Introduction:
Hong Kong Trail Section Eight begins at Shek O Road. This last leg of the Hong Kong Trail is also the longest Section of all. The route follows dirt paths most of the way, and the most challenging sections have been built into steps to make the going easier. The first half of the route is quite exposed, with few trees to offer shade, and there is a steep uphill section of nearly 200 metres. It is therefore a strenuous hike suitable only for experienced hikers. Make sure you set off well prepared. Follow the steps up the slope. Looking back, the azure expanse of Tai Tam Bay rests peacefully behind you.

On both sides of the steps, you find sprawling quartz of all sizes. These are quartz veins commonly found in granite terrain. A little way ahead, the trail goes past a rain shelter. Follow the sign for the Hong Kong Trail. At the top of the ridge, your gaze embraces the entire Shek O Wan area. Up ahead, the trail comes to Dragon's Back, a ridgetop path between Shek O Peak and Wan Cham Shan. Rated the best hiking route in Asia by international magazines, Dragon's Back offers easy accessibility and spectacular vistas. At the lookout, the panoramic view extends almost 360 degrees from the east to the west, taking in Shek O, Shek O Peak, Tai Tam Harbour, Stanley, Redhill Peninsula, Mount Parker, Wan Cham Shan and Mount Collinson.

Further up, the trail joins a forest path that meanders along the mid-slopes of Wan Cham Shan. It is a lovely shaded walk with an interesting variety of wild fungi, ferns and mosses. Follow is the Mount Collinson Section of Island Forest Walk. This section is a wide vehicular road. If you feel a little tired, there is a rain shelter just up ahead. This pavilion gives a sweeping view from Chaiwan to Tseung Kwan O on the opposite shore. Continuing on past the southern catchment of Pottinger Peak, you arrive at the grassy Pottinger Gap (Ma Tong Au). Here, follow the sign for the Hong Kong Trail along stone steps and forest walks. Big Wave Bay the end of the Hong Kong Trail and of 100 marker-posts is about half an hour away.

Transport Access:
To get to the starting point on Shek O Road, take the following transport route :

For your return journey from Big Wave Bay, take minibus or walk south along Big Wave Road for 15 minutes to Shek O Raod and get No. 9 buses from Shek O to the urban areas.