Hiking the hills with the littlies

Introduce your little ones to the myriad of hiking trails and all the wonders of the Hong Kong natural environment this summer.

When you look around the city streets and adjacent lanes of Hong Kong’s bustling, urban districts you might be surprised to know that 40% of Hong Kong is made up of country parks and nature reserves. Hong Kong also has a rich biodiversity being over 75% green and undeveloped land. What’s more, when you step outside the city limits you may well discover an array of differing species from flowering plants and native trees, to moths, dragonflies, butterflies and reptiles. As well, various ecosystems to explore such as mangroves, rocky shores, streams, waterfalls, and sandy shores.

There is an abundance of ‘green’ on your doorstep; here are a few good starting points to get your nature-inspired, adventurist spirit out and about on the trails with the littles ones in tow.

The Peak – Lugard Road walking trail

The Peak is a relatively easy and exciting place to start your family walking adventures. It is centrally located with a good supply of taxis and buses that will take you all the way up the winding road to the top where you will begin your walk. 

Start your walk on Lugard Road (that forms part of the Hong Kong walking trail) and continue to walk all the way around. Because the trail has many prime vantage points high amongst the clouds, the path can become a little crowded during busy times but the scenery will take your mind off all the chattering people nearby as you meander in-between dense tree foliage, adjacent waterfalls, and spectacular high views looking out over Hong Kong harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula. 

The full circular walk takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes; it is both pram/stroller and scooter friendly!

Cheung chau

Get off the Island and take a ferry to Cheung Chau; a vibrant, bustling fishing village with colourful temples, an abundance of seafood restaurants, scenic coastal hiking trails and picturesque Tung Wan, Pak So Wan and Kwun Yam beaches.

Chia Ma Hang family walking path, affectionately known as the ‘Mini Great Wall’, is well-mapped and takes around two hours to complete.  At the beginning of the path you will notice the granite railings and some gorgeous coastal scenery as well as interesting, structural rock formations. Some of the trail is stroller friendly however be mindful there are also some sections with steps to climb and alternative paths to the beaches.

Lamma Island

Hugely popular on weekends, Lamma Island is a great escape and a captivating destination out of Hong Kong.

It can feel a little bit like an international ‘time-warp’ when you first begin your walk along Yung Shue Wan Main Street. It’s an eclectic scene and an interesting mix of local and international handicrafts, cafes, convenient stores, grocers, and restaurants defining this unique Island life that is both inviting and intriguing to the international traveller and locals alike.

Follow the road and trail to take you along the coast with stunning views, past beaches and fishing rafts. Stroller friendly for most of the way unless you go off the path or hike for longer.

Sai Kung

Feeling a bit more adventurous? No babies onboard but one or two or more energetic ‘can’t run them around enough’ enthusiastic bigger kids? 

The Tai Long Wan hiking trail encompasses breath-taking and pristine scenery along the northern end of Sai Kung Peninsula. Yet, the pot of gold at the end of this ‘rainbow trail’ is the white sand and crystal-clear waters of Tai Long Wan beaches.  

You’ll need to take the MTR and mini bus and follow signposts and paths to reach these gorgeous beaches. Detailed directions are contained in ‘Urban Outdoors Travel Guide’ link attached below. 

Happy hiking!