RUNNING | Hong Kong trail routes for beginners

    Running｜Hong Kong trail routes for beginners

    Three quarters of Hong Kong’s land is countryside. In addition to the four well-known long distance trails, Hong Kong is also home to a wide range of other trails of varying distances, many of which are popular with trail runners.

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    Stage 5 of MacLehose Trail

    Route: Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin > Lions Pavilion > Stage 5 of MacLehose Trail > Reunification Pavilion > Wong Tai Sin

    Distance: 8 km

    Duration: Approx. 2 hours

    Review: This route is easily accessible by public transport and is suitable for beginners. There are toilet facilities and a snack store near Lions Pavilion. Wear a pair of sports trousers with a belt and carry a 750 ml bottle of water. The entire route is paved and is slightly hilly in places. A standard pair of road running shoes will suffice.

    (Image is provided by the author)

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    (Images are provided by the author)

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    Quarry Bay to Quarry Pass

    Route: Quarry Bay > Quarry Pass > Tai Tam Reservoirs > Round route around reservoirs > Quarry Pass

    Distance: 10 km

    Duration: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours

    Review: Quarry Pass is the starting point of stage 4 on the Hong Kong Trail. Rest pavilions and toilet facilities are available en route. The reservoir section of the route is very scenic and the area is known for its clean air. Most of this trail is along asphalt roads. Although hilly in places, it is not a challenging route, so standard road running shoes will suffice.

    (Image is provided by the author)

    Road running shoes
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    (Images are provided by the author)

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    Shau Kei Wan

    Route: Yiu Tung Estate, Shau Kei Wan > Reservoir Playground > Sir Cecil's Ride > Cloud View Road, North Point

    Distance: Approx. 12 km

    Duration: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours

    Review:  The route includes a number of gentle slopes and is not physically demanding. It passes through shaded forest along a stream, making it suitable for hot summer days. There are no facilities en route, so bring a hydration pack.

     

    (Images are provided by the author)

    Hydration packs
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    Tai To Yan

    Route: Fung Ying Seen Koon (Fanling) via Wu Tip Shan > Pak Tai To Yan > Tai To Yan > Kadoorie Farm

    Distance: Approx. 8.5 km

    Duration: Approx. 2 to 3 hours

    Review: 

    Tai To Yan provides scenic views over Kam Tin and Pat Heung to the left and Lam Tsuen and Tai Mo Shan to the right. The route climbs to 566 m above sea level and the trail is steep in places.

    The first part of the route near Wu Tip Shan is mostly paved. The rest of the route is mostly along dirt tracks and steps, and requires a certain level of physical fitness. The entire route is shaded.

    There are no facilities en route, so bring a hydration pack and trail running shoes.

    (Images are provided by the Decathlon Sports Ambassador)

    Trail running shoes
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    (Images are provided by the author)

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    Kai Kung Leng

    Route: Fung Kat Heung, Yuen Long > Tsiu Keng

    Distance: 8 km

    Duration: Approx. 2 to 3 hours

    Review:  The first half of the route is less challenging than the second half. Starting from Fung Kat Heung, the route ascends via steps, after which you continue along a dirt track until you reach Tsiu Keng. The route then descends on a relatively steep gravel path.

     

    The paths through Kai Kung Leng are unshaded and there are no facilities en route. Bring a hydration pack, sun cap, sports sunglasses and a pair of running shoes with a good grip. If starting from Tsiu Keng, beginners should bring a set of hiking poles, as the route is relatively steep.

    (Image is provided by the Decathlon Sports Ambassador)

    Sun protection gear
    Running hydration tips
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    (Images are provided by the author)

    Leave no trace

    When planning your trail run, make sure that you bring enough drinking water and snacks. However, regardless of how much trail experience you have, always remember to take your rubbish with you! This helps to keep the trail clean for other runners and hikers.

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