Though "Hong Kong" may conjure images of a metropolis crammed onto an island on the South China coast, there is far more to the territory than high-rises and busy streets. It's in a superb natural setting, and Hong Kong Island is just one of over 200 islands and islets. While many of these are little more than rocks, there are islands that are home to thriving communities, and others where villages are partly or wholly abandoned. Exploring them, you can stroll along narrow streets through warrens of small houses, hike trails across hills and headlands, admire waterfalls, and relax on beaches in deserted coves.

Even Hong Kong Island has marvellous places beyond the city. One of Hong Kong's most rewarding short hikes leads up Dragon's Back, a ridge that ripples above the island's east coast. You can follow a gentle trail through woodland, then climb steps to the crest of the ridge. On a clear day, there are scintillating views of islands dotting the South China Sea, and of the coast below, where a beach is tucked into a small bay, and two other beaches flank a village that's clustered around a rocky headland.

After hiking, ride a bus down to the village, Shek O, for a cooling swim if it's a hot day, or - if an east wind is blowing - watch surf pounding the tip of the headland.

There's a new trail starting at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. The 5-km Nei Lak Shan Country Trail circles round Nei Lak Shan, which at 751 metres is the sixth highest peak in Hong Kong. You can start on the trail in northeast Ngong Ping - just where a trail starts dropping down towards Tung Chung.

The trail is clearly marked by this signpost, from which you climb a little; then reach a junction, where you can choose to walk a full circuit, or walk to near the Lantau Skyrail station, looping along the southern slope of the mountain or (longer) heading along the north slopes.

I walked the southern slope in spring: pleasant, with grand views over Ngong Ping including the Big Buddha. Just tried the northern loop, which though longer is more interesting, with views over hills, Tung Chung, the airport and channel across to Tsuen Wan. Passes through woods, and close enough to the Lantau Skyrail that can hear babble from cable cars passing above.

At the end of 2006, the Hong Kong Tourism Board published a booklet I helped with (writing, and contributed some photos). Discover Hong Kong Nature: 84 pages, covering range of places including the Peak, Mai Po Marshes, Tai Long Wan (Sai Kung), Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Tai O. English only (so far). Shot here shows cover; and some pages inside.

Free (aimed at overseas tourists) from HKTB places - including in Causeway Bay MTR station (exit towards Jardine's Bazaar), also Star Ferry TST pier.
Or you can download pdf files with the info, maps and photos via the HKTB page Discover Hong Kong Nature (though downloads didn't work for me with Firefox; on my Mac, ok with Safari).