The Hunchbacks Hong Kong is the most difficult Hong Kong hike we’ve encountered. It’s not the highest, but we were in for a bit of a rude awakening and had to cut this hike short because we were so buggered and ran out of water much sooner than expected. Taking off from Wu Kai Sha MTR Station, the hike quickly begins, the route we took is not even on Google maps so contact us for Garmin Connect route or MapmyHike route so you know where you’re going. The hike up the Hunchbacks Hong Kong begins very shortly after exiting the Wuk Kai Sha MTR.
Your basically going straight up the Hunchbacks Hong Kong and this is the steepest track we’ve come across. This is Maclehose trail section 4. You’ll be using your hands for about half the time, there are some ropes to help you up some bits, but mostly you’re going to have face hiking a very, very steep track. What made hiking the Hunchbacks so difficult, apart from the steepness of it, was the fact it was 30 degrees, 90% humidity, and most of the way you had to fend off spiders and other creepy crawlies that were littered along the track because not very many people attempt this route.
The first time hiking a difficult track is always more difficult, but the Hunchbacks just keep on going and going, up for 2km. I don’t know what the incline is but it’s basically like climbing up a ladder for 2km’s. Every time you think you’re getting near, you’re faced with more. It’s brutal, again, with the heat, even more brutal and our 2 litres of water was finished by the time we’d reached the 2nd Hunchback. If you’re not used to hiking, are scared of heights, have trouble climbing, do not attempt this hike. We also recommend you do the Hunchbacks Hong Kong with somebody else, because unless you’re a very experienced hiker, you’re going to find this a ball-busting journey where you could cause yourself some harm if not careful.
In all, we went only 11km, which took about 5 hours. My hiking bum boy buddy, who is usually always waiting on me when ascending, had a major meltdown after powering his way up to the top, and we had long, long rests at the top of each of the Hunchbacks, so that ate up about an hour. Still, considering I do the Peak Loop from sea level in just over and hour and a half, which is 11km, this should give you some idea of how difficult the Hunchbacks are.
What further made this Hong Kong hike a bugger was it clouded over as we got to the top. We saw some okay views, but on a clear day, I think this could be one of the best views on any Hong Kong hike. Because I ran out of water and was half buggered, we decided to abandon the original plan of hiking to Lion Rock and down o Shatin, and instead ended up back in Ma On Shan. Disappointing, but it was just too fuckin hot and we were both too buggered after the 2km ascent. Again, we basically had no water after reaching the top. Not pleasant.
We’re tempted to go back and try this again, with more water and end up in Shatin, but with 30 degree heat, it makes everything much more difficult. We struggled up the Peak today and basically walked most of the way, taking an extra half an hour more than usual. It pissed us off that it kind of defeated us, so the Hunchbacks Hong Kong will have to wait another, cooler, clearer day.
If you’re keen to have a go at hiking the Hunchbacks Hong Kong, bring shitloads of water, probably 3+ litres, some food, and be prepared for a very exhausting experience, especially if it’s summer. I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t be near as bad in the winter, or in any cooler weather, but if spiders webs and bugs aren’t your thing, it may not be the hike for you. Hit us up if you want to find out more, we’ll be happy to give you some more advice and info about hiking the Hunchbacks Hong Kong.
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