The summer heat is almost upon us (yikes!)

And before it arrives, could be a good time for a lengthy hike or two.

A few suggestions here:

The Maclehose Trail
The Lantau Trail
The Wilson Trail
The Hong Kong Trail
- and, err, that's it: complete one or more of those each weekend, and you will enjoy fantastic scenery, and fresh air
... and unless you're a superfit Gurkha or similar you'll find yourself clapped out from exhaustion

So, let's get a little real:

On HK Island, head to Parkview, then HK Trail up and over Jardine's Lookout and Mount Butler, down past Tai Tam reservoirs; not a huge hike, and can then head to Stanley for essential replenishment of bodiliy fluids (esp if you have beer flowing through your veins).

In Sai Kung area: walk over to Tai Long Wan, then either head south, through Sai Wan and up to follow the Luk Wu hiking trail - or head north, and up and over Sharp Peak (which has steep trails with stones that skid under your feet; take much care!)

Just north of Kowloon, head up Lion Rock - wonderful views from there; maybe approach from the west (as you get some altitude to start with if taxi ride to near Kowloon Reservoirs), and continue eastwards to Sha Tin Pass, heading down to Sha Tin to north, or to near Wong Tai Sin to south.

East of this: climb Ma On Shan, which for me is the best peak I've been up in HK: topped by grand crags, with superb views. Can walk Maclehose Trail from east, then pick your route down: towards Ma On Shan town, or towards Sai Kung town.

Southwest Lantau: follow trails winding into hills of the peninsula here, passing the Chinese landscape garden-folly (Ng Yuen); more stunning views here - esp from hilltops above the south of this peninsula (I've seen to HK Island, Shekou in Shenzhen, and Macau - but was on a smogless summer day). Alternatively - or in addition, if you choose combinations of trails - you can walk coastal paths, taking diversion at Fan Lau to the old fort, and surely even older stone circle (no stonehenge! - it would fit in my living room).

Right, that should keep you going for a while, so off you go (maybe armed with map or two in the Countryside Series, my HK Pathfinder book - and a load of water and maybe also sports drink to maintain your salts).