| There are few beaches on Hong Kong Island you can | | | | savouring brilliant views down to Shek 0 and across |
| reach after a hike, rewarding your efforts with relaxing | | | | the sea to Tung Lung Island and the Clearwater Bay |
| scenery, a cool swim and perhaps even some rolling | | | | Peninsula. |
| surf. I'm going to suggest a fantastic and scenic route. | | | | When the northeast monsoon is blowing, Dragon's |
| Starting from a bus stop at the beginning of Shek 0 | | | | Back is popular with paraglider pilots who climb up with |
| Road is a great trail that leads up and over Dragon's | | | | their heavy packs, then launch themselves from |
| Back, perhaps the finest short hike in Hong Kong If you | | | | grassy slopes, hang in the air, and eventually drift down |
| have time to spare, first head down from the bus stop | | | | to a beach at Shek O. |
| to the beach at To Tei Wan which, though not a fine | | | | The trail heads north now, sometimes burrowing |
| swimming or sunbathing beach, has a quaint | | | | between bamboo and shrubs then climbing to a hilltop |
| abandoned village and is home to the Hong Kong | | | | with more outstanding views. Big Wave Bay soon |
| Hobie Club. You'll see the members' sailboats arrayed | | | | appears below you - a short stretch of sand in a |
| along the sand. From there, start climbing backs the | | | | narrow cove between rocky headlands. Then, the |
| Hong Kong Trail, which leads through trees and | | | | Hong Kong Trail drops, turns away from the ridge, and |
| bamboo and up a scrubby hillside. Turn right at the top | | | | you've seen the last of Big Wave Bay for some time. |
| of a steep flight of steps, and you'll come to a cluster | | | | Follow an easygoing woodland trail, crossing occasional |
| of boulders, with great views across Tai Tam Bay to | | | | small streams. The trail emerges close by a |
| Stanley. | | | | correctional services centre near Tat Tani Gap. The |
| Retracing your steps from the boulders, continue along | | | | beach is closer now; just follow the signs pointing along |
| the meandering path, then take a right turn, uphill again. | | | | a service road, then take a right, to drop down, and at |
| In minutes, you'll be on the Dragon's Back ridge, | | | | last arrive at Big Wave Bay. |