The Peak Circle Walk Information
Area: The Peak Circle Walk, Lugard Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island.
Starting point: Lugard Road (next to the Peak Tower).
Endpoint: Harlech Road (next to the Peak Lookout Cafe).
Average hiking time: About 1.5 hours.
Distance: 3.5 km.
Replenishing stations: There are no replenishing stations along The Peak Circle Walk. So it’s important to prepare in advance. Fuel up at a restaurant or stock up at a store, such as 7-Eleven, in The Peak Galleria or The Peak Tower before starting out. Consider packing essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat to ensure you’re well-prepared and comfortable during your hike.
Difficulty: Easy.
Getting to The Peak
Every time I visit Hong Kong, I make sure to visit The Peak, as its panoramic views never fail to amaze me. On this trip, I set out to explore a part of The Peak I hadn’t experienced before, opting for a scenic hike rather than just soaking in the views. Although return tickets for the Peak Tram have recently increased to $112 HKD (£11.20), I still believe it’s an essential experience for any visitor.
I have another blog post detailing how to get to The Peak and information about the area; you can find it here!
The Route
The winter weather was a bit hazy, but felt ideal for a walk. As my photographer wasn’t dressed for hiking, we decided to try the famed Lugard Road, also known as the Morning Trail. This 3.5 km route, often referred to as the Peak Circle Walk, circles near the Peak Tower and offers two starting points. I chose the path to the right of the Peak Tower and kept left along the way. Some people recommend doing the walk in reverse before sunset, as it offers spectacular city views bathed in golden light and a sparkling skyline after dark. Personally, I find that the early morning or late afternoon just before sunset provides the best lighting conditions for photography and a more serene atmosphere, away from the midday crowds.
As I wandered along the tree-lined path, butterflies fluttered around me, adding to the tranquil atmosphere under the dappled sunlight. It was hard to believe I was just five minutes from the bustling crowds at the Peak Tower. About ten minutes into the walk, I was treated to my first breathtaking vista of Hong Kong, with clear views stretching toward Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. This was my favourite photo spot because the skyscrapers were peeking out from behind the trees. The trail is well-marked with distance posts, and I soon discovered that each signpost seemed to signal another impressive lookout.
Wildlife
One highlight for me was the series of informative boards along the route, detailing the local flora and fauna. I’m always delighted to spot wildlife, and although I didn’t see any on this trip, I learned that pangolins, porcupines, and leopard cats are among the animals that call The Peak home.
After about 20 minutes, I reached the Lugard Road Lookout Point, where a small group of people had gathered to admire the scenery. Leaning against the railing, I took in a sweeping panorama of Victoria Harbour—skyscrapers glinting in the January sun and massive billboards lending the skyline a touch of cyberpunk flair. As I continued along Lugard Road, the vistas shifted constantly. By the time I arrived at checkpoint 4, the view had expanded to include Kennedy Town, Lantau Island, Green Island, and Peng Chau, though a settling haze made the distant islands a bit elusive.
In the last stretch of Lugard Road, the views of the islands and ocean fade behind thick stands of bamboo (though, unfortunately, no pandas were spotted). Soon, I reached the crossroads where Lugard Road transitions into Harlech Road. At this point, there’s an option to veer off toward Kennedy Town, but I kept going, passing the Harlech Road workout area (no surprises to hear which dinosaur did not try out the fitness equipment). More butterflies flitted by, especially the vibrant yellow ones that seemed to playfully dive-bomb passersby.
A surprise awaited me near the end of the hike: Lugard Falls. Although the waterfall was little more than a trickle due to sparse rainfall, I spotted a brilliant blue dragonfly resting nearby. It was nearly the same colour as me. After another five minutes of easy walking, I arrived at The Peak Lookout Cafe, opposite the Peak Tower.
Accessibility
The entire loop took just over an hour and was pleasantly flat throughout. A skyline for everybody: I was genuinely impressed by how accessible this walk is and by the stunning city views it provides at every turn. The trail is flat with wide paths and roads without steps. I saw people in wheelchairs on parts of this walk, which made me happy because everyone can enjoy it. Many benches were present along the route, some in areas with great views, and I made the most of these to soak in the views.
After my walk, I headed back into the Peak Tower, hungry from the morning’s adventure. I ended up at The Bakehouse, which now occupies the spot where Pacific Coffee once stood. Its cosy seating area offers sweeping views over Victoria Harbour and the Peak Tram, making it an ideal place to relax and refuel. There’s no shortage of dining options at the top of The Peak, from bustling eateries to hidden coffee shops tucked away for those who prefer a quieter spot. As I settled in, the faint aroma of fresh sourdough rising above the city haze lingered around, leaving a taste of the adventure that would stay with me long after my visit had ended.
If you like this post, you might enjoy:
Is The Peak Better in the Day or at Night? My Hong Kong Experience
Exploring the New Territories Hong Kong
