Island loop
This ride is best done very early in the morning (leave before 6am) to avoid the traffic on the narrow roads to the east, and the urban congestion to the west. You can begin pretty much anywhere on the Island and use this route to get back to your starting point, or you can stop halfway and take advantage of the South Island Line from Ocean Park to get back to the north of the island via Admiralty (see MTR rules here). If you're only planning to do half the ride, then without doubt do the eastern section which is more scenic and quieter than the west.
The basics
Rating: A1
Distance: 39km without Shek O extension / 52km approx including Shek O extension. Starts: Pacific Place 3 (Admiralty MTR) although you can pick up the route anywhere around the Island Ends: Pacific Place 3, although there is an optional cut-off point at Urban/rural/mixed: 30/40/30% Surface: Very good through most of the ride except around Repulse Bay - watch for hidden potholes as you go downhill! Difficulty of navigation: Easy for the most part especially in the north east, east and south east. Harder in the north west (note my navigation error on the map!) |
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Map and elevation
The details
The instructions here assume a starting point on the northern side of the Island. This ride is really a route that you can work out for yourself and adjust as needed - there's no special instructions, except to say that there are a few points where you might miss the turning if you aren't clear on where to go.
Urban start
Through the urban area on the north of the Island, there is no obvious route that is safe for cycling. I picked a route that follows the tram tracks, simply because it makes it easier to navigate without constantly having to think. Be prepared for a slow journey due to the number of traffic lights.
Climbing out of the urban area
If you are riding clockwise (which is my preference and suggestion, so that you cover the east of the island first and can enjoy the quieter roads through the countryside) it's easy to miss the turning for Chai Wan Road that takes you towards Stanley because you might be expecting not to climb yet. Look out for signs for a hospital as well as Stanley and Shek O. Chai Wan Road does end in Chai Wan so to avoid a mistake, keep an eye at the brow of the hill for a set of traffic lights and take the right lane for Tai Tam Road.
The first climb
There is then another long climb which ends abruptly and somewhat unexpectedly; the downhill here is pleasant though there aren't very many views. Go slowly, as a sudden right turn (marked with warning signs) is also the point at which you need to decide whether to go to Shek O (left at the roundabout) or Stanley (right at the roundabout). There is no exit from Shek O other than the way you came. The descent into Shek O is very gradual which makes for a nice climb back out. The beach at Shek O is well worth a visit too, as is Big Wave Bay (signed from the roundabout at the bottom of the hill).
Turning south west
On the road southwards from the roundabout towards Stanley, you will probably be going as fast as the cars thanks to a number of tight bends. Look out for buses that stop suddenly to avoid oncoming traffic. The road is straightforward and there's no way to get lost until you arrive at the Stanley roundabout. Either take a left to visit the town and its beaches (also well worth visiting), or turn right towards Repulse Bay.
South Island riding and the MTR early exit point
The ride from this point will be less pleasant owing to narrow roads, more buses, general congestion and a road surface that is always in need of repair. However, there's little room for getting lost through Repulse Bay, and you can keep going until the roundabout which has two options: right for Wong Nai Chung Gap, or left for Aberdeen and the tunnel. If you take the right, it is a long climb up followed by a long descent that takes you straight to Wan Chai or Causeway Bay.
Taking a left, you go through Deep Water Bay, and then are faced with a confusing junction with a left lane signed for the tunnel. Keep going straight (there are three lanes ahead, but bikes are allowed). Ocean Park MTR is on your left and you can take your bike on the train back to Admiralty if you remove the front wheel on entering the paid area of the MTR.
Getting home
If you're cycling on, just keep going straight and follow signs to Pok Fu Lam, but don't try to go on any flyovers or left turns - just keep going straight, even if you think you're not allowed. You are allowed! It's not a highway, it just looks like one. It eventually turns into a dual carriageway with a long gentle climb. Look for signs for Cyberport to the left and take Victoria Road.
Victoria Road is a pleasant and generally flat road that hugs the coastline to the west of the Island. Eventually you descend into Kennedy Town and this is where it gets confusing. There is no easy way to navigate, so I suggest either following the tram tracks, or just following your nose! Avoid the larger roads that are on the coastal side because they turn into highways and no bikes are allowed. Instead, take a turning into Sai Wan or Sai Ying Pun and enjoy the traffic congestion and the fumes. The route I took on the map above is only for cyclists who are confident in urban areas, and I would strongly suggest picking up the tram tracks and following them home.
Finally, remember that although there is no blanket ban on bikes in underpasses or flyovers, there are often 'no walking, no cycling' signs and these do have legal force. Hence the tram track advice!
Urban start
Through the urban area on the north of the Island, there is no obvious route that is safe for cycling. I picked a route that follows the tram tracks, simply because it makes it easier to navigate without constantly having to think. Be prepared for a slow journey due to the number of traffic lights.
Climbing out of the urban area
If you are riding clockwise (which is my preference and suggestion, so that you cover the east of the island first and can enjoy the quieter roads through the countryside) it's easy to miss the turning for Chai Wan Road that takes you towards Stanley because you might be expecting not to climb yet. Look out for signs for a hospital as well as Stanley and Shek O. Chai Wan Road does end in Chai Wan so to avoid a mistake, keep an eye at the brow of the hill for a set of traffic lights and take the right lane for Tai Tam Road.
The first climb
There is then another long climb which ends abruptly and somewhat unexpectedly; the downhill here is pleasant though there aren't very many views. Go slowly, as a sudden right turn (marked with warning signs) is also the point at which you need to decide whether to go to Shek O (left at the roundabout) or Stanley (right at the roundabout). There is no exit from Shek O other than the way you came. The descent into Shek O is very gradual which makes for a nice climb back out. The beach at Shek O is well worth a visit too, as is Big Wave Bay (signed from the roundabout at the bottom of the hill).
Turning south west
On the road southwards from the roundabout towards Stanley, you will probably be going as fast as the cars thanks to a number of tight bends. Look out for buses that stop suddenly to avoid oncoming traffic. The road is straightforward and there's no way to get lost until you arrive at the Stanley roundabout. Either take a left to visit the town and its beaches (also well worth visiting), or turn right towards Repulse Bay.
South Island riding and the MTR early exit point
The ride from this point will be less pleasant owing to narrow roads, more buses, general congestion and a road surface that is always in need of repair. However, there's little room for getting lost through Repulse Bay, and you can keep going until the roundabout which has two options: right for Wong Nai Chung Gap, or left for Aberdeen and the tunnel. If you take the right, it is a long climb up followed by a long descent that takes you straight to Wan Chai or Causeway Bay.
Taking a left, you go through Deep Water Bay, and then are faced with a confusing junction with a left lane signed for the tunnel. Keep going straight (there are three lanes ahead, but bikes are allowed). Ocean Park MTR is on your left and you can take your bike on the train back to Admiralty if you remove the front wheel on entering the paid area of the MTR.
Getting home
If you're cycling on, just keep going straight and follow signs to Pok Fu Lam, but don't try to go on any flyovers or left turns - just keep going straight, even if you think you're not allowed. You are allowed! It's not a highway, it just looks like one. It eventually turns into a dual carriageway with a long gentle climb. Look for signs for Cyberport to the left and take Victoria Road.
Victoria Road is a pleasant and generally flat road that hugs the coastline to the west of the Island. Eventually you descend into Kennedy Town and this is where it gets confusing. There is no easy way to navigate, so I suggest either following the tram tracks, or just following your nose! Avoid the larger roads that are on the coastal side because they turn into highways and no bikes are allowed. Instead, take a turning into Sai Wan or Sai Ying Pun and enjoy the traffic congestion and the fumes. The route I took on the map above is only for cyclists who are confident in urban areas, and I would strongly suggest picking up the tram tracks and following them home.
Finally, remember that although there is no blanket ban on bikes in underpasses or flyovers, there are often 'no walking, no cycling' signs and these do have legal force. Hence the tram track advice!