Peak Hike From The Peak Tram Station

One of my favourite routes to hike to The Peak is from the Peak Tram Station via the Central Green & Heritage Trail. Not only does this route pass many sites of historical and cultural significance but also happens to run alongside the Peak Tram for the most part.

The Central Green & Heritage Trail runs alongside the Peak Tram, for the most part

The route – Central Green & Heritage Trail

The Central Green & Heritage Trail is a 5 km trail to The Peak divided into three parts

1. Pier Section
2. Peak Tram Section
3. Peak Section

Although the trail starts from the Central Pier, I feel that for the hike it’s best to start at the Peak Tram Station. In other words, skip the Pier Section and reduce the total distance to 3.1 km.

Also, the Central Green & Heritage Trail is well-marked with signs for directions and points of interest.

Distance: 3.1 km

Map: Google Maps doesn’t show Hospital Path.

To start the hike, make your way to the Peak Tram Station. Find the path opposite the station, that’s under the Cotton Tree Drive flyover. Get under the flyover and walk uphill on Tramway Path.

The Tramway Path runs parallel to the Peak Tram and passes the Tram View Cafe before reaching Kennedy Road. Cross the road and continue walking up on Tramway Path.

At the end of this section, the Tramway Path reaches Macdonnell Road. Exit onto the road, turn right and then immediately left to follow the Tramway Path parallel to the tracks. Make sure to get a good picture of the tracks and the Macdonnell Road Tram Stop.

Tramway Path finally ends at Magazine Gap Road, at this point cross the road and continue walking uphill on Brewin Path.

After the residential complexes, Brewin Path becomes pedestrian-only as it enters a shaded area. Walk on the shaded path for a short distance and then take the sharp left turn onto Clovelly Path. Stay on Clovelly Path till it reaches May Road.

Turn left onto May Road and walk over the tram tracks, which look extremely picturesque from here. As May Road is extremely narrow at this point, cross carefully onto Chatham Path.

The next 1 km is a gentle incline on Chatham Path. There are points with multiple paths, so, if you’re confused refer to the signs or use your phone.

Around the halfway mark, there is a viewpoint next to a rock which is great for getting some amazing shots!

The viewpoint with the rock – quite spectacular

Navigate the multiple hairpin bends on Chatham Path that follow before it ends on Barker Road. This point marks the end of the Peak Tram Section and the start of the Peak Section of the Central Green & Heritage Trail.

Turn right onto Barker Road and keep walking till the road turns right sharply. Cross the road and walk up on Hospital Path.

After 300 metres, the Hospital Path reaches Severn Road. At this point, I broke away from the Central Green & Heritage Trail and turned right onto Severn Road, instead of continuing on Hospital Path.

Stay on Severn Road till it merges with Plantation Road. Walk a short distance on Plantation Road and then take the left for Findlay Road.

Finally, stay on Findlay Road, which is quite scenic, till it reaches The Peak.

Peak Hike From Central / Mid-Levels Escalator

Perhaps one of the most popular walks on Hong Kong Island is the one to The Peak via the Old Peak Road from Mid-Levels.

The moderate continuous incline of Old Peak Road

This heavily trafficked route is a favourite among walkers, joggers, and casual hikers.

The route – Old Peak Road

Distance: 1.1 km

Map:

If you’re starting the hike from Central, the first task is to make it to Conduit Road. The easy way is to take the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator to the end, which is Conduit Road. Or challenge yourself by walking up the inclined roads to Robinson Road and then take the Old Peak Road.

But if you’re taking the escalator, turn left on Conduit Road and then right on Hornsey Road. Stay on Hornsey Road till it reaches Old Peak Road.

The motorable section of Old Peak Road

Once you turn onto Old Peak Road, you’ll still have to walk another 550 metres on an incline among the residential complexes before Old Peak Road becomes a pedestrian-only path. This part starts right behind Hillsborough Court.

The start of Old Peak Road (vehicle-free section)

At the start of the pedestrian path, don’t forget to check out the old boundary stone for Victoria City.

The old city boundary from 1903 when Hong Kong was called Victoria City

From this point, simply follow the Old Peak Road up the hill as it twists and turns and finally meets with Plantation Road, right under the tracks for the Peak Tram. Just a warning, Old Peak Road can be challenging because of its steep incline.

At the intersection of Old Peak Road and Plantation Road, you can turn right and stay on Old Peak Road till it meets Lugard Road. Or go straight under the tracks, and then take the ramp up Findlay Path. I recommend taking Findlay Path.

Peak Hike from Kennedy Town / HKU

If you’re looking for a challenging route to hike to The Peak, then consider hiking to it from Kennedy Town or HKU.

The hike consists of a mix of steps and inclines and stays away from motorable roads. The route cuts across Lung Fu Shan Country Park and Pok Fu Lam Country Park, making it quite serene.
Klook.com

The starting point

If you’re starting the hike from Kennedy Town, first make your way to the Sinopec gas station on Pok Fu Lam Road. This will require climbing up the steps behind Sands Street or walking up Pokfield Road.

This is your starting point

If you’re starting the hike from the HKU MTR Station, take the exit to Pok Fu Lam Road and walk towards the Sinopec gas station.

Next to the station, is the flight of steps that mark the starting point of The Peak hike from Kennedy Town / HKU.

The steps that go up from right next to the petrol station

The route

Distance: 3.1 km

Map:

Climb the steps at a comfortable pace. They’re very steep, and it’s a long way up to Ping Shan Path. Once at Ping Shan Path, turn right, and then immediately left to follow the signs for Pinewood Battery.

Once again, keep climbing the steps and walking up the inclined path. Further ahead, the trail ends and gives way to a paved road. Keep walking on the road and admire the views from the pavilions at each turn. There are quite a few viewing points on this path.

500 metres into the paved road, turn left onto Hatton Road. From this point, the route is fairly straightforward. Follow Hatton Road, till it meets with Harlech Road. And then follow Harlech Road till it ends at The Peak.

Alternate route via Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail

The good thing about Hatton Road is that there are no steps. It’s just on a constant incline. But that also makes it slightly crowded.

But if you prefer a less crowded, shorter router (with steps), take the steps on the right when you reach Hatton Road.

The steps follow the Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail that passes through the Pinewood Battery. For those unaware, Pinewood Battery is a historic military site that was once the highest coastal defence battery in Hong Kong.

Inside one of the gun batteries at Pinewood Battery

The steps finally rejoin Hatton Road, just before Harlech Road. And once on Harlech Road, follow it to The Peak Tower.

Peak Hike from Sai Ying Pun / Mid-Levels

The hike to The Peak from Sai Ying Pun is quite similar to that from Kennedy Town / HKU, in that the route starts at the beginning of Hatton Road.
Klook.com

The route – Hatton Road (The Morning Trail To Victoria Peak)

Distance: 2.8 km

Map:

Hatton Road, also known as “The Morning Trail” is another very popular track among walkers, joggers, and casual hikers.

The road starts at the northern end of Kotewall Road, and it is possible to reach here by foot or bus. Bus number 13 plies between City Hall and Kotewall Road. Alternatively, you can walk to the start of Hatton Road via Kotewall Road or Conduit Road.

Popularly known as The Morning Trail, Hatton Road is a 2.8 km steep, paved, and vehicle-free road that merges with Lugard Road and Harlech Road at The Peak.

Once on Hatton Road, simply follow the signs for The Morning Trail to The Peak Tower.

Alternate route via Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail

Similar to the route from Kennedy Town / HKU, you can take the parallel Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail when you reach the Lung Fu Shan Country Park sign on Hatton Road.

Entrance to the Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail. The route is shorter and less crowded but has lots of steps

This route is slightly shorter, but involves climbing steps, as opposed to the longer Hatton Road which has no steps.

Peak Hike from Aberdeen

The hike to The Peak from Aberdeen is a continuous, uphill walk on a road known as Peel Rise.

Peel Rise essentially connects Aberdeen to Gough Hill and is perhaps the least crowded of the hiking trails on this list. It’s also one of my favourites, especially during the rainy season when the route is flanked by waterfalls and streams!
Klook.com

What a gorgeous sight of Jianghua Stream!

The route – Peel Rise

Distance: 4.1 km

Map:

Peel Rise starts from Aberdeen Reservoir Road between St. Peter’s Secondary School and Pui Tak Canossian College. The best way to get there is via bus (or taxi).

Peel Rise, the starting point

Once on Peel Rise, simply follow the path as it gently makes its way up to The Peak through Aberdeen Country Park.

Continue on Peel Rise after the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery

The route overlaps with the Hong Kong Trail but as long as you follow the signs for The Peak, you won’t get lost.

Turn right to continue on Peel Rise

Peek Rise ends at Gough Hill Path at The Peak. From here all you need to do is walk towards Peak Road and walk on it to Peak Galleria.

For more detailed instructions and what to expect, make sure you read the Aberdeen to The Peak Hike via Peel Rise guide.

Peak Hike from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir via Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road

Pok Fu Lam, located close to Aberdeen, is the second approach from the south side to The Peak on this list. But unlike the Aberdeen approach, this starting point offers two options. The first runs on a single road – Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road.

The whole walk in one shot – the trail on the bottom left, and the Peak Tower on the top, with the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir at the bottom

The route – Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road

Distance: 2.5 km

Map:

The hike to The Peak from Pok Fu Lam starts from the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. The reservoir can be reached via a short walk on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, opposite The Bethanie Campus of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Once at the reservoir, continue on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. Once again, there are signs to The Peak all along the way. The road stays at a moderate to gentle incline to The Peak.

The Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road is shaded all along the way to The Peak

Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road ends right opposite The Peak Galleria.

The view of The Peak Tower as you emerge from the walk

You can learn more about the Pok Fu Lam to The Peak Hike in this dedicated and detailed guide (look for Option 1).

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

The second hiking route from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to The Peak runs on Hong Kong Trail Section 1, and then moves to Harlech Road for the final approach.

The whole walk in one shot – the trail on the bottom left, and the Peak Tower on the top, with the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir at the bottom

The route – Hong Kong Trail Section 1 & Harlech Road

Distance: 3.2 km

Map:

This route starts from the same location as the one above, which is Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road.

Once you cross the entrance barrier to Pok Fu Lam Country Park, turn left and take the steps all the way to the top. From there, follow the trail till it intersects Hong Kong Trail Section 1.

Once on Hong Kong Trail Section 1, turn left and follow it for approximately 900 metres. The trail starts off relatively flat before the incline increases gradually. But overall, the trail stays easy, shaded, and offers the occasional views of the south side. And after about 900 metres, notice a flight of steps going up till on the right. Follow these steps.

These steps land at the Lung Fu Shan Viewing Point and a picnic site. Enjoy the views and take a quick break here, if needed.

From the picnic area, step onto Harlech Road and follow it all the way to The Peak Tower.

You can learn more about the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to The Peak Hike in this dedicated and detailed guide (look for Option 2).

Peak Hike from Wan Chai

It is possible to hike to The Peak from Wan Chai via Wan Chai Gap. The route is the only route on this list that approaches The Peak from the east.

As most of the land east of The Peak is developed, the second half of this route is primarily on motorable roads. However, as we’ve completed the Wan Chai to The Peak hike on numerous occasions, we eventually mapped a route with the least traffic.

The route

Distance: 3.6 km

Map: Google refuses to map the route.

The hike from Wan Chai to The Peak starts from Wan Chai Green Trail, on Kennedy Road. The starting point is an easy 5-minute walk from the Wan Chai MTR.

Walk up the steps to Wan Chai Gap Road to start the hike

Wan Chai Green Trail is a very steep, uphill path between Kennedy Road and Wan Chai Gap. We advise you to take it slow on this section of the hike.

From Wan Chai Gap, the route follows Coombe Road, Peak Road, and then Barker Road. This section of the route is shared with vehicles. So, watch out for passing cars.

After Barker Road, the route moves to Lloyd Path and then Severn Road, which is relatively quiet and doesn’t have too many vehicles.

And finally, from Severn Road, the final section of the route follows Findlay Road to The Peak.

We have a dedicated and detailed post for the hike from Wan Chai to The Peak that you can refer to.

End your hike at Victoria Peak Summit (The highest point)

As discussed earlier, most of the hiking routes end next to Peak Tower or The Peak Galleria. However, if you’re interested in hiking to the summit of Victoria Peak, there are two possible routes.

Note: Although the summit of Victoria Peak has always been closed to the public, I’ve been made aware that even the viewing point directly below the summit has been closed. Please drop me a comment below to confirm this.

Klook.com

Depending on your ascent route, you can hike to Victoria Peak via Mount Austin Road or the Harlech Road Fitness Trail / Governor’s Walk.

Via Mount Austin Road

Additional distance: 1.2 km

If you’re hiking to The Peak from Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Aberdeen, Wan Chai, or Central / Mid-Levels, take Mount Austin Road to reach Victoria Peak.

Walk up Mount Austin Road

Mount Austin Road is the motorable, steep road adjacent to Peak Tower. Walk on this road, past Mount Austin Playground and all the high-end properties till you reach a fork in the road before the historic Mountain Lodge Guard House.

At the fork, turn right, and then take the steps on the right again to reach the small sitting area just below Victoria Peak summit.

Via Harlech Road Fitness Trail / Governor’s Walk

Additional distance: At least 550 metres

If you’re hiking to The Peak from Kennedy Town, HKU, or Sai Ying Pun / Mid-Levels, take the Harlech Road Fitness Trail and the Governor’s Walk to reach Victoria Peak. The entrance to the Harlech Road Fitness Trail is slightly hidden and unmarked, which makes it difficult to spot.

When at the end of Hatton Road, where it meets Harlech Road, turn left and walk to the point where Lugard Road merges with Harlech Road. At this point, look for an opening with steps on the hill to the left. That’s the entrance to the Harlech Road Fitness Trail.

The initial section is called the Harlech Road Fitness Trail and consists of steps and inclines. The steps start steep but then gradually become less intense.

At the end of the Harlech Road Fitness Trail, the path splits in two when it reaches the Governor’s Walk.

Governor’s Walk – take the incline on the left

I prefer taking the path on the left as it is a shorter walk to Victoria Peak Garden. And once at the garden, you can walk through it, or take your time admiring the spectacular views from above!

For me, Victoria Peak Garden is an amazing spot to end your hike!

Victoria Peak Garden is a super popular spot on The Peak

However, if you still feel the need to get closer to the telecom towers on the summit, follow Mount Austin Road to the historic Mountain Lodge Guard House, and follow the path to the sitting area just below Victoria Peak summit (as detailed above).

The Historic Mountain Lodge Guard House

Public transport to Victoria Peak

If you’re in no mood to hike to The Peak or want to hike one way and take public transport the other, here are the main public transport options to or from The Peak:

1. The Peak Tram – the historic Peak Tram in Hong Kong is a must-do activity! Book your ticket online to get access to Sky Terrace 428.
2. Bus number 15 – plies between Central Ferry Pier and The Peak
3. Green minibus number 1 – plies between Hong Kong Station and The Peak

Things to do at The Peak

Dine, drink, shop

Between the two malls (Peak Tower and Peak Galleria), there are plenty of restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops. Both malls also allow visitors to their rooftops for unobstructed views of Hong Kong. However, entrance to the rooftops is paid.

Peak Tower on the right, Peak Galleria on the left

Peak Galleria at The Peak

We often hike to The Peak to eat at one of the restaurants to justify all those carbs!

Alternatively, you can bring your picnic to The Peak given the presence of so many scenic gardens. There’s the Victoria Peak Garden, Mount Austin Playground, and the garden next to Harlech Road.

Mount Austin behind Victoria Peak Garden

The Best Spot For Views of Hong Kong from The Peak

If you’re looking for the best views of Hong Kong’s glamorous skyline from The Peak, you have a couple of options.

For starters, you can access the rooftops of the two malls at The Peak. However, I prefer visiting the famous Victoria Peak’s Lion’s Pavilion which offers stunning views of the city.

Victoria Peak’s Lions Pavilion

Hong Kong behind this mini-lion at the Lions Pavilion

Gorgeous views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak’s Lions Pavilion

But for the ultimate viewing experience, I highly recommend the lookout points on Lugard Road, which can be covered as part of the Circular Walk.

The Peak Circular Walk

Honestly, this 3.5 km loop on The Peak offers the most phenomenal views of Hong Kong! And with the recent addition of viewing platforms on this route, it’s become even more appealing!

View of the HK skyline of Lugard Road, Hong Kong

I enjoy the views from The Peak Circular Walk during the foggy season (usually March) when only the tops of the tallest buildings peek out above the low-lying fog.

ICC and The Centre in the clouds

Frame it between the branches

The two tallest buildings in Hong Kong sticking out of the clouds

Continue hiking to High West

And finally, if you’re still itching to hike further even after reaching The Peak, we recommend the Mount High West Hike.

The top of High West, Hong Kong

At 494 metres, High West is shorter than Victoria Peak. But its viewing platform offers stunning views of the western half of Hong Kong Island, along with views of Lamma Island and Lantau Island.

A view of Mount High West’s incredible view even with the clouds

The view of Cyberport and Lamma Island from Mount High West

The platform at High West Viewing Point

You can learn more about the Mount High West Hike in this dedicated post.

See also

Mount High West Hike

The Peak Hike in Hong Kong

We hope you enjoyed our very detailed post on all the hiking routes to The Peak.

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