Sarah & Simon do the walk round Victoria Peak

[written on Wednesday 2nd July 2008]

So, as previously mentioned on this illustrious blog, before Simon took himself back to the country where he can officially earn some ‘decent’ money, we made the obligatory trip to the top of the Peak as I thought Simon would be impressed with the views and, more importantly, it could be done for free.

The Rough Guide to Hong Kong & Macau claims that, “Nearly everyone makes a circuit of The Peak…”, but although this was my third visit to the mountain, I’d walked further up it; and made it to a restaurant terrace for chilled beers and dim sum, but so far had not been around. And what a day to do it – sun was blazing, humidity was steaming and I’d already done a three-kilometre run in the gym that morning.

So when we headed off on the trail, I was thrilled to discover that the total walk would cover a distance of … three kilometres. Super. Still, it did promise views, firstly of the south side of Hong Kong island; coming round to Kowloon; and finally overlooking the Central district of the island. And fortunately for you good people, I remembered to take the camera this time. (Plus a large bottle of water!)

The pictures pretty much speak for themselves so I’ve listed them in chronological order – as we circumnavigated the Peak – with anything of interest pointed out.

A pretty waterfall cascading down to the right side of the path, underneath it…

…and further down below the left side of the path

Hmm…the best rooms with views? These buildings are on top of the peak, looking south

Looking towards the South side (Aberdeen and Repulse Bay in distance)

A close-up of the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir

(which used to be the island’s only supply of water; now it’s pumped from the mainland)

Important bridge that was supposed to be finished in June – I’m keeping a beady eye on its progress

Looking out north-west, towards Discovery Bay on Lantau Island

Looking over the harbour to Kowloon where we now live

The craziness that is the town planning of Mid-Levels & Central (as seen from above)

The Rough Guide to Hong Kong & Macau, Jules Brown & David Leffman, 2006 [Rough Guides]