2000 steps upwards from Kennedy Town and you've arrived at a peak with spectacular 360-degree views of our favourite urban jungle! Note that this is not the only way to go up to High West - you can also begin at Victoria Peak and do a quick 30-minute hike up to the top.
Difficulty Rating: 7/10 (multiple stretches of steps with intermittent flat pathways)
Duration: 1.5 hours (could take up to 2.5 hours if you are a beginner hiker)
Cell Service: 5/5
Instagrammability: 5/5
How to get there:
Take the MTR to Kennedy Town station and get out of Exit B: Rock Hill Street, North Street. Turn right and keep walking straight till the end of the street (image 1).
At the intersection of Sands street and Rock Hill street, there will be a flight of stairs (image 2). Climb them up until you see another flight of stairs to your left with a purple wall (image 3).
Walk straight ahead (image 4) and then go up the stairs to your right after passing the Lo Pan Temple (image 5).
Once you've climbed all the way up, you will end up on Pok Fu Lam Road (image 6). Take a right and walk straight ahead until you see a subway on your right. Take the subway and cross over to the other side of Pok Fu Lam to end up at the Sinopec gas station (image 7).
If you'd like to cheat a little bit, you can also get off at HKU station MTR Exit C1: Pok Fu Lam Road. Get out of the exit and walk straight ahead until you see the gas station on the opposite side of the road (image 6).
Several viewpoints and the beautiful landscape of the playground keep the hike interesting!
Hiking Directions:
On the left of the gas station, you will see another flight of stairs and this is where the trail begins from (image 8).
Pass the gazebo and turn right up the stairs. When the trail forks later, keep to the left and go up the stairs. Keep following the directions towards 'Pinewood Battery'.
Keep going up the stairs until you reach a junction (image 9). Take a left here.
After walking for about another minute, you will see two paths on your right, a paved path and another set of stairs (image 10). Both paths end up at the same place but we picked the stairs!
You will soon reach Pinewood Battery as well as a BBQ site. Take your time here to relax and read about the historic site.
Keep to your right and continue on the trail (image 11).
Keep walking until you see a set of stairs that lead to The Peak via the Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail (image 12).
After a while, you will see a set of stairs that lead to a playground (image 13). Climb those stairs and cross the park where you will see another paved path that leads to more stairs. Keep at it because the views are going to be worth it!
Eventually, you will reach the top. This hike will definitely make you feel the burn but the 360 degree views from the top of High West are simply breathtaking!
The way back down is either to take the same route back and end up in Kennedy Town or follow the signs to The Peak for grabbing a well-deserved bite!
This hike is also doable as a night hike, the path isn't too dark nor dangerous, and the city lights look incredible from the top!
