Top 5 ‘Training’ R+R Routes on Hong Kong Island -

Top 5 ‘Training’ R+R Routes on Hong Kong Island

In our last blog we wrote about how we set out to map a series of so-called R+R ‘training’ routes, to complement our longer, ‘full beans’ routes. We were motivated to do so by a couple of factors.

Firstly, with HK’s abundance of trail route options we wanted to highlight some of the more accessible, shorter distance tracks. Not only routes that are shorter in length but also more “runnable”; that is, incorporating flatter, faster-running terrain. These would be routes to return to time and again, to run against the clock and measure performance. So, in essence a form of “training”.

Secondly, all long-distance runners seek to maintain a level of fitness through some form of training, even rank amateurs like ourselves! For us, the treadmill is a no-go. And even local training routes can be repetitive and often involve running through busy city areas. So, we wanted to create some more diverse training routes to meet our training requirements and provide greater motivation to get out and enjoy HK’s trails more often – not just at weekends!

In our search for this series of routes we had to change our “purist” trail running mindset which ordinarily puts us in search of natural trails and mountain routes, over all forms of concrete and urban terrain. In doing so, we uncovered some underrated gems of Hong Kong’s running network. Through the process of seeking to design flatter, faster-running and accessible routes we discovered a new found appreciation for HK’s diverse running terrain.

Chief among these new discoveries is Hong Kong’s abundant catchwaters. As the name suggests catchwaters collect rainwater flowing down the hillsides and funnel it towards the reservoirs (themselves, another fantastic source of flat running trails). And Hong Kong has lots of them; around 120km of catchwater in combined length! They’re also a part of HK’s history, much of them constructed pre-WWII. They act as corridors for nature, home to dragonflies, butterflies and golden orb spinners (in summer watch out for their webs that can span right across the catchwater). Often bordered by trees that provide natural shade, they make for a great running option even in the summer and throughout the day.

The paths that run along these catchwaters are naturally gently sloping and weave their way around the mountains. OK, they’re mostly concrete paths but given their setting and relative seclusion we’d take them over road running any day!

Anyway, enough of the ramble, here’s our Top 5 on the Island:

1. Wan Chai Gap: HK Trail

Best For: Variety of Routes

Coming in at #1 is our most central location on the Island. The approach by road is always fun and facilities at base camp are abundant. But it’s the variety of running options available at this location that gives it top billing.

There are at least 4 genuinely diverse and challenging 6-10km training routes that we have mapped and there are many more of shorter length. From here, we can even incorporate the legend that is Bowen Road, floodlit so runnable by day or night.

However, it’s the “HK Trail” training route that stands out for us as a route to revisit time again, with an even balance of wooded trail and concrete terrain. It takes in one of the best 5km stretches of the HK Trail, includes some challenging yet runnable hill climbs and can be easily run in either direction.

Wan Chai Gap: HK Trail

2. Sir Cecil’s Ride

Best For: Multiple Training Laps

Trying and quite possibly failing to be objective with our #2 choice. This was our original “training” route and whilst its lacking in diverse route options, the one that it does have is a winning combination of ride and run.

The approach to this rural-feeling, hilltop location is via a quiet, winding hill climb on the scooter. The run follows a flat, sheltered dirt trail that hugs the hillside, weaving around in a natural loop, clocking in at a manageable ~6km.

Unlike some of our other training routes, the scooter location sits directly on the trail route, acting as a natural base for provisions. This allows you to run light, stopping for water and snacks, en route to running multiple laps.

We’ve returned to this route time and again, running it in either direction. Stone cold classic.

Sir Cecil’s Ride

3. Repulse Bay: Parkview & Tai Tam Reservoir

Best For: Variety of Runnable Terrain

Another location serving up multiple training routes, helped by an extensive network of catchwater, servicing Tai Tam Country Park’s reservoirs. It’s possible to incorporate either of the legendary Twins or Violet Hill climbs into a training route if so inclined, although we have so far resisted the temptation!

Instead, we have mapped two routes that stretch around the hills rather than over them. They clock in at the wide end of our preferred 10km training length but both provide ideal fast-running training trail in amongst some of the Island’s most attractive country park. They also offer up some challenging, runnable (with enough training!), hill climbs.

Tough to choose between these two but perhaps the Parkview route just edges it due to its balance of terrain and a testing rolling hill section.

Repulse Bay: Parkview

Repulse Bay: Tai Tam Reservoir

4. Sai Wan Ho: Mount Parker

Best For: Trails

This is our best option for trails, with concrete paths kept to a minimum. The only thing preventing it ranking higher is its relatively isolated location making it tougher to reach (although obviously that’s part of the attraction).

It’s a relatively quieter trail that weaves in amongst some of the most remote country park on the Island; incredible when you consider its close proximity to the city.

Sai Wan Ho: Mount Parker

5. Shek O Road: Mount Collinson

Best For: Combination of Ride+Run

Hong Kong Island’s most renowned combination of road and trail. The classic ride takes you around the south of the island, across Tai Tam Reservoir and along the winding Shek O Road. The scooter location is a basic layby with access directly to the HK Trail and Dragon’s Back.

The run combines plenty of flat trail and one testing climb over Mount Collinson. The route down the mountain is the most fun and unspoilt section of the Dragon’s Back. For combination of legendary ride+run this one is unmatched.

Shek O Road: Mount Collinson

Bonus Choice:

The Peak: Harlech, Luggard

Best For: City Views, Day or Night

Not the most interesting running route but for iconic city views this one takes some beating. Its quickly overrun with tourists by day but this route is fully lit making it an ideal early morning or evening option. It’s also a few degrees cooler up here so good for those steamy summer months. Plus, the ride to the Peak is always a blast!