With 23 country parks--amounting to more than 40% of Hong Kong's space--there are many trails of varying levels of difficulty throughout Hong Kong, including hiking trails, nature trails, and family trails. Serious hikers, for example, may want to consider the famous MacLehose Trail in the New Territories, which stretches about 97km (60 miles) through eight country parks, from the Sai Kung Peninsula in the east to Tuen Mun in the west. The Lantao Trail is a 69km (43-mile) circular trail on Lantao island that begins and ends at Mui Wo (also called Silvermine Bay), passing several popular scenic spots and campsites along the way and including a 2 1/2-hour trek to the top of Lantao Peak. Both the MacLehose and Lantao Trails are divided into smaller sections of varying difficulty, which means that you can tailor your hike to suit your own abilities and time constraints. Easier to reach is the 50km (31-mile) Hong Kong Trail, which spans Hong Kong Island's five country parks. The Hong Kong Tourist Board has some trail maps, as well as a hiking and wildlife guide book called Exploring Hong Kong Countryside: A Visitor's Companion. Or, contact the Country and Marine Parks Authority at tel. 852/2150 6666.