Wineshark Go Hiking - Hong Kong Trail Section 5 – Wong Nai Chung Gap to Mount Parker 港島徑(第五段) 黃泥涌峽至柏架山道

Difficulty : 3/5

Distance: 3.46 km

From: Wong Nai Chung Gap

To: Mount Parker Road Quarry Park Pavilion

Transportation:

• Take CityBus No. 6 from Central Exchange Square heading to Stanley Market, alight at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, then walk up the steps to Tai Tam Reservoir Road.
• Return by walking down Mount Parker Road to Quarry Bay Street, then take NWFB No. 2 to back Central.

Date: 2 Jan 2021

This is one of the more difficult section of HK Trail, not because of distance but mainly because of the going uphill and downhill repeatedly throughout so can be a test of your stamina. The distance posts cover from H051 to H059, beginning at Tai Tam Reservoir Road. 

After walking up Tai Tam Reservoir Road and right before arriving HK Parkview, you will see the signs indicating both Wilson Trail and Hong Kong Trail, as this section is part of both of the trails. Going up a flight of stone steps, you will soon see the Osborn Memorial.

The plaque is dedicated to John Robert Osborn, a Canadian soldier who fought valiantly in Hong Kong during World War II, and sacrificed by throwing himself to a grenade in order to save the lives of many others. He was later awarded the Victoria Cross, the first Canadian getting the honor in WWII.

Continue on the uphill trail, this section is not too challenging but as there is no shade along the way, one must pay attention to sun protection and ensure having sufficient drinking water. And soon you will reach the top of Jardine's Lookout, at 433m. 

It has a great view looking out at Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, the Victoria Harbour, and then the whole Kowloon Peninsula. On this beautiful and clear day one can see all the way to Tsing Yi and beyond. It is certainly one of the best spots to admire the nice view of our city.

Then the trail starts with a steep descent, which is a bit tiring as one need to be careful going down. On the left one can see the Mount Butler Quarry, which is no longer in operation, and converted into a site for handling explosives as well as a firing range for the government's disciplinary forces.

Soon there is a fork and at that point the Wilson Trail is split to go towards Siu Ma Shan, while continuing on HK Trail we head for Mount Butler. This is another tough section in which the uphill is tiring and many of the steps are quite high. 

Along the way there is a cave with some wooden planks leading in. Might be a good place to visit for those adventurous hikers?

Further up the trail one can see the harbour again, with Quarry Bay on the HK side, and opposite the harbour the Kai Tak cruise terminal and east Kowloon. With today's visibility the further out Junk Bay can also be clearly seen.

After the tiring walk up one finally will arrive at the top of Mount Butler, at 436m high. The location also serves as a viewing point, offering a fantastic view of the southern side of Hong Kong.

From the viewing point, immediately to the right underneath is the Tai Tam Reservoir, with the two peaks further out being the The Twins. The peninsula on the left with some buildings is Red Hill Peninsula, and then the far left is Hok Tsui. 

Then it is the final descend before the end of the trail, the long way down on stone steps to Quarry Pass Pavilion on Mount Parker Road. And hearing the noises you will know you have arrived at the destination, as this is a popular gathering place for hikers.