Introduction:
A trifle mystified at how it crossed the harbour, the Wilson Trail makes up for any lapse as Section 3 twists energetically up Devil’s Peak (222 metres). Past the remains of an old hilltop fort, the trail has fine panoramas – out across Tathong Channel to turtle-shaped Tung Lung Chau, over the harbour to its rim of buildings and mountains, and northeastwards to Clear Water Bay Peninsula.

Wayside cuttings and fern banks lead us on. Then, just through a small pass, one looks back to the impressive northern face of Devil’s Peak with its sheer forbidding cliffs. So begins a section of hiking trail that only Hong Kong could offer, with startling contrasts of country and city. On one hand there are dark heavy boulders, reddish earth, bracken, bamboos – and the sounds of birdsong. On the other, just a few hundred metres away, a line of tower blocks forms a barrier – and the rumble of city traffic comes up.

Farther on a step path ascends to Black Hill, past boulder outcrops veined with quartz. The flat-topped summit of Black Hill (304 metres) presents the first all-round view of Kowloon peninsula. The hill itself – steep, rocky, scrubby – drops down to a fringe of tower blocks, farthest sentinels of urban districts that reach back and back. Incredibly densely developed, Kowloon presents an awesome concrete expanse. How good to be up in the hills!

As the Black Hill ridge winds on new vistas open up. To the north and northeast are hints of the grandeur of Clear Water Bay Peninsula and the Sai Kung region. Ranges recede into the distance. And, on clear days, the profiles of Ma On Shan and Sharp Peak rise up – the former with its hollow saddle, the latter with its twisted conical summit.

Transport Access:
Public Transport Take the MTR to Yau Tong station. From there it is a 10-minute walk to the start point of Section 3, as described below. (Technically Section 3 begins at the MTR Lam Tin station, but the new MTR Yau Tong station gives quicker access.)

Taxi Distance and Time Kowloon Star Ferry to Devil’s Peak – 12 km, about 25 minutes.

Section Start Point

From the MTR Yau Tong station, go along Lei Yue Mun Road to its eastern end. At the roundabout, turn left then immediately right, up the signed road to the Chinese Protestant Cemetery. After a steep ascent, just where the road levels out, take the flight of steps up to the left.

Section 3 starts by the area map (W020) and bears left. To shorten the hike distance, begin this section just south of Black Hill, along the Ocean Shores Road.

Section End Point Tseng Lan Shue at Clear Water Bay Road. To begin Section 4 cross the road and enter the village. To return home, buses and minibuses run to the MTR Choi Hung station.