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The hike from Sai Ying Pun to the Peak is one of many ways to get to the iconic Peak. However, this hike has a bonus element of going through Pinewood Battery if you so choose, allowing you to appreciate the city’s rich military history.
On this hike, we will be going through the Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail, a paved path used by joggers and hikers alike. This hike is between an easy to medium difficulty level, as some sections of the road can get quite steep. Thankfully, there are benches along the way so you can take a rest if needed.
Let’s break the hike down into 3 sections:
- From Sai Ying Pun MTR to Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail
- From Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail to Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail
- From Pinewood Battery to the Peak
1 Sai Ying Pun to the Peak Hiking Summary
| Difficulty Level | Medium |
| Road Conditions | 100% paved |
| Elevation Gain | 345 metres | 1,312 ft |
| Peak Elevation | 410 metres | 1,348 ft |
| Total Distance | 2.5 km | 1.6 miles |
| Total Time | 45 mins |
Hiking Directions
2 Sai Ying Pun to Morning Trail (Starting Point)
The easiest way to get to the starting point of our hike is to catch the MTR to Sai Ying Pung station and walk for roughly 20 mins to Hatton Road. From there, we can hike up the Morning Trail to the Peak.
Time to reach starting point: 20 minutes
Take the MTR to Sai Ying Pun Station and get out from Exit C
Take the elevators up to Bonham Road.
Turn right onto Bonham Road
Make a right turn and walk towards the traffic lights.
Walk towards the grey building
Turn left and walk along the crosswalks till you reach the Grey building. You should see a Centaline Property agency at the ground floor.
Walk up Oaklands Path and walk past Hoover Mansion
Keep walking up the path and veer left as you see Hoover Mansion
Make a right turn and walk up the stairs
Walk along the path along West End Park, without going in.
Walk across Lyttelton Road
After crossing Lyttelton Road, walk along the curving pedestrian path and start climbing up Oaklands Avenue.
From Oaklands Ave, climb upstairs to Robinson Road
Take the flight of stairs all the way up to the next street.
Walk up the stairs on Robinson Road
Cross Robinson Road after climbing the first set of stairs and climb the next set of stairs.
Turn right onto Kotewall Road
Walk up Kotewall Road on the pedestrian path. Keep straight the whole way.
At the junction, cross to Hatton Road
Cross the road and walk towards the ramp heading up.
Walk up the ramp
Walk along Hatton Road up the ramp. Keep walking along Hatton Road till the end.
Walk all the way up
Just keep walking straight at this point. You’ll reach the morning trail starting point soon enough.
Congrats, you’ve made it to the Morning Trail starting point
This is the starting point of our hike.
3 Morning Trail to Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail
Our hike starts at the morning trail by crossing the bridge on Hatton Road.
Just as you walk around the corner of the trail, you’ll come across the Hatton Road Sitting-out Area. If you need to go to the bathroom, now’s the time.
As you climb up, you’ll notice a stream running through the rocks on the right. Our path is fully paved, so no need to worry about any off-road walking here.
As mentioned above, there’re a lot of benches or sitting areas along the way. Here’s one at the quarter-way mark.
You’ll eventually reach a U-turn. Keep straight and do not turn right after the U-turn.
From here, you’ll get a pretty good vantage point of the city.
The next section is pretty well covered by trees which provides a good amount of shade on sunny days.
Once you walk up a bit more, you’ll come across a sign pointing towards the Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail. This part is completely optional. If you’re heading to the Peak, keep straight along the trail.
4 Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail to The Peak
As you keep walking up, you’ll come across another fork in the path up ahead. The path on the right is just another way to the Pinewood Battery.
Follow the signs to head to The Peak.
You’ll be able to get a glimpse of the city skyline every now and then.
The rest of the path is fairly straightforward. Just need to keep following the trail. Note that there’s yet another way to head to Pinewood battery in the photo below. You can do so by taking the stairs down, located right next to the resting area.
Let’s make our way across this last U-turn.
Walk just a little bit more, and you’ll reach the top. This is the point where Harlech Road and Hatton Road intersect.
5 Continuing Trails
Once you’re at Harlech Road, you have a couple of options. You can either climb further by completing the High West Hike, or you can do the Circular Walk around the Peak across Harlech Road and Lugard Road.
High West detailed hiking instructions:
The 4 Best Ways to Conquer Mount High West Hike, Hong Kong
Customise your hike: Select from 4 different trails that lead to Mount High West Hike, each offering breathtaking views.
Read moreDetailsThe Peak Circle walking instructions:
Victoria Peak Circle Walk – Best Things to See and Do
Experience stunning views on Victoria Peak Circle walk in Hong Kong. Discover scenic beauty, nature, and cityscape all in one adventure!
Read moreDetails6 Summary
Overall, my hike from Sai Ying Pun to The Peak was a good blend of nature’s beauty and historical intrigue. The trail led me through the serene Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail, with an option to explore the intriguing Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail.
With moderate difficulty and resting benches, this hike catered to all levels of hikers. Along the way, I enjoyed stunning viewpoints and insights into the city’s military past, making this adventure a perfect fusion of exploration and history.
7 FAQs
What is the difficulty level of this hike?
This hike is considered moderately challenging. While it’s not extremely strenuous, there are some steep sections and uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of fitness.
Are there any restroom facilities along the trail?
Yes, there is a restroom facility at the Hatton Road Sitting-out Area, which you’ll encounter as you begin the climb on the Morning Trail. It’s a convenient pit stop for hikers.
Can I explore the Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail along the way?
Absolutely! The Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail is an optional detour along the hike. If you’re interested in exploring its historical significance, you can follow the signs and take a side trip to this area before continuing to The Peak.
Is there any admission fee for the Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail?
No, there are no admission fees for any part of this hike. It’s a cost-effective way to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
Sai Ying Pun to The Peak Hike
Print ChecklistHiking Checklist
- Wear sturdy hiking or sports shoes
- Towel to wipe away the sweat
- Power bank
- Headlamp or a powerful flashlight if hiking at night
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Camera or your smartphone to capture the stunning views
- Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up
- Bring a hiking backpack to store all your stuff
