Most people come to Hong Kong to shop, but not me :o)  When I found out there was a hiking trail called the Dragon’s Back, being Welsh I just had to check it out.

The Start of the Dragon’s Back

I was hoping to do the trek with Walk Hong Kong, however unfortunately they weren’t running the trip this weekend.  I was a wee bit disappointed,  so when, after some research I found it is a popular route I decided to be brave it by myself.  One of my colleagues was so sweet; she got me a walking map, details on how to get there, photos of the bus stop so I know where to get off, she even gave me her Octopus card to use on the transport system and her phone number in case of an emergency.  I was blown away by her kindness.

Tips: If you go trekking alone make sure someone knows you are going.  In hot climates take plenty of water, I took 2 litres with me.  Finally, check the weather forecast before you go!!!

It was a journey in itself getting to the start of the trail; it took 5 trains and 1 bus before I even began walking.  However, with the help of my map and photos, I made it.

Big thank you Eunice!!!!

Me at the Start of the Dragon’s Back

I panted and I sweated all the way up to the ridge *BLUSH*, but it was worth it for the stunning panoramic views of Hong Kong.

WOW!!!!

View of Hong Kong skyscrapers from the Dragon’s Back

To my left, the harbour with its hills and sky scrapers; and to my right the South China Sea.  Also, you can see why it’s called the Dragon’s Back.  What with the undulating ridge in front of me and the red rocky path beneath my feet, I felt as if I was really walking on a dragon that has been overgrown with bamboo and green bushes.   Or maybe I hadn’t drunk enough water!!!

View of Hong Kong from Dragon’s Ridge

The Dragon’s Back is the toughest part of the trail, the rest was a relatively easy walk through forest.

The Dragon’s Back

After the ridge, I was walking along in a day dream, when suddenly a green snake slivered across the path in front of me.

My heart nearly jumped out of my mouth.

Can you spot the snake?

But it hurried away on its journey, just leaving me with a pounding heart.

No more scares for the rest of the trek.  I did see a spider that was pretty BIG.  I am no stranger to large spiders living in Sydney, but I think this one would give an Huntsman a run for its money – gulp!!!

This beauty was a few metres above my head!!!

I checked the weather forecast before setting out, and it said showers.

Hong Kong showers aren’t like British showers.

During my trek, I had two torrential downpours.   However, I trekked in true Asian style and put up my umbrella until I could reach shelter.

View of Big Wave Beach from the Dragon’s Back

The trek ends at Big Wave Beach.  It was slightly surreal going from beautiful green forest to a beach full of tourists with parasols, bucket and spades.

Kiosk at Big Wave Beach

Does the Dragon’s Back beat the Manly to Spit Walk, hmmmm… pretty close ;o)

Info:  I walked the last 8.5km of the Hong Kong Trail (a 50 km trek), which was more than enough for me in this humidity.  The trail is very well sign-posted and there are numbered distance posts every 500 km, I did posts 85 to 100.

To get to the start of the trail take the MTR to Shan Kei Wan.  At the MTR station leave at the Bus Terminus exit then take bus No. 9 to To Dai Wan. When you reach the end of the trail at Tai Long Wan/ Big Wave Beach you can catch the No. 9 bus back to civilisation.

Remember to take your swim suit so you can freshen up after the  walk!!!!