Hong Kong, a city renowned for its towering skyscrapers and bustling urban life, also harbors pockets of serene natural beauty waiting to be explored. Among these hidden gems is the Morning Trail, a popular route that offers a refreshing escape from the city’s energetic pace. Favored by both locals seeking a healthy start to their day and tourists eager to experience a different side of Hong Kong, this trail provides an accessible and rewarding outdoor experience. Its name itself hints at its appeal as a way to invigorate the senses and enjoy the cooler temperatures of the early hours, suggesting a level of exertion that fits well within a morning routine. Furthermore, its consistent mention in various sources alongside landmarks like the University of Hong Kong points to its convenient location within the city, making it an easily reachable natural haven for many.
Getting There: Your Journey to the Trailhead
Embarking on the Morning Trail adventure begins with understanding its location and the best ways to reach its starting point. The trail is widely recognized as Hatton Road, a paved and pedestrian-friendly path situated on Lung Fu Shan in western Hong Kong Island. This route is primarily used for walking, running, and cycling, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for hikers free from vehicular traffic.
The northern entrance of the Morning Trail is located at the junction of Conduit Road and Kotewall Road in the western Mid-Levels area, a location that overlooks the prestigious University of Hong Kong (HKU). For those opting for public transportation, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) offers a convenient way to arrive. Hikers can take the MTR to HKU Station and use Exit C1 as a primary access point. From Exit C1, the journey to the trailhead involves a series of escalators and walkways within the HKU campus. Upon exiting the station, an elevator ride to ground level at Pok Fu Lam Road is the first step, followed by walking towards the bus stop and flyover where an escalator leads up into the university grounds. Another escalator within the campus then brings you closer to the Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, after passing through which a long corridor opens to the outside. Continuing straight through a small opening in a brick wall will lead you to University Drive. A short, somewhat steep walk up University Drive culminates in a set of stairs that directly connect to Hatton Road, the official start of the Morning Trail where vehicles and bikes are no longer permitted.
Alternatively, another starting point can be found via Pik Shan Path, which is near the public toilets on Kotewall Road. This access is reachable from either HKU MTR Station (Exit A1) or Central MTR Station (Exit D2), providing another option for those coming from different parts of the island. For those who prefer bus travel, New World First Bus (NWFB) route 13 terminates near the junction of Conduit and Kotewall Roads, offering a direct option to the northern trailhead. 包括中期审查和公交线路在内的多个出行点的提供,使得来自香港岛各地的出行者很容易到达"晨行道".
从香港岛西侧接近的乘降所也可以从肯尼迪镇进入出行道. 将中期审查带到肯尼迪城站(Exit B)是第一步. 从中期审查出口,右转到石山道,再走一小步到沙地街,将通往电梯或楼梯. 升起这些,然后从山上经过一个扶梯去李地平道, 带你到一个140个台阶的长楼梯, 通往波克福林道。 要安全地穿越宝福林道,应使用位于加油站左侧的地下走道. 倒入地铁后,左转后行走于路下,后又左转后起斜坡,会将您带到宝福林路的另一侧,靠近几个加油站和一站公交站. 穿越至加油站左侧的楼梯标志着长达215个台阶的起步,最终与哈通道相接. 对于那些想从肯尼迪镇绕出这一起起步的陡峭爬行者,有几条公交线路(中央站4,37A,90B)停靠于波克菲尔德路/波克福林路公交站,从而可以更直接地开始登山. 来自肯尼迪镇的详细方向迎合了岛上西部的居民和游客,显示了各行各业小道的可及性.
最后,"晨行道"也可以从上行,靠近"峰行道"或"峰行道"的"高勒"取道. 这个选择允许下坡或更休闲地上坡漫步. 为了达到这个起点,人们可以搭乘标志性的"高峰"电车或选择从中央方向搭乘"巴士15",这两辆巴士都提供了前往最高峰地区的出彩之旅. 从 峰顶提供了不同的观点,并迎合了那些可能更喜欢不费劲地登山或希望将他们的行踪经验与峰下现有的取景地相结合的人.
为快速提供抵达"晨行道"主要起点的参考,下表总结了从香港岛重要地段的交通选择:
| 开始位置 | 目标线索 | 运输方法 | 密钥细节 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 中央办公室 | 管道/科特沃尔道(北) | 中期审查到HKU站(Exit C1)+走过HKU | 沿香港大学校园内的标志去大学道,再走楼梯去哈通道. |
| 中央办公室 | 管道/科特沃尔道(北) | NSWB 13号公路 | Terminus位于康迪特和克特沃尔路相接处附近. |
| 中央办公室 | 皮克山道 (靠近克特沃尔Rd) | 中期审查至中央车站(D2出口)+步行 | 走上扶梯到康都特道,向右转,走入克特沃尔道. 出道口靠近公共厕所. |
| 海军 | 管道/科特沃尔道(北) | 中期审查到HKU站(Exit C1)+走过HKU | 沿香港大学校园内的标志去大学道,再走楼梯去哈通道. |
| 干道湾 | 管道/科特沃尔道(北) | 中期审查到HKU站(Exit C1)+走过HKU | 沿香港大学校园内的标志去大学道,再走楼梯去哈通道. |
| 肯尼迪镇 | 波克福林道(靠近汽油站) | 中期审查至肯尼迪城站(出站B)+步行 | 沿途经过石山路,沙地街,通李地道等地,并使用地道行走. |
| 中央办公室 | 波克福林道(靠近汽油站) | 4号、37A号、90B号通向Pokfield Rd/Pok Fu Lam Rd的巴士路线 | 在公交站点放出一盏灯,并穿过楼梯到加油站左侧. 跳过肯尼迪镇的起步 |
| 中央办公室 | 山峰(用于下坡通道) | 高峰电车 | 从中央花园路开来 |
| 中央办公室 | 山峰(用于下坡通道) | 公共汽车路线15 | 离开中央交易所广场巴士终点站 |
| 中央办公室 | 山峰(用于下坡通道) | 1号小巴路线 | 离开港站中期审查. |
轨迹的预期是什么:长度、提高收益和时间
了解"晨行道"的物理方面对于计划一个符合您身体水平和时间的出行至关重要. "晨行道"的核心路段被称作"哈通道"(Hatton Road),延伸了约1.8公里(1.1英里). 然而,受欢迎的徒步路线往往会延伸至此以外,一般从康杜伊特道起步并上行到峰圈行走和峰外道终点站,行走距离为2.8公里左右. 对于寻求更广阔的旅程的人来说,将"晨行道"与登上高地西峰和回回香港的旅程结合起来,可以导致长达11公里的总距离. 此外,龙佛山晨道可能略为不同或较短,估计长约2.3公里。 报告的不同长度凸显出"早晨有轨电车"一词可以包含不同路段或路径组合,因此必须考虑你打算采取的具体路线。
在高地增高方面,从哈顿道(靠近克特沃尔消防站)到峰顶的路段涉及约360米高地. 一些来源提到高度增高较低,约为130米,这可归因于起点或测量方法略有不同。 如果将高地延伸至包括高地西部,达到的最高点为海拔494米. 这些数字表明,主要小径的上坡速度适中,而上坡至高地的西起则带来了更重大的实际挑战。
完成核心"晨行道"(Hatton Road to the Peak)的估计时间一般为一至一.5小时左右,假设步入平稳. 包括"高西"(High West)和"回港"(HKU)在内的更长的环路大约需要3.5小时. 从小道下到展馆的起首段,一个常见的停站点,一般需要约30分钟. 较短的"龙佛山晨道"估计需要约40分钟完成. 这些估计的广度反映了进行登山的个人可能走的不同路线和不同的健身水平。 最好在计划旅行时考虑休息站和享受风景的时间。
为了更明确地概述与 " 晨行道 " 有关的各种徒步选择,下表概述了他们的主要统计数据:
| 路由选项 | 大约长度 | 共计 增益 | 估计完成时间(适合平均) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 哈通道(Conduit Rd至Lugard/Harlech Rd) | 1.8公里处 | 未明确说明 | 1至1.5小时 |
| 管道 Rd 到顶端电路终点 | 2.8公里处 | ~360米长 | 1至1.5小时 |
| 香港站到高西站到高峰站到香港站 | 11公里长 | ~494米(最高) | ~3.5小时 |
| 龙福山晨行道 | 2.3公里处 | 未明确说明 | ~40分钟 |
Must-See Highlights:地标、景点和自然地物
《晨行记》不仅仅是一场实际努力, 同时也是遇上历史地标、见证令人叹为观止, 一路走来,徒步旅行者将发现一些能增强整体经验的兴趣点.
沿道的重要历史地标之一为松林电池. 这座前海岸防御要塞建于1903年并对该市的防御工作起一定作用. 历史遗留物,如杂志楼和混凝土枪架,仍可见到,为香港军事史提供了一瞥. Further along Hatton Road, hikers can find a boundary stone marking the City of Victoria from 1903, a tangible artifact that speaks to the city’s colonial past. Near the beginning of the trail, the abandoned Ching Yuen Garden presents an intriguing, albeit mysterious, site with an unclear historical purpose, adding an element of curiosity to the hike. As the trail progresses, the pavilion located near the intersection of Hatton, Lugard, and Harlech Roads serves as a key landmark, offering a place to rest and decide on the next part of the journey. Additionally, near Lung Fu Shan, a "happy Buddha" relief carved into the slope, once part of a temple, greets hikers, adding a touch of local culture to the experience. These historical and cultural landmarks provide layers of interest beyond the natural beauty of the trail.
The Morning Trail is particularly renowned for its stunning scenic viewpoints. As hikers ascend Hatton Road, they are treated to increasingly impressive views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers on both sides of the island. From Lugard Road and the Peak, panoramic vistas of the city and Victoria Harbour unfold, offering classic Hong Kong scenery. For a different perspective, the summit of High West rewards hikers with spectacular ocean views stretching out towards the South China Sea, a sight that is often less crowded than the main viewpoints at the Peak, especially around sunset. On the way up to High West, glimpses of Lamma Island can also be caught. Furthermore, the Lung Fu Pavilion, situated at the highest point of Lung Fu Shan, offers its own stunning views of Pok Fu Lam, the harbor, and Lantau Island. These diverse viewpoints provide a visual feast, showcasing both the urban and natural landscapes of Hong Kong.
Beyond the man-made landmarks and panoramic views, the Morning Trail also boasts enchanting natural features. Much of the path is lined with lush greenery and vegetation, providing welcome shade and a sense of escape from the urban environment. Depending on the season, hikers might encounter small, seasonal waterfalls cascading along the route. The trail also winds through parts of Lung Fu Shan Country Park, a protected area known for its forested slopes, native trees like the Hong Kong Gordonia, and a variety of birdlife. The gentle sound of the Lung Fu Stream can also be heard in certain sections. Additionally, some parts of the trail are flanked by thin bamboo shoots, adding a unique natural element to the walk. The combination of these natural elements with the urban and historical features makes the Morning Trail a diverse and engaging hiking experience.
Is the Morning Trail Right for You? Assessing the Difficulty Level
The Morning Trail is generally considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers. The main path, Hatton Road, is paved throughout, providing a stable and well-maintained surface for walking. While the trail does involve an uphill gradient, it is mostly a gentle slope, making it manageable for individuals with varying fitness levels. However, it’s important to note that the climb to the summit of High West is significantly steeper and presents a more challenging ascent that requires a higher level of physical exertion. The varying difficulty levels across the different possible routes ensure that the Morning Trail has something to offer for almost everyone.
The main paved sections of the Morning Trail are well-suited for families with children, and in many areas, the smooth surface can accommodate strollers, though the uphill gradient should be taken into consideration. The trail’s accessibility and moderate incline make it a popular choice for casual morning walks, jogging, and light exercise among locals. Beginners will likely find the main trail to be a pleasant and achievable introduction to hiking in Hong Kong. For more experienced hikers seeking a greater physical challenge, the option to include the steep climb to High West provides a rewarding workout with stunning panoramic views. It’s also worth noting that certain sections of the trail involve stairs, particularly when connecting from HKU or ascending towards High West, which might present a consideration for individuals with mobility concerns. The versatility of the Morning Trail allows it to cater to a broad spectrum of hikers, from those looking for a leisurely stroll to those wanting a more vigorous hike.
When compared to other hiking trails in Hong Kong, the Morning Trail sits in a comfortable middle ground. More demanding options like the Wan Chai Green Trail, which is rated as intermediate with a significant total ascent, or Tai Mo Shan, considered difficult with a high elevation gain, offer a greater physical challenge. On the other hand, the Morning Trail is generally considered easier than the famous Dragon’s Back trail, which has a moderate difficulty rating, while still providing rewarding scenic views. For those seeking a very gentle outdoor experience, options like the Peak Circle Walk offer a leisurely, mostly flat, and paved path. Placing the Morning Trail within this context helps potential hikers understand its difficulty level relative to other popular options in Hong Kong.
Your Hiking Checklist: Essential Items to Bring
Being well-prepared is key to enjoying a safe and comfortable hike on the Morning Trail. Here are some essential items to include in your backpack:
- Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in Hong Kong’s humid climate. It is recommended to bring an adequate supply of water, particularly during warmer months, with at least 2 liters per person being a good guideline.
- Snacks: To maintain energy levels throughout your hike, pack some energy-rich snacks such as fruits, nuts, granola bars, or energy gels.
- Footwear: Even though the Morning Trail is mostly paved, wearing comfortable and supportive closed-toe shoes with good traction, such as sneakers or light hiking shoes, is advisable.
- Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun by bringing sunscreen (even on cloudy days), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Navigation: While the trail is generally well-marked, it’s a good idea to bring a map (either physical or on a phone app) or use a reliable hiking app, especially if you plan to explore connecting trails or venture up to High West.
- First-Aid Kit: Carry a small first-aid kit for treating minor cuts, scrapes, or blisters.
Optional items that can enhance your hiking experience include:
- Insect Repellent: Especially useful during the more humid months when mosquitoes and other insects may be present.
- Rain Gear: A light rain jacket or umbrella is recommended as Hong Kong weather can be unpredictable.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenic views along the trail.
- Reusable Bag: Bring a reusable bag to carry out any trash and help keep the trail clean.
- Light Jacket or Sweater: The temperature can drop slightly at higher elevations or in the evening, so a light jacket or sweater might be useful.
By ensuring you have these essential items, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy all that the Morning Trail has to offer.
The Best Time to Hike: Weather and Crowds
Choosing the right time to hike the Morning Trail can significantly impact your experience, particularly in terms of weather conditions and the number of people on the trail. The autumn months (October to November) and the winter months (December to February) are generally considered the best times to hike in Hong Kong due to the more pleasant, cooler temperatures and lower humidity. December and January are often the driest months, offering the highest likelihood of clear skies and comfortable hiking conditions. It’s advisable to exercise caution during the spring (March to May) as humidity levels start to increase, and there’s a greater chance of occasional rainfall. Hiking during the summer months (June to September) is generally not recommended due to the intense heat, high humidity, and the potential risk of typhoons. Understanding these seasonal weather patterns will help you plan a more enjoyable and safer hike.
The time of day you choose to hike can also make a difference. Hiking in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening allows you to avoid the hottest parts of the day and potentially enjoy better light for photography. It’s worth noting that mornings can sometimes be foggy, especially around Victoria Peak, which might obscure the city views. Therefore, hiking in the afternoon might offer clearer vistas. Additionally, embarking on a hike in the late afternoon or early evening provides the opportunity to witness spectacular sunsets and the city lights gradually illuminating the skyline. Timing your hike appropriately can enhance both the visual and physical aspects of the experience.
As a popular destination, the Peak area can become quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. However, the Morning Trail itself tends to be less congested than the immediate vicinity of the Peak Tower. To avoid the largest crowds, it is recommended to visit the trail on weekdays or earlier in the morning. Planning your hike with consideration for peak times can contribute to a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Explore the Surroundings: Nearby Attractions
The Morning Trail’s location offers convenient access to several other attractions, allowing hikers to extend their visit and explore more of the area. At the summit, the iconic Victoria Peak awaits with its various attractions, including the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria, offering shopping, dining, and further panoramic viewing platforms. For a more tranquil experience at the top, Victoria Peak Garden provides a less crowded green space with additional scenic views. Families with young children might appreciate a visit to Mount Austin Playground, located near the Peak.
Exploring the relatively flat Lugard Road and Harlech Road, which branch out from the Peak area, offers further opportunities for scenic walks and stunning city and harbor views with potentially fewer crowds than the main Peak area. History enthusiasts can delve deeper into the past by exploring the Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail, which provides more information about the historical significance of the former fort. The broader Lung Fu Shan Country Park, through which parts of the Morning Trail pass, is also worth exploring, offering additional trails and natural beauty. If your hike begins or ends near the University of Hong Kong, taking some time to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of this historic institution can be a worthwhile addition to your day. By considering these nearby attractions, you can easily turn your Morning Trail hike into a more comprehensive exploration of this scenic part of Hong Kong.
Tips for a Fantastic Hike: Safety and Etiquette
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and responsible hike on the Morning Trail, consider the following tips:
- Stay on Marked Trails: Stick to the designated paths to avoid getting lost and to help protect the natural environment.
- Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out and avoid hiking during severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or typhoons.
- Inform Someone: Let a friend or family member know your hiking plans and your estimated time of return.
- Hike with a Companion: If possible, especially for less experienced hikers or when exploring less-traveled sections, hike with a friend.
- Be Mindful of Terrain: Exercise caution on uphill gradients and stairs, particularly on the High West section, and take breaks as needed.
- Carry a Phone: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case of emergencies.
- Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by not littering and carrying out everything you bring with you.
- Be Considerate: Be respectful of other trail users by keeping noise levels down and allowing others to pass easily.
- Stay Hydrated: Be particularly aware of the high humidity, especially during warmer months, and drink plenty of water throughout your hike.
- Wildlife Awareness: Observe local wildlife, such as squirrels and birds, from a distance and do not feed them.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Even though the trail is paved, wear comfortable and supportive shoes with good traction.
By following these safety precautions and practicing good trail etiquette, you can contribute to a positive and sustainable hiking experience for yourself and others.
The Morning Trail in Hong Kong stands as a testament to the city’s ability to blend its urban landscape with pockets of natural tranquility. Offering accessible routes with varying levels of challenge, breathtaking views of the city and sea, and glimpses into Hong Kong’s history, this trail provides a rewarding experience for a wide range of individuals. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast looking for a morning workout, a family seeking an outdoor adventure, or a visitor wanting to explore a different facet of Hong Kong, the Morning Trail beckons with its promise of beauty and escape. So, lace up your shoes, pack your essentials, and discover the invigorating charm of the Morning Trail for yourself – a true gem within the vibrant heart of Hong Kong.
