Starting off gently with one of the most popular routes, this trail takes in beautiful coastal scenery along a dedicated bike path that remains flat throughout. Starting in Sha Tin it’s easy to locate the bike rental shop in the park (follow the blue signs) and the shop at the end of the route will accept the bike return so you don’t need to cycle back. This route takes in views of Tolo Harbour and Ma On Shan and is a lovely leisurely day away from the hustle and bustle of city life. .

Distance: 14 km
Time: approx 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bike rental: approx. $60 a day from Good Luck Bike Shop

Still wanting more after that (relatively) easy ride? From Tai Po it’s possible to continue the ride an extra 8 km to Tai Mei Tuk where you can take in the stunning views of Pat Sin Leung. This idyllic village is also home to Plover Cove reservoir. It’s a picturesque backdrop for a post-ride BBQ or a picnic.

We took our Brompton Bikes all the way from Central on the MTR to begin our ride from Sha Tin and found them super easy to use. The folding bikes can fit in tight spaces and can be unfolded in about 20 seconds (even fitting into a HK taxi!).

Distance: 22km
Time: approx. 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy

Sassy perk: Sassy readers get a free test ride at all authorised Brompton dealers (only available in store, not online, in HK). Customers buying a Brompton bike can also receive the carrier block for their luggage free and fitted from any Hong Kong dealer if they mention this article.

Brompton Bicycle, www.brompton.com. Handmade in London, prices range between $10,210 and $27,930, depending on your customisable design. Find them on Instagram or Facebook here!

This circular route starts and ends at Yuen Ling MTR making it easily accessible. Explore the old village before heading out along the Shan Pui River and the Kam Tin River. The route is simple to follow along the river banks and remains flat throughout. This is great venture up into the heart of the New Territories and an opportunity to explore traditional Hong Kong.

Distance: 8km
Time: approx. 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bike rental: Tin Fung Bicycle Company, Shop B, G/F, Lee Kwan Building, 37 On lok Road

If you’re not confident to try cycling alone (even we get nervous once in a while!), and you can’t convince your friends to join, there are a whole host of cycling tours on offer that give you opportunities to discover areas of Hong Kong you might not otherwise see. Check out, www.mountainbikingasia.com, which offer full-day and half-day tours in the New Territories. This guided ride is seeped in history and gives a real insight into the local side of Hong Kong. You also get to catch a glance of China as you cycle right up to the border. Alternatively you can cycle the route yourself.

Distance: 25km
Time: approx. 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cost for a guided tour: $700 for a full day including lunch and entrance to the Wetlands park

My first thought as I stepped onto Cheung Chau was, “Why haven’t I been here before?” A stunning island with a quaint village feel, this is another great day out to relax away from city life – you’ll feel you’ve come away on holiday in the half hour it takes to get from Central Pier to the Island. The cycling here is just as relaxed and a seaside cycling path runs along the west of the island. If you’re looking for something a bit more strenuous get out of the village and do a full tour of the island, or head to Cheung Po Tsai’s cave on the south of the island.

Distance: Variable
Time: approx. 2 hours to a full day – take your time and explore the island
Difficulty Level: Easy – Mid
Bike rental: Approx. $10-$20 an hour (prices are negotiable). Bike rental shops are located along the waterfront

Stepping off the ferry in Mui Wo is another step into island life that made me wonder why I choose to live in Central Hong Kong! Peaceful and picturesque, the village has a charming feel and I loved wandering around and exploring.

Again, there are lots of cycle paths around Mui Wo but one of my favourites was the path to Silver Mine Waterfall. The trail had signs posted most of the way, but we did find ourselves taking a couple of wrong turns on route. The locals were more than happy to assist and it was especially helpful that one of my friends speaks Cantonese! The path to Silvermine waterfall isn’t far and it’s easy to navigate on a bike. The water levels were low until spring, so I’d love to return and see the falls in all their glory.

Distance: 3 km
Time: approx. 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bike rental: Friendly Bike Shop, Mui wo Ferry Pier Road $30

As a fan of both Lamma Island and of hiking, I love the family trail for a relaxing hike with beautiful views. However, if you fancy trying something new this route actually lends itself perfectly to cycling with no steps and paved paths. Some of the ascent is a little strenuous but the views from the tops are reward enough. Cyclists aren’t allowed here at the weekends as the path is a popular hiking spot, but midweek it’s noticeably quieter and a great place to take the bike.

Distance: 18km
Time: approx. 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Medium

There are probably very few of us who haven’t ventured up the Peak at some point whilst living in Hong Kong, whether via the tram, taxi or hiking. The iconic view from the top is one of the best in the city, and the location makes it a convenient trip any time of day. But for those wishing to push their fitness and their leg muscles this is another great cycling option. Going via Magazine Gap Road there isn’t a set cycle path, but if you’re confident with road cycling, it’s a doable route. Best cycling time is early morning to avoid heavy traffic, as busy periods make the journey more dangerous.

Distance: 6km
Time: approx. 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Difficult

For those wanting to get the blood pumping even more, continue on from the Peak all the way to Big Wave Bay. This route involves yet more road cycling with plenty of incline and lots of twists and turns. The views along the way are stunning and take in Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay and Stanley. This is another route which needs to be done at quieter times due to the busy roads.

Distance: 25km
Time: approx. 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Difficult

Tai Lam Country Park offers a whole range of cycling options from flat trails to mountain biking routes. This particular route is a flatter option that circles around the reservoir and is perfect for all abilities. More adventurous riders can deviate from the flat paths and take in some more difficult terrains.

Distance: 23km
Time: approx. 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Medium