There are plenty of hiking routes to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, of which two of them start from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir.

There’s an easy option via the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road — a paved road that I would classify as a walk rather than a hike. And then there’s a slightly more challenging and scenic option via Hong Kong Trail Section 1 and Harlech Road.

To be honest, both options are short, easy, suitable for families and kids, and perfect for anyone seeking a lazy Sunday hike to The Peak.

As both options start from the same location, let’s first discuss how to get to the starting point for this hike.

Starting Point

To start this hike, make your way to the start of Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road on Pok Fu Lam Road.

There are plenty of minibuses and buses that stop right next to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. So, it might be easier to check on Google Maps the easiest option for you to arrive here.

The Initial Walk To Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

Once you arrive at the bus stop, locate the entrance to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road.

Begin walking on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, and follow the gentle slope past the Pokfulam Public Riding School till you reach the start of the reservoir, marked by the fences.

Take a moment to admire the Former Watchman’s Cottage, a heritage cottage, opposite the fences. This building, along with 6 other structures in the area, were declared monuments in 2009 by Antiquities and Monuments Office.

Once you reach the barrier marking the entrance to the Pok Fu Lam Country Park, the two hiking options to The Peak present themselves. You can either continue following the road that you’re on, or take the steps to the left.

Let’s start with the easy option first, which is to continue walking on the road that you’re on.

Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to The Peak Walk via Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road

Here is a quick map and elevation profile of the walk to The Peak via Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. The entire walk follows a gentle incline on a paved and shaded road. Along the way, you’ll get to admire numerous species of trees and flowers, some quite photogenic.

Continue Walking Along The Reservoir

Once you walk the barrier, continue walking on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, as it runs alongside Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. As this the leisurely, easy, short option, I urge you to take your time, and admire the sights.

The road quickly wraps around the reservoir before the incline begins.

The Gentle Incline to The Peak

Once you cross the Masonry Bridge (which is also a declared monument) with the stream flowing under it, the uphill walk begins. Luckily, the slope is not too steep at all and actually quite easy. It’s easy enough for families with kids, and pets, of whom we saw plenty.

The road remains paved and shaded all the way to The Peak. There are a few seating spots along the way in case you get tired and want to take a break.

One of my favourite parts about this walk is that it offers a lot of peace right in the middle of Hong Kong. There’s a stream that flows along the initial part of the walk, along with plenty of birds, trees, and flowers for you to admire.

As the walk is quite short, I’d suggest you take your time. Walk at a gentle pace and admire the natural beauty around you.

As you approach The Peak, you’ll soon be reminded of what this city still has to offer literally in its backyard. With all the buses, tourists and noise you might consider walking back down the way you came up.

Or you could catch a bus or taxi from The Peak to your destination.

Now, let’s discuss the second option in more detail.

Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to The Peak Hike via Hong Kong Trail & Harlech Road

The second option, via Hong Kong Trail & Harlech Road, is also relatively quite easy. It’s definitely more challenging than the just walking up Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, and offers a mix of dirt trails and paved roads.

It’s also a more scenic option as along the trail, you’ll encounter plenty of lookout points with views of the south towards Lantau and Lamma Islands. So, let’s go!

Walk Up The Steps

As you cross the barrier to enter Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, immediately turn left and follow the steps up the hill.

The initial steps are easy, but they lead to a long, seemingly endless flight of stairs ahead. The good news is that this is one of the two challenging steps on the hike, so take your time and walk at a comfortable pace.

Around the halfway point, you’ll find a hidden structure to the right of the stairs. Explore it at your own risk.

Continue climbing until you reach a large, flat landing on the hillside. There is an underground reservoir here, which explains the fence ahead.

Follow the trail along the fence, then continue onto a short flight of steps that lead onto Hong Kong Trail Section 1.

Follow Hong Kong Trail Section 1

As you step onto Section 1 of Hong Kong Trail, turn left and continue hiking.

You’ll immediately step onto a lookout point, with views of the sea but mostly, the top of the underground reservoir. Keep walking, as much better scenery awaits over the next 900 metres.

The trail’s initial section is relatively flat and shaded, making for an easy walk, especially after the many steps you climbed to get here. However, the trail’s profile noticeably changes when you notice the first set of steps. From this point on, the trail starts to climb gradually.

The incline starts of slowly and isn’t that noticeable. At this point, the cover of trees also begins to get a slightly patchy, giving you access to more views.

The incline on the steps ahead is a more noticeable, but it still remains relatively easy.

Once again, don’t forget to enjoy the views of Queen Mary Hospital, Lamma Island, and the sea.

As the shade thins out, you will come to a flight of uphill steps on your right.

The Steps to Lung Fu Shan Viewing Point

At this point, turn right and follow the signs for The Peak.

This marks the second and final challenging set of steps in the hike. Take your time and go slowly as you ascend.

These steps lead to the Lung Fu Shan Country Park Picnic Area, Site No. 2. The picnic area features a shaded pavilion and a few benches and a picnic table, perfect for a quick rest.

While here, pause to enjoy the views from the Lung Fu Shan Viewing Point, located on the left. From this vantage point, you can appreciate incredible views of Lamma Island, Cheung Chau, Lantau Island, and Mount Davis straight ahead.

After you’ve enjoyed the views, and taken a well deserved break, take the steps down to the paved road.

Harlech Road to The Peak Tower

You are now on the final stretch of the hike to The Peak, which follows the paved Harlech Road. As you step onto the road, start walking uphill while enjoying the views of Kowloon across the harbour.

The road has a gentle incline and remains shaded throughout, though at times the scenery opens up, offering clear views of the city across the harbour.

Continue walking until you reach the public toilets at the convergence point of the three roads leading to The Peak: Harlech Road, Hatton Road, and Luggard Road.

Stay on Harlech Road as you pass the toilet, and the playground and picnic area that follow. It’s worth noting that the entrance to Governor’s Walk, leading to the Victoria Peak summit, is on the left side of the road, while the entrance to Mount High West is located behind the picnic area.

For now, our destination is The Peak Tower. To get there, continue along Harlech Road for another 1.2 km.

This final section is the easiest part of the hike, as it is part of The Peak Morning Trail, a circular, flat track at the base of Victoria Peak summit. The road is paved and usually quite busy.

Towards the end of Harlech Road, you’ll arrive at Luggard Falls. Depending on the season, it may be a trickle or a gushing waterfall.

Keep walking for another 300 metres till you finally arrive at The Peak Tower, bringing the hike to an end.

Easy Hike To Victoria Peak From Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

Fun fact, did you know that Pok Fu Lam Reservoir was the first reservoir built in Hong Kong? It was completed in 1863 and is actually two reservoirs.

Anyway, we hope you found this guide resourceful. The hike to The Peak from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is one of the easier and more enjoyable options among all the routes to The Peak.

Depending on your mood, you could pick option 1 or option 2. Alternatively, you can walk down to the reservoir from The Peak, and it’s even easier, kind of like a stroll.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you check out our guide on the all the routes to hike up to Victoria Peak. Or why not hike to Kennedy Town/HKU from Pok Fu Lam?

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