Wilson Trail: Hike Violet Hill and the Twins (Wong Nai Chung Reservoir to Stanley Gap Road)

Written by National Geographic

Wilson Trail (Wong Nai Chung Reservoir to Stanley Gap Road)

Photo Credit : Wandering Photography

Average hiking time: 3 hours | Distance: About 4.8 km | Difficulty: Very Difficult

The short yet challenging Section 1 of the Wilson Trail offers rewarding encounters with nature with its abundance of beautiful flowering shrubs. Once you’ve conquered Violet Hill and the Twins, the view on the ridgeline opens out to Stanley Village, D’Aguilar Peninsula, and the ocean beyond.

Stop 1
Stop 2
Stop 3
Stop 4

Photo Credit : Derek Yung

Stop 1: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir

Check out the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park before hiking uphill. Completed in 1889, some of the reservoir’s original components, including the weir, the dam, and the valve house, have been preserved, and are classified as Grade III historic buildings.

It’s a physically demanding hike with very little to no shade. A steep climb and descent near the Twins is to be expected.

Photo Credit : Wandering Photography

Stop 2: Violet Hill

After the park, return to Tai Tam Reservoir Road, then turn right to enter the Wilson Trail. On the trail, you will first tackle the relatively gentle Violet Hill, followed by the steeper ascent and descent of the Twins. From late January through early February, Violet Hill is covered in flowers. With their bell-shaped, violet-coloured blooms, the wild enkianthus shrubs will definitely grab your attention.

Don’t pick the wild plants.

Photo Credit : HK Discovery

Stop 3: Tze Kong Bridge

As you descend from Violet Hill, you can see Repulse Bay Beach. Upon crossing Tze Kong Bridge, follow the sign that directs you to Stanley Gap Road until you see a flight of 1,200 steps leading up to the Twins. Particularly from November through January, you’ll find the trail lined with abundant Polyspora axillaris flowers. They’re also known as the “fried-egg plants” because of the flower’s yellow and white colouration.

Photo Credit : Derek Yung

Stop 4: The Twins

The wide-open view of Stanley on top of the Twins is a blissful finale to the hike. Spot the beautiful St. Stephen’s Beach, Stanley Peninsula, Stanley Main Beach, Murray House, and many more iconic attractions as you descend to Stanley Gap Road.

REFUEL

No refueling stops along the hike. It’s essential to stock up on water and supplies beforehand.

Getting to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir:

From MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit D, take green minibus 5 at the crossroad of Jaffe Road and Cannon Street to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir. You can also take bus 76 on Pennington Street.
From MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D, take bus 6 at the Exchange Square Bus Terminus.
At the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop, you will see a petrol station. From there, cross the road and head up Tai Tam Reservoir Road to walk for about 10 minutes to Hong Kong Parkview. Wong Nai Chung Reservoir will be on your right.

Leaving from Stanley Gap Road:

There are several bus routes you can take. Go to the other side of Stanley Gap Road, and take bus 6, 6A, or 260 to Wan Chai, Admiralty, or Central, or bus 73 to Aberdeen.
If you stay on the same side of the road, you can take bus 6, 6A, 73, or 260 to Stanley.
You may catch a taxi ride back to Central from Stanley Gap Road.

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