dragons back

Hi,

My husband and I are looking to do dragons back tomorrow, we would like to end up in Shek O but we don't know where to pick up the trail in order to do that. We will be taking a taxi from central, and we were wondering where we should be dropped off, how long the hike is, and how difficult a trail is it? We are new to hiking and do not want to do anything to strenuous on our first outing. I know these are a lot of questions, but if you could answer we would really appreciate it.


Thanks!!

There are two good options for you. One is longer and involves walking all the way down to Shek O. (The longer part is all downhill, but some people -- including me -- don't like downhill parts because they're hard on the knees.)


1) Longer option: Have the taxi driver drop you along Shek O Road at the path for To Tei Wan Village. There is a bus stop there, and it is where the Hong Kong Trail crosses the road -- very well marked. Take the Hong Kong trail up the hill and follow it all the way into Big Wave Bay (where the trail ends and you have a 15 minute walk along the road (not much traffic) to get to Shek O Village.


Option 2: Shorter, but includes all the nice views: Have the taxi drop you off at Tai Tam Gap in front of the driveway for the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution. Go up the drive way a bit and you will see signs for the trail. Follow the trail south, enjoying the views, until it turns downhill and comes to the crossing of Shek O Road, at the To Tei Wan bus stop, as mentioned above. There, get a taxi or bus to ride into Shek O Village in comfort.


All of this will be clearer if you get a good map. The HK Government publishes an excellent series of "Countryside Maps" and you would want the one of HK Island. They are available from bookstores in Central.

thank you very much for such a detailed answer! We appreciate it very much.