7km, 2hrs Moderate
This route takes you from the hills above Happy Valley to the streets of Quarry Bay. Pick up the trail across from the Parkview towers above Wong Nai Chung Gap. The trail makes its way to the crest of Jardine’s Lookout. A plaque along the trail is dedicated to the Canadian soldiers that died there during the Japanese invasion.
Jardine’s Lookout is named after William Jardine, a Scottish ship surgeon who found success trading in Asia and is largely responsible for starting the First Opium War.
On the descent, pass the quarry before ascending back up Mount Butler as the trail stalks along the chain-link fence, complete with signs warning of blast zones. At the summit, the trail meets a crossroads, head left toward the radio tower. Continue over the dome of the mountain and toward the valley of radio towers. Although the Mount Butler high-frequency receiving station is off-limits, there’s a decent out-crop of flat rock making for a good lunch spot.
As you descend to Quarry Bay check out the field stoves, built in expectation of the Japanese invasion, they look like mass squat toilets. You’ll know you’re close to the end when the trail becomes speckled with exercise stops and active seniors.
Getting there: Take the no. 6 bus from Central and alight just beyond the gas station on Wong Nai Chung Gap Road. Walk up Tai Tam Reservoir Road until the car park on the right and the trailhead is just beyond.
Andrew James