Hong Kong’s beaches finally reopened on Thursday, after more than six weeks of closures because of Covid-19 restrictions. But before you settle down on the sand once again, how about hiking to one of Hong Kong’s many epic shores? The summer is heating up, so the waves will be a relief after working up a sweat on your long journey. Remember – make sure you bring plenty of water , tell someone where you are going, and have a fully charged phone with a pre-downloaded hiking app so you can follow the route without getting lost. Big Wave Bay This small but stunning beach is on Hong Kong Island but feels epic and remote. You can access it by Dragon’s Back, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic hikes . Start the hike from the public toilets on Shek O Road, which is accessible by bus or taxi. Head up the stairs and turn right at the signpost with a dragon on it. Soon, you will be at the top of an epic and undulating ridge. Below, you will see Shek O Beach and also your destination, Big Wave Bay. The views are sweeping and vast, out to sea and along the coast. The ups and downs of the ridge will get your heart rate pumping, earning your eventual dip in the ocean. At the end of the ridge, turn left down the stairs and then right along the shaded path. Eventually, you will turn right again down a rugged slope to Big Wave Bay. There are Hong Kong Trail markers to follow as well. At Big Wave Bay, there are refreshments and stalls to refuel, and an inviting sea to cool down in. Tai Long Sai Wan The hike to Tai Long Sai Wan is short and accessible for a range of abilities, but the beaches feel so remote it could be a thousand miles from anywhere. From Sai Kung, you can take the NR29 Village Bus or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavillion. From there, follow the concrete path into the trees. It follows the contours of the mountain side, giving clear views of the jungle and reservoir. After a short climb there is a long descend – bear in mind, you will have to climb that descent on the way back. Through some small farms, you will eventually arrive at Tai Long Sai Wan, a perfect and secluded beach with views of the South China Sea. There is a restaurant for drinks and food, and if you are feeling energetic, you can walk over the headland to more beaches in the Tai Long area. After enjoying your well-earned beach break, you can hike back out, or take a bus or taxi – but there can be long queues if you chose to leave at the end of the day when there is a rush. It’s also worth noting there is limited phone reception to call a cab. You can also take a boat, if the weather permits, back to Sai Kung Town for HK$100-150. The views are stunning, making it more than a simple ride. Discovery Bay There is a nice, rewarding hike from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay, with ferries to and from the Island at either end. Take the ferry to Mui Wo from the Central Piers. Turn right out of the ferry and follow the coastline along. At the far end of the first beach, you will begin to ascend the first climb of the hike. The top of this climb is the most scenic section of the hike. After this, you descend back into the trees and follow a series of trails and paths, taking you past a monastery and lovely parts of the coast. The trail can be tricky to follow, so be sure to pre-load an app, such as AllTrails, and plan where you are going. Soon, you will arrive in Discovery Bay with its large – but sheltered – man-made beach, and there is a square with shops to replenish yourself after the hike. The ferry from Discovery Bay takes you back to Central.