To make this route distinct from the other route that takes the walker over the Tiger's Head, I've called it 'via the Trappist Haven Monastery' although I didn't visit it so don't expect photos of the monastery now named the Our Lady of Joy Abbey. Interestingly, this was only established in 1956 by refugee Trappist monks from China, 33 of whom had been killed by the Chinese Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War in 1947.

Starting in Discovery Bay, you will had towards the Peng Chau and Mui Wo kai-to (small ferry) ferry pier but as soon as you turn onto the road that leads to the pier you will find a path that runs along the bay of Nim Shue Wan. This used to be a fishing village but it now houses many workers in Discovery Bay. Many 'helpers', Filipino immigrant domestic workers, live here, though legally they are supposed to live at the address of their employer.

Walking on you come ac

To make this route distinct from the other route that takes the walker over the Tiger's Head, I've called it 'via the Trappist Haven Monastery' although I didn't visit it so don't expect photos of the monastery now named the Our Lady of Joy Abbey. Interestingly, this was only established in 1956 by refugee Trappist monks from China, 33 of whom had been killed by the Chinese Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War in 1947.

Starting in Discovery Bay, you will had towards the Peng Chau and Mui Wo kai-to (small ferry) ferry pier but as soon as you turn onto the road that leads to the pier you will find a path that runs along the bay of Nim Shue Wan. This used to be a fishing village but it now houses many workers in Discovery Bay. Many 'helpers', Filipino immigrant domestic workers, live here, though legally they are supposed to live at the address of their employer.

Walking on you come across famed land and Cheung Sha Lan village. As you walk through beware of going through some of the houses are the dogs may take offence to this. To pay attention to the signs and take a the path around instead.

Once past the village the path will turn inland, up steps and a not too difficult climb to the monastery. Getting to monastery is a diversion from the route to Mui Wo so if you have the time and inclination, wonder off and find the monastery. The monastery is actually well known for being a dairy and it's milk is available in Hong Kong supermarkets.

From here the path gets very steep and seems unending. As you get to the end your morale might take a hit as you see a long set of steps ahead. A track heads off to the right and in fact either path can be taken, but if you take the track to the right you will miss a viewing point - do you care?

The descent to Mui Wo

You've done it. You've topped the highest point of the trail and your target lies ahead. Steps take you down the mountain and as this was my first Hong Kong hike my legs felt a little like jelly at this point. Even though I'm fit, climbing up and down slopes and countless steps requires a different type of fitness.

As you continue down you will leave the steps behind and the trail will take on the side of the mountain, giving you fantastic views of Mui Wo and Silvermine Bay. You will come to a rock which you can step off the path for a sit down, have some water, and admire the view. 

When ready, haul yourself back up and continue on the descent, ending at Silvermine Bay beach. Find your way to the bus station or the ferry pier and get a ferry to Hong Kong, a kai to back to Discovery Bay, a bus to Tung Chung, or wherever else you are heading.

But before you do leave Mui Wo, know that there are many places that you can find great food, the cooked food centre overlooking the sea being a popular stop off point.

This isn't a very hard hike, it has a steep section but fortunately it's mostly shaded. Best of all, at the end are plenty of restaurants and cafes. At the ferry pier is a popular bar to quench that thirst from the hike.