Beacon Hill Hike via Crow’s Nest

The hike to Beacon Hill from Crow’s Nest Nature has some of the most gorgeous and unique views of Hong Kong. In my opinion, this trail is a hidden gem and doesn’t get as many hikers as some of the other neighbouring trails such as Lion Rock. It’s also fairly easy – relatively flat with minimal climbing.

Check out some of the pictures from the hike and you’ll understand why I think this hike has some of the best views of the city’s skyline.

The hike that I personally recommend starts at Crow’s Nest Nature Trail and ends at Beacon Hill. The vantage points on this hike overlook the densely populated areas of Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok, and Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s old airport.

Map & Elevation Details

Click to open in Google Maps

And here’s a video to get you excited about the views

Now that you have all the details, let’s get started.

Starting Point

Crow’s Nest Nature Trail is the starting point for this hike. Crow’s Nest is a hill north of So Uk in Cheung Sha Wan of New Kowloon. The trial runs parallel to Section 5 of the Maclehose Trail. To get to the starting point:

• Take the MTR to Prince Edward
• Exit from C1 onto Nathan Road
• Walk towards the bus stop for Bus No. 81
• Once you’re on the bus, you can choose to slight at any of these stops:
  1. At Shek Lei Pui Reservoir. This is the entrance of the Maclehose Trail at Tai Po Road. As you enter the country park, turn right towards Crow’s Nest.
  2. At Villa Carlton on Tai Po Road, which is a couple of stops before. Alight at Villa Carlton, take the footbridge to the other side and walk towards the gas station. Behind the gas station are stairs. Walk up this path for about 10 mins till it meets Crow’s Nest Nature Trail.

You’ll notice that in my map above doesn’t show the starting points of the hike. Instead, it starts from a point from where both the paths would meet.

Crow’s Nest Nature Trail

This section of the hike is a relatively flat, and roughly 1.5 to 2 kms depending on where you start.

Although most of the trail is covered with trees, there are a few spots with stunning views overlooking Hong Kong. My favourite of course is the Crow’s Nest Viewing Point. On a clear day, you can see right across Kowloon, and all the way up to the hills on Hong Kong Island. You can see the dense low rises of Sham Shui Po, contrasting with the ICC and the other high rises on Kowloon West.

Take your time, enjoy the views. And if you came here just for the views and don’t want to hike any further, that’s also an option. But if you do wish to carry on, brace yourself for tougher inclines.

To Lung Yan Road

To continue this hike, stay on Crow’s Nest Nature Trail till you approach Lung Yan Road, the only paved road on the hike.

Closer to the road, the flat terrain slowly turns into a uphill climb. As you emerge from the stairs, make a mental note of this road. Once you’re done with Beacon Hill, you’ll need to return here to finish the hike.

But for now, spot the stairway across the road and head to it. This path is a continuation of Section 5 of the Maclehose Trail, and this is where the hike gets tough (sort of).

To Beacon Hill

At 457m, Beacon Hill is a large hill located in Lion Rock Country Park. It is easily identifiable by its large radio tower and equipment that can be seen from far away.

The climb from Lung Yan Road to Beacon Hill is all uphill and can be quite a challenge. Technically Lung Yan Road slithers its way to the top too, but it’s more suitable for cars. The road is really long and winding. But luckily, the hiking path takes a shortcut to the top.

Once you finally reach the radio tower facility, you’ll realise that there aren’t really any good vantage points. For that we need to head to the Beacon Hill Lookout.

Beacon Hill Lookout

The lookout is 500m west to Beacon Hill radio tower. To get there, follow the hiking trail to Shatin Pass which is relatively flat, with a few steps going down closer to the vantage point.

Beacon Hill Lookout looks right over Kowloon Tong, and Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s old airport. Just imagine the views you’d get from Beacon Hill when Kai Tak was operational!

Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s former airport – seen from Beacon Hill

And to the left you’ll be able to admire Lion Rock Head. If your camera has a zoom lens, you should be able to see people on top of the hill.

Look at the people on top of Lion Rock

Finish The Hike

Once you’re done admiring the view, head back towards Lung Yan Road. Walk down the road, for about 15-20 mins, till it meets Lung Cheung Road. From here, there are multiple buses that can take you to Kowloon Tong MTR station.

However, if you’ve still full of energy, continue west for another 2-3 kms till you reach Lion Rock!

Lion Rock Head and the valley below

Final Words

The views from this 4 km hike (not counting the descent to the city) are some of my favourite in Hong Kong. They’re are relatively unique given that this isn’t a particularly popular spot or hike. It may not be perched up like Victoria Peak or Lion Rock Head, but it sure does offer equally stunning, if not better views.

View from Beacon Hill Lookout

From Lion Rock Head on the left, to Beacon Hill on the right.

If you’re looking to photograph Hong Kong’s dense urban jungle from a new vantage point, I’d highly recommend this hike. Also, be sure to check out my Hong Kong photo gallery and aerial photo gallery.

Check out more amazing hikes in Hong Kong