The start of the Dragon’s Back trail lies next to the To Tei Wan bus stop. To your right are Tai Tam Bay and — out of sight below the treeline — the smaller bay of To Tei Wan, which gives its name to the tiny sandy beach and village. Before your hike, you may want to visit the quiet beach for a stroll and look across the sea to Stanley, nearby Redhill Peninsula and, further off, Tai Tam Country Park. The beach is about 10 minutes away — cross the road and climb down the signposted path to get there, and when you return, the beginning of Dragon’s Back trail will be just across the road.

Dragon’s Back forms the eighth and last stage of the 50 km Hong Kong Trail, which begins on The Peak. The ridgeline route is one of Hong Kong’s most popular among hikers and trail runners. A short walk uphill along a shaded dirt path, which includes a steep and challenging 500-metre stretch of steps, will bring you to a clearing and the Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point. The L-shaped bench on the rustic-looking wooden terrace provides a good place to sit and rest your aching muscles. Feel the cooling coastal breeze on your face as you enjoy the impressive vistas of Shek O Peninsula before heading off again.

Climbing up to the 284 m high Shek O Peak can take an hour or more — and plenty of effort — so do walk at your own pace and enjoy yourself. Gaps in the shrubland and trees that line the trail offer sneak peeks of the area’s expansive coastal views of Shek O Wan, but the views get even better once you reach the summit. This peaceful, rust-coloured open area offers breathtaking panoramic views over Shek O Peninsula’s surrounding countryside. Look towards Big Wave Bay (where you are heading) and you will see how the Dragon’s Back route got its name — with the sandy line of the trail cutting across the lush green ridge and finally curling back on itself beside Big Wave Bay Beach. This is the perfect vantage point to capture Insta-worthy photos of the beautiful coastal scenery.

Dragon’s Back Viewing Point is another rest area offering outstanding 360-degree views of the coastal area and, weather permitting, you may even see Stanley, Tai Tam Bay and further off in the southwest, Lamma Island. Turn around full circle to enjoy the impressive yet soothing views of the rugged coastline of Tai Tam Bay and the surrounding rolling hills .

Pottinger Gap is an open area surrounded by bright green trees. Here, you’ll find a pavilion offering some welcome shade. Take some time to rest — you deserve it after completing the long hike from Dragon’s Back Viewing Point — before tackling the steep downhill path to Big Wave Bay. This spot also offers great views of Chai Wan’s high-rise buildings peeking above the lush hills.

Big Wave Bay Beach, the endpoint of your hike, has been looming ever closer. Now you are almost there. Head carefully down the hill’s concrete-paved steps to Big Wave Bay Village and follow the signposts to the beach. You will catch a glimpse of this small, unspoilt white-sand location through gaps in the hillside trees and shrubs as you head down to the water’s edge. Known for its impressive waves, the beach has long attracted the city’s ocean lovers, but families and all kinds of visitors also come here to unwind, photograph the scenery (especially at sunset) or enjoy a barbecue in one of the official pits. The beach boasts a range of facilities, including toilets, showers and changing rooms, so you can freshen up, cool off in the sea, or sip a beer from the beachfront fast-food kiosk to help ease your aching muscles — and celebrate the successful end of your unforgettable hike.

If you find the exciting hike has drained your energy, recharge after taking the bus back to Shau Kei Wan. You’ll find a good selection of restaurants, cafes and Hong Kong-style cha chaan tengs on Shai Kei Wan Main Street East, near the MTR Shau Kei Wan Station. Enjoy a huge range of Western and Eastern cuisines, including noodles, egg waffles and satay.