Hiking in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Lantau, MacLehose and Wilson Trails and 21 day walks

By Simon Whitmarsh, Andrew Mok

The multi-day Wilson, MacLehose, Hong Kong and Lantau Trails and 25 day walks (from easy to challenging) on the fascinatingly diverse Hong Kong archipelago, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the islands. With notes on plants, wildlife and geology (including the UNESCO-listed geopark) and public transport information.

Seasons

Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot sticky summers. The best conditions for hiking can be found from October to December, with breezes and plenty of sunshine and little rain or humidity. January and February also offer favourable temperatures, and wildflowers bloom in March and April, although the weather is more humid during these months. From May to September, it is likely to be too hot for walking unless you choose a well-shaded route.

Centres

Routes cover Hong Kong, Kowloon, the New Territories, Lantau Island and the smaller islands

Difficulty

Walks are graded by difficulty and range from Easy (walks on good paths with limited ascent and no navigational difficulty) to Challenging (long walks with considerable ascent that may include more difficult navigation, pathless terrain and some easy scrambling). Day walks are spread fairly evenly between the four grades but each of the treks involves stages graded Difficult or Challenging.

Must See

The award-winning Dragon's Back and MacLehose Trail; Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest peak; Lion Rock; Tian Tan Big Buddha; Pat Sin Leng ridge; Victoria Peak; fine beaches; wildlife-spotting opportunities
ISBN
9781786310514
Availability
Published
Published
17 Jan 2023
Edition
First
Pages
264
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.45cm
Weight
300g
Overview
Although Hong Kong is often thought of as intrinsically urban, just a short distance from the big cities are lush mountains and attractive and varied countryside. This guide presents the highlights of this hiking-friendly territory, detailing 21 graded day walks and four short treks: Hong Kong Trail (presented in 3 day stages), Lantau Trail (5 days), MacLehose Trail (5 days) and Wilson Trail (5 days). The day walks - of 5 to 22.5km - cover Hong Kong, Kowloon, the New Territories and the islands and range from easy hikes suitable for families to challenging ascents of Hong Kong's highest peaks. The territory's compact nature and excellent public transport infrastructure make it easy to access the routes.

The guide has all you need to explore Hong Kong's excellent network of trails. Route description is accompanied by clear mapping and there are comprehensive notes - including Chinese place names - to help visitors navigate the public transport system. Alongside practicalities such as getting there, equipment and weather, information on local points of interest offers an insight into Hong Kong's rich geology, history and culture.

The Hong Kong archipelago is one of surprising diversity and contrast, where high-rise modern cities are set against a backdrop of verdant green mountains, and sandy beaches lie right alongside dense jungle. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife-spotting and chances to experience the fascinating 'East meets West' culture. This guide is the perfect companion to discovering the fantastic walking on offer in the 'Pearl of the Orient'.
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Simon Whitmarsh

Andrew Mok and Simon Whitmarsh are both keen walkers, covering over 2000km a year. They have walked extensively in Britain, doing (at least part) of all the major trails, have hiked across England twice, and have walked in most countries in Europe. More recently they have enjoyed mountain treks in the US (including many parts of the Appalachian trail), Australia, New Zealand, Andrew’s native Hong Kong, and Nepal (Everest Base Camp).

They are both doctors, a General Practitioner and a Consultant Paediatrician. When not travelling, they enjoy finding new routes near their village in Snowdonia.

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Andrew Mok

Andrew Mok and Simon Whitmarsh are both keen walkers, covering over 2000km a year. They have walked extensively in Britain, doing (at least part) of all the major trails, have hiked across England twice, and have walked in most countries in Europe. More recently their addiction to mountains has increased, with treks in the US (including many parts of the Appalachian trail), Australia, New Zealand, Andrew’s native Hong Kong, and Nepal (Everest Base Camp).
They are both doctors, a General Practitioner and a Consultant Paediatrician, who decided to write this book after being delighted and astounded by the walking opportunities of Portugal.
When not travelling, they enjoy finding new routes near their village in Snowdonia.

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