Easy Hong Kong hikes for kids

Hong Kong boasts some of the best hiking in Asia. Enjoy a blue sky day by the water or in the mountains with these easy Hong Kong hikes for kids

Dragon’s Back

Views of Shek O beach from Dragon's Back

Winding its way across the ridges of Shek O Country Park, Dragon’s Back trail is dubbed Asia’s top urban hike with good reason. It’s a tough initial climb up to the ridge from Shek O Road, but the views from the top are sensational, initially of Tai Tam Bay and then out to the South China Sea over Shek O and Big Wave Bay as the hiking trail winds its way towards Tai Tam Gap. Follow the signs down to Big Wave Bay and enjoy a well-earned lunch in Big Wave Bay village and a swim at the beach.

Hiking notes: The first half of the hike is unshaded. A moderately difficult trail of seven-and-a-half kilometres, allow three to four hours. Some steep inclines and unpaved track.

Starting point: Shek O Road at To Tei Wan bus stop (catch the number 9 bus to Shek O from Shau Kei Wan bus terminus at Shau Kei Wan MTR).

Finishing point: Big Wave Bay; minibuses run regularly from Big Wave Bay beach car park to Chai Wan MTR station.

Suitability: Challenging uphill sections and uneven terrain; older children from around six years.

Sai Kung to High Island

Messing about in boats at Yau Lei Seafood Restaurant

High Island, also known as Yau Lei, is located inside the beautiful Sai Kung Country Park in Hong Kong’s New Territories. This is a great hike for youngsters as the trail is along paved paths and mostly flat, with some steps down to the waterfront (look out for the signs to Pak A Village). The drawcard for High Island is its yummy Yau Lei Seafood Restaurant by the beach with plenty of fun for kids splashing in the waves or jetty-jumping into a sheltered bay at the front of the village.

Hiking notes: This is an easy hike along flat, paved pathways and one set of stone steps down to the waterfront. Bring swimmers and allow an hour-and-a-half for this five kilometre hike.

Starting point: Sai Kung Country Park gates at Pak Tam Chung (catch a minibus or green taxi to Pak Tam Chung from Sai Kung Town).

Finishing point: Hike back the way you came or book a speedboat to Sai Kung New Pier with Yau Lei Seafood Restaurant.

Suitability: All ages, mostly stroller-friendly (some steps).

Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail

Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail passes dams, reservoirs and an aqueduct

This easy, downhill walk through Tai Tam Valley in Tai Tam Country Park passes lots to points of interest as well as being a pretty forest walk. The heritage trail opened in 2009 and includes four reservoirs, dams, pumping stations, an aqueduct and bridges built from the early 1800s onwards. The reservoirs were once the primary source of water for Hong Kong Island. The trail is mostly shaded with attractive forest and water views and multiple information points and BBQ areas.

Hiking notes: Ideal for young children, this gentle five kilometre trail is all on concrete pathways. It ends at Tai Tam Reservoir Road from where you can catch a minibus or taxi to Stanley for a swim and lunch.

Starting point: Tai Tam Reservoir Road by Parkview Mansions. 

Finishing point: Tai Tam Reservoir Road by Tai Tam Upper Reservoir.

Suitability: All ages, stroller-friendly.

Ocean Park to Repulse Bay

The quiet path winds along the waterfront beneath Island Road

This easy walk is part of the Southern District Coastal Trail, which itself is a section of the Hong Kong Coastal Trail that circumnavigates the whole island. The first part of the walk is along the Mills and Chung Path seafront which leads to the seaview promenade at Deepwater Bay. Stop in Deepwater Bay for a snack and a swim or follow the promenade along Deepwater Bay beach until it turns away from the road and hooks up with the Repulse Bay seafront path. 

Hiking notes: A great walk for young children. The five kilometre route is flat and paved and suitable for strollers but mainly unshaded. There are plenty of snack and swim options at Deepwater Bay and Repulse Bay.

Starting point: Island Road at the bottom of Shouson Hill (nearest MTR station is Ocean Park). The steps to Mills and Chung Path are just past the entrance to the Hong Kong Country Club. 

Finishing point: Repulse Bay. Catch the number 6 or 6X bus back to Central and the MTR. There are also regular minibuses to Aberdeen.

Suitability: All ages, mostly stroller-friendly (some steps).

Discovery Bay to Mui Wo via Trappist Haven Monastery

Myriad stone steps lead down to Silvermine Bay

This relatively challenging 10km hike starts next to the Lantau Yacht Club entrance - shimmy past the boom bar and turn right onto Nam Shue Wan beach path. Head through Nam Shue Wan village and past the allotments and eventually the trail leads up some stone steps and onto a wide, shaded and paved avenue that winds steeply up to Trappist Haven Monastery. There’s an optional additional viewpoint at the top of Mount Redwater (take it, the views are spectacular) and then the trail winds down many stone steps to Silvermine Bay and along the beach to Mui Wo. The China Bear restaurant by Mui Wo Ferry Pier is a good refuelling spot. 

Hiking notes: A beautiful walk past beaches and through forests. Mostly shady although there is no shade coverage on the steps to Silvermine Bay. Take swimmers for kids to paddle at Silvermine Bay beach.

Starting Point: Discovery Bay Ferry Pier (catch a ferry from Central).

Finishing Point: Mui Wo Ferry Pier (catch a ferry back to Central).

Suitability: Challenging uphill and downhill sections; older children from around six years.

Don't go, there's more...

• Hong Kong's best beaches

• Island-hopping in Hong Kong

• Where to eat by the ocean in Hong Kong