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Mark Agnew

Hong Kong is a hiker’s paradise. The views from the jagged mountain tops rival any in the world. But clambering to the summit of Lantau Peak, or scrambling up the steep sides of Sharp Peak, can be an intimidating prospect.
There are a host of shorter, or flatter hikers, if you want a more relaxed walk. They are perfect for beginners looking to build their experience before taking on one of the big climbs.
Mui Wo to Pui O – 8km

This lovely walk takes you along the shores of Lantau Island and finishes at a stunning beach with a restaurant. The public transport to the start and end is easy.
Start at the ferry pier in Mui Wo and turn left. Follow the seashore around, keeping the water on your left. Just as the buildings end, there is a right turn up some steps into the trees.
Take the turn and you’ll find yourself on a shaded trail.
Navigation is easy for 5km. Don’t take any turns. Keep the sea on your left.
Eventually, you’ll reach a beach, backed by a wide open grassy area. Go across the beach and turn right on the road.
There is a short but steep climb after some houses. Then the road descends. The sea will appear again, this time on your left. Follow it all the way round to Poi O and the beach.
The Twins (the easy way) – 5km

So your friends want to do The Twins, the notoriously difficult 1,000 steps hike that busts even the fittest hikers.
You want to enjoy the outdoors and revel in the post-hike lunch in Stanley, but you cannot face The Twins.
Well, fear not. Just at the bottom of where the Twins start, turn right. A catch water hugs the contours of the mountain, bringing you around to the same finishing spot as your friends, with lots of views and a fraction of the effort.
You can start at the top of Repulse Bay. Or you can do Violet Hill, which begins with a steep climb, then a long descent. The latter option is a halfway house between a very easy hike, and taking on the twins. Get a puff on without committing to the whole slog.
Sai Wan/Ham Tim – 1.5km/3km

This short hike offers two end points. Both are absolutely incredible. You can then take a boat ride back via the impressive Unesco GEO Park, for around HK$150.
But be warned, the weather has to be good for the boat to run. Even when it seems calm, the swells at sea can prevent the boat from making the trip. If you commit to the second finishing point, it can make this easy hike a bit harder as you walk out again.
Start at Sai Wan Pavilion. You can take a bus or taxi there from Sai Kung.
Follow the concrete path all the way to the beautiful Sai Wan beach, with a couple of lovely restaurants. Ask in the restaurants about the boat trips. The walk back from Sai Wan is short, but has an initial steep climb.
Or, go to the other side of the beach and hike over the headland to Ham Tin beach. There are restaurants on the other side of the beach that run the boats here too.
Mount High West – 5km

Take a bus up to The Peak and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the city on this walk. Mount High West is a short sharp climb that will get you heart going, and is a good stepping stone to even bigger hikes in the future.
Once at The Peak, go onto Lugard Road. This path hugs Victoria Peak and has amazing views off to your right.
Eventually, you’ll reach a small open area with a pavilion. Cross to the opposite corner, and there are some concrete steps down to a path.
Follow the path and you will start the climb to Mount High West. It’s a steep climb, but it’s less than 100m. So, it will get your heart rate racing and improve your fitness if you want to build to some of Hong Kong’s more challenging hikes.
When at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Lantau, Lamma and Hong Kong. Head down the way you came, turn right to finish the loop back at Victoria Peak.
Lion Rock – 5km

Lion Rock towers over the city like a guardian. But you do not have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy its views.
There is a steep climb, but it isn’t long. Beware, the cliffs are vertigo inducing and do not have a rail.
You can start from Sha Tin Pass. It requires a taxi to the start point, otherwise you can walk up the hill, making this easy hike quite a bit more challenging.
From Sha Tin Pass, go under the large wooden arch announcing Lion Rock Country Park.
Follow the wooded trail for about 2.5km. There is a sign to turn left to Lion Rock.
The hike up is very steep. It will get you blowing and feels anything but easy. However, it is short. Much like Mount High West, it’s a good place to build yourself up to more challenging hikes.
The views from the top are breathtaking. The sheer cliff below is dramatic.
Come back the way you came, and enjoy some food at Sha Tin Pass before heading back down the hill. Again, you can get a taxi or add the extras with a walk. It’s one way, so the taxi will take you on a big loop.


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5 easy hikes to do in Hong Kong if you are a beginner or just looking for a relaxed walk to enjoy city’s stunning views

Sai Wan and Ham Tin are both easy walks, especially if you can get the boat back. Photo: Getty Images

Mui Wo to Poi O hike. Photo: All Trails

Violet Hill and The Twins the easy way. Photo: All Trails 

Hike to Sai Wan or Ham Tin. Photo: All Trails

Mount High West Peak Loop. Photo: All Trails

Lion Rock is accessible from Sha Tin Pass, though that may require a taxi to the start, if you don’t want to add an extra walk. Photo: All Trails

Take your dog hiking in Hong Kong and raise money for animal charities with Exploring Dogs

Day trips with Exploring Dogs often involve boat rides to Hong Kong’s outlying islands and their hiking trails. Photo: Exploring Dogs

Exploring Dogs founder Stephanie Lown and her dog, Lola. Photo: Exploring Dogs

Dogs and their owners on a day trip with Exploring Dogs. Photo: Exploring Dogs

Lown and Lola on a hike. Photo: Exploring Dogs

Rise in Hong Kong hiking mishaps and deaths as Covid-19 drove hordes outdoors, with many trekkers clueless, unprepared

A hiker poses for a photo at Sunset Peak, Lantau. Photo: Dickson Lee

The Fire Services Department carries out a rescue drill on Nei Lak Shan on Lantau Island. Photo: Elson Li

Residents flock to Ma Tso Lung in Lok Ma Chau. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hikers at Lion Rock Country Park in Sha Tin. Photo: Dickson Lee

Sport

Outdoor

Hiking

Hong Kong is full of hikes, but not all have to be to the summit of a huge mountain if you are just starting your hiking journey
Get started hiking in Hong Kong with some flat or short hikes


Hong Kong is full of hikes, but not all have to be to the summit of a huge mountain if you are just starting your hiking journey


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Explainer

Explainer | 5 easy hikes to do in Hong Kong if you are a beginner or just looking for a relaxed walk to enjoy city’s stunning views

Hong Kong is full of hikes, but not all have to be to the summit of a huge mountain if you are just starting your hiking journey Get started hiking in Hong Kong with some flat or short hikes

Hong Kong is full of hikes, but not all have to be to the summit of a huge mountain if you are just starting your hiking journey

Get started hiking in Hong Kong with some flat or short hikes