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This isn’t actually a cove, at least, not any more. In fact it’s a massive reservoir which was created by building a dam across the mouth of the bay, then pumping all the seawater out and pumping in fresh water from China. Hike or bike the trails. Maps from HKTB.

Stunning waterfalls amid lush forest. Take the camera and wear sensible shoes.

Forest reserve near the Chinese University, popular with serious birdwatchers.

Charming village perched between verdant hills and a sparkling bay. Check out the local fisherfolks’ floating homes with their dodgy wiring.

“Big fog-shrouded mountain” is the translation, although on many days the peak of Hong Kong’s tallest mountain is visible. It reaches 957 m (3,139 ft). Quite a hike to the top, but superb views await the intrepid.

The marsh on the western edge of the New Territories is a bird sanctuary (see Mai Po Marsh).

Various walks and beaches on offer here. From Tai Au Mun, you can walk to the less than inspiringly named Clearwater Bay Beach One and Beach Two or Lung Ha Wan (Lobster Bay). Shark sightings send the locals into a lather each summer, and recently holes have been found in some nets. You’ve been warned.

Relatively inaccessible little gem of a beach. Don’t get too carried away with the view as you descend the vertiginous goat track, or you may find yourself at the bottom sooner than you intended.

Hong Kong’s finest beach, on the beautiful Sai Kung Peninsula. Take a good map and lots of fluids before setting off (see Tai Long Wan Coastline).

The mountain’s name means “saddle”, a reference to its shape (see Ma On Shan).