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.
Photo Credit : Derek Yung
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.
Photo Credit : Wandering Photography
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.
Photo Credit : HK Discovery
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
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.