runner's Guide

The Wilson Trail: A Runner's Guide

Wilson Trail | 78km | Stanley to Nam Chung | FKT: >10h

The Wilson Trail, one of Hong Kong's most iconic long-distance hiking routes, offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, making it a must-explore for trail runners and hikers alike. Stretching 78 kilometers from Stanley in the south to Nam Chung in the north, this trail is divided into 10 sections, each presenting its own challenges and rewards. With a total elevation gain of approximately 5,000+ meters, the Wilson Trail takes you through lush forests, rugged ridges, serene reservoirs, and even urban areas, showcasing the incredible diversity of Hong Kong's terrain.

We've run the Wilson Trail before - and it's tough! Here's our Runner's Guide!

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What Makes The Wilson Trail Unique?

The Wilson Trail stands out for its incredible variety. Unlike other trails in Hong Kong, it takes you through a mix of cityscapes, country parks, and quiet villages, giving you a taste of everything Hong Kong has to offer.

One of its most special features is that it’s the only trail that crosses Victoria Harbour.

Starting on Hong Kong Island in Stanley, the trail winds its way north, passing along the infamous Twin Peaks ("The Twins") before descending into Quarry Bay, where you have to hop on a ferry or take the MTR to cross the harbour into Kowloon.

This blend of city and nature is something you won’t find on the MacLehose, Lantau, or Hong Kong Trails.

Once you’re in the New Territories, the trail takes you through peaceful spots like Tai Tam Reservoir and the scenic Pat Sin Leng mountain range, one of Hong Kong's most beautiful hikes. You’ll also pass through small villages like Tai Po Tau and Nam Chung, where you can experience a quieter side of Hong Kong.

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Wilson Trail - Hong Kong - 8 Immortals - Pat Sin Leng

Wilson Trail - Along Pat Sin Leng (8 Immortals)

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Whether you’re running or hiking, the Wilson Trail keeps things interesting. One moment you’re surrounded by skyscrapers, and the next, you’re in the middle of a forest or climbing a mountain with stunning views. It’s this mix of urban and natural landscapes that makes the Wilson Trail truly one of a kind.

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How Fast Can You Run the Entire Wilson Trail?

The fastest known time (FKT) of the Wilson Trail was set by local Hong Kong trail runner Stone Tsang Siu-keung. It took him nine hours, 59 minutes, and 16 seconds to complete the entire trail. 

The winner of the 2024 Raleigh Challenge, a competitive trail run on the Wilson Trail, took just over 12 hours. An average trail runner, who is running the trail non-competitively, should expect to spend anywhere between 15 and 20 hours to complete the entire Wilson Trail. 

It is worth pointing out that the Fastest Known Time for the MacLehose Trail, which at 100km is 22km longer than the Wilson Trail, is 10 hours, 38 minutes, and 8 seconds, or only 40 minutes more. This time was set by Wong Ho-Chung, one of Hong Kong's most well-known trail runners and a UTMB Top 10 finisher. This shows just how tough the Wilson Trail is in comparison to the MacLehose. 

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What's the Most Scenic Part of the Wilson Trail?

The Wilson Trail is renowned for its breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, making it a favorite among trail runners and hikers in Hong Kong. 

One of the best and most scenic sections of the WIlson Trail is Section 9, which goes along Pat Sin Leng (the ridge of the "8 Immortals"), located in the New Territories. 

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The 8 Immortals or Pat Sin Leng Mountain Ridge

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This segment offers stunning vistas with Hong Kong on one side and Shenzhen on the other. It is a rewarding experience for those who may not wish to tackle the entire trail.

The panoramic views from the ridges, especially on clear days, allow you to see the urban cityscape, the surrounding mountains, and Plover Cove/Tolo Harbour, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying nature. However, it is a challenging hike and not recommended for beginners. Also, there's very little shade once you are up on the mountain ridge, so make sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared for a longer hike, especially if you stop often to take photos.

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Wilson Trail Along Pat Sin Leng

Sunrise on the 8 Immortals / Pat Sin Leng

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For those who prefer to stay on Hong Kong Island, Stage 1 of the Wilson Trail, also known as the "Twins", starting from Stanley, is another excellent option.

This section is known for its challenging ascent, featuring more than 1,000 steps that will get your heart pumping. The views along the way, particularly of the coastline and surrounding hills, are absolutely spectacular, providing a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual hiker, this stage offers a memorable experience with stunning scenery.

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Wilson Trail - Stanley as seen from The Twins / Stage 1

Wilson Trail - Stanley as seen from The Twins / Stage 1

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Practical Advice for Hiking the Wilson Trail

1. Be Prepared for a Challenge

While the Wilson Trail is shorter than the MacLehose Trail (78km vs. 100km), it’s generally considered harder due to its steep climbs and rugged terrain.

Make sure you’re physically prepared, wear proper trail-running or hiking shoes, and bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy up. A lightweight backpack with essentials like a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and a map is also a must.  

2. Consider Running It in Reverse

If you’re planning to run the entire trail in one go, starting from Nam Chung (Stage 10) and finishing in Stanley might be a better option.

The end of Stage 10 in Nam Chung is quite remote, and getting a taxi is nearly impossible. You’ll need to walk about 2km through the village to catch a bus to Fanling. Phone reception can also be spotty, with your signal sometimes switching to China Mobile. Starting in Nam Chung ensures you finish in the much more accessible Stanley area on Hong Kong Island. 

Public buses that go to Central stop right at the start of Stage 1 (i.e., the finish point if you run the trail in reverse). It's also easy to get a taxi from there. 

PS: If you don't want to run the trail in reverse, make sure to read about public transport options from Nam Chung in our article on Section 10!

3. Plan Your Stops and Refueling Points  

The later stages of the Wilson Trail, especially in the New Territories, are very remote, with limited access to food or water. Map out your stops in advance and carry enough supplies to last between checkpoints.

A popular rest stop is Sha Tin Pass, where you can find hot cup noodles and refill your water bottles. Other good refueling points include Tai Po Market and Tai Mei Tuk, where you’ll find convenience stores and small restaurants.  

By planning ahead and staying prepared, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the Wilson Trail’s unique challenges and breathtaking scenery!

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What's The Best Time of The Year to Run The Wilson Trail? 

The best time to run the Wilson Trail is Hong Kong's winter, from October through January. During this time, temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower, and conditions are generally good for attempting a longer run. 

For those keen to run the Wilson Trail as part of a competitive trail running event, consider the Raleigh Challenge, which takes place in October.

Hong Kong's hot and humid summers, which last from approximately May through October, are not a good time to attempt the full Wilson Trail.

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Wilson Trail: Sections, Distance, and Difficulty

The total distance of the Wilson Trail is 78km. It is divided into ten sections:

Section 1: Stanley to Wong Nai Chung Gap

Section 2: Wong Nai Chung Gap to Quarry Bay

Section 3: Devil's Peak to Tseng Lan Shue

Section 4: Tseng Lan Shue to Sha Tin Au

Section 5: Sha Tin Au to Tai Po Road

Section 6: Tai Po Road to Shing Mun Reservoir

Section 7: Shing Mun Reservoir to Yuen Tun Ha

Section 8: Yuen Tun Ha to Cloudy Hill

Section 9: Cloudy Hill to Pat Sin Leng ⭐

Section 10: Pat Sin Leng to Nam Chung

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