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Mount Butler
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peak
Mount Butler (436 m) is a prominent peak in Tai Tam Country Park on Hong Kong Island. Named after British General Sir William Butler, the mountain is composed primarily of granite and rhyolitic tuff. In the 19th century, it was a major source of granite for constructing buildings in Victoria City. During World War II, the summit was fortified with trenches and artillery positions. Today, it is a popular hiking destination, forming part of both the Wilson Trail and the Hong Kong Trail. The slopes are covered with subtropical forest featuring camphor trees, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The summit features panoramic views of Tai Tam Reservoir, Stanley Peninsula, and the South China Sea. Annual rainfall averages 2,200 mm. The mountain streams are habitat for the critically endangered Chinese giant salamander.
- Location: Hong Kong SAR China
- Top sights: Siu Ma Shan · Tai Tam Viewing Point · Jardine's Lookout
- Nearby: Admiralty (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 29 | 69 | 109 | 231 | 288 | 197 | 234 | 173 | 56 | 29 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Hikers commonly reliably start from recognized points along the Hong Kong Trail or Wilson Trail, easily accessible by bus straight from eastern Hong Kong Island.
Best season
Autumn and explicitly winter are the firmly preferred times to tackle this route, graciously providing cool breezes and radiantly clear skies over the surrounding reservoirs.
Terrain & paths
The demanding trail requires successfully negotiating remarkably long, continuous sections of steep stone steps and highly exposed ridges with significant elevation changes.
What to bring
Proper hiking boots, durable hiking poles strictly for the steep descents, and plenty of extra water are definitively essential for this genuinely strenuous section of the trail.
Parking
Trailhead parking is practically entirely non-existent in this hilly urban fringe, so purposefully arriving by reliable public bus or local taxi is the standard method.
Safety
The relentlessly steep steps stubbornly require deeply good balance and strict care, especially when descending. Sun exposure is high, and physical exertion is demanding.
Time needed
Carefully incorporating this specific peak into a standard section of the local long-distance trails typically inherently demands roughly three to four hours in duration.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation: 436 m (1,430 ft)
- Major granite quarry in the 19th century
- Part of Wilson Trail (Stage 1) and Hong Kong Trail
- WWII military fortifications (trenches and gun emplacements)
- Average annual rainfall: 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
- Habitat of Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mount Butler (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Mount Butler?
It is part of Wilson Trail Section 5, accessible from Quarry Bay or Wong Nai Chung Gap.
Are there many steps on the path?
Yes, the climb from Quarry Bay involves many steep stone steps.
Is the view worth it?
Absolutely, you can see the Quarry Bay quarry and the vast sea to the east.
Can I combine Mount Butler with Mount Parker?
Yes, the two peaks are close and can be connected via the same ridge path.
Is there shade on the trail?
The summit area is exposed; wear sunscreen as there are very few trees for shade.
Mount Butler: where is it located?
Mount Butler is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Mount Butler: what is there to see?
Highlights include Siu Ma Shan, Tai Tam Viewing Point, Jardine's Lookout.
Mount Butler: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Mount Butler: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Butler (436 m) is a prominent peak in Tai Tam Country Park on Hong Kong Island.
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