7 Family-Friendly Hikes To Enjoy In Hong Kong

 

Hong Kong is a great place to explore, especially by foot.

And like us, if you’re tired of seeing your kids glued to the screen on weekdays (zoom sessions and online activities – we get it, parents!), there’s no time like now to round up the whole family and tackle some easy peasy trails for a no-frills day of fun and fitness!

Remember, hikes with children are not about the distance covered but about the tantrums avoided and memories made. Scroll below for some beautiful, family-friendly hiking options in Hong Kong and make some amazing memories.

 

1.  Lamma Island Family Trail 

 

 

Slap on some sunscreen and take your hungry culture vultures to soak in 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s third largest island. It’s unbelievable how only 35-minutes on ferry from the Aberdeen typhoon shelter transports you to an island with mesmerising views and packed sea food restaurants.

Lamma has two main villages – Sok Kwun Wan and Yung Shue Wan, both are connected by ferry to Central.

You can start your trail at Sok Kwun Wan, walk through tunnels built during the Second World War, admire the coastline and make your way around herb farms to arrive at Yung Shue Wan.

Do some sight seeing, give a lesson or two on the 150-year old Tin Hau Temple, the Lamma Wind Turbine and Power Station before you stop for a fresh seafood feast at any of the waterfront restaurants.

Start point: Yung Shue Wan Village
End point: Sok Kwu Wan Village
Who Can Do It: Five-year-olds and beyond, any fitness level

 

2. The Peak Circle Walk

 

 

Behold the majestic skyline of Hong Kong!

Apart from being easy on the little legs, this smooth loop has plenty of shade and guarantees impressive views of the vertical city.

Take the tram up The Peak for some added fun and head straight to the Lugard Road next to the Peak Tower. Continue walking till you spot the Lugard Road Lookout which runs into Harlech Road, admire the chicest furries of Hong Kong on the way, pass by a waterfall and very soon you’ll be back to the Peak Tower.

The Peak Galleria has undergone a major overhaul and there are plenty of touristy things to do up there, you can wrap up the day with a fabulous family meal at the Rajasthan Rifles – finger-licking curry and all that jazz!

Start point: Victoria Peak
End point: Circular loop, brings you back to the Peak Tower
Who Can Do It: All ages, dog and stroller-friendly

 

3. Bowen Road

 

 

For us, the 4 kms long Bowen Road trail (or the Mid-Levels jogging paradise!) is one of those urban hikes which keeps on giving – shaded, well-paved paths, so flat that kids can scoot and blow some steam, pretty darn fantastic views of Happy Valley and Central, two parks, little shrines, toilet facilities and benches to give mama a break.

Start point: Corner of Bowen and Magazine Gap Road
End point: Stubbs Road Roundabout
Who Can Do It: All ages, stroller/scooter/rollerblades- friendly

 

4. Dragon’s Back

 

 

Widely considered as the most popular hike in Hong Kong, the ridge-top path through the expansive grounds of Shek O Country Park resembles the arching spine of a dormant dragon.

For many newbies, this trail is their induction to hiking- the most popular sport in Hong Kong.

Dragon’s Back requires a fairly decent level of fitness, it’s not recommended for the little members of the family, take your older kids and restless teens on this 3-hour adventure. Treat your tribe with some delectable meals at the Shek O beach on completion. Our all time favourite here is Cococabana – refined Mediterranean fare, warm ambiance, very chic French Riviera vibes.

Start point: Bus stop of To Tei Wan stop on Shek O Road
End point: Shek O Beach
Who Can Do It: Older kids, teens and adults

 

5.  Pik Shan Path

 

 

A quiet stroll on Pik Shan Path feels like the perfect nature escape – right in the midst of woodlands, away from the bustling energy of the city.

The silence on this dirt trail is surreal.

Once you’re on the path which is the western side of The Peak, it’s unbelievable how soon you leave the cacophony of civilisation behind. The trail meanders over bridges and streams to take you on top of Kennedy Town and ultimately to Kotewall Road in Mid-Levels.

This is a scenic yet lazy hike for about 3.5 km but if you’re looking to burn off some weekend calories, finish at the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir for a decent 6.5 km stretch.

Start point: Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre
End point: Pok Fu Lam Road Playground
Who Can Do It: Four-year-olds and beyond, any fitness level, not stroller-friendly

 

6. Tai Tam Reservoir Family Walk

 

 

This peaceful, well-paved path threads its way around Tai Tam Reservoir – the only sounds you hear are the rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds.

The trail is only 2 kilometres but has 21 historical monuments on the way – great for the mini culture vultures of your fam. Pack a picnic for the mid-section which intersects the Tai Tam Reservoir Road or choose a lunch spot at nearby Stanley.

Make sure to get a leash for the stroller as the walk is completely downhill and steep in parts. For the same reason, we don’t advise scooters or bikes for the young guns.

Start point: Parkview Mansions
End point: Tai Tam Road
Who Can Do It: Every one, easy trail, completely downhill so be steady with the stroller grip

 

7. Tai Mei Tuk

 

 

A low-stress hike, perfect for a bit of a cardio rush and easy on the little legs – this jaunt next to the Plover Cove Reservoir is beautiful and full of fun things to see.

A little less than 5 kilometres in distance, the trail snakes around Tai Mei Tuk – a scenic stop at the foot of Mount Pat Sin Leng, passing through 12 columns representing the zodiac signs and four viewing stops for breathtaking pictures. On a clear day, you can see beyond Shatin; with water on both sides, this trail is a great way to clear your mind and get some fresh air.

Start point: Tai Mei Tuk BBQ Area or Bus Terminus
End point: Tai Mei Tuk BBQ Area or Bus Terminus
Who Can Do It: Four-year-olds and above given the distance, trail is flat, scooter/cycle/stroller-friendly