I needed a strong distraction from my angry thoughts this morning, and it was a beautiful clear day so I decided to go over to Peng Chau and check out the walking trail there. Initially I thought of taking Raffles with me, but he didn’t seem overly enthusiastic and Jenevieve suggested that he’d be better off staying as company for poor, be-coned Oscar. So I set off alone to get the ferry from the next bay down from us. 

I do love these little boats that chug around between the islands, taking market traders, dog walkers, tourists, school children, city workers. It’s a scenic experience for the equivalent of a few pence – one of very few things cheaper here than in the UK.

The journey over took about 15 minutes and I set off on the Family Trail around the north part of the Island. You get a good view of Hong Kong Disneyland, just up from us, and though there are some parts with steps – always with the steps – it’s a nicely set out concrete trail. Any damage from recent SuperTyphoon Mangkhut has mostly been fixed.

There are some great views and so many butterflies, and the final part passes through a little hamlet with banana and papaya trees (I think). You end up in a picturesque little bay at the narrow waist of the island, where you can traverse the little streets filled with tiny shops, bars and houses. It was a lovely warm afternoon and lots of old folk were outside, the men playing chequers and the women quietly soaking up the warm air.

Peng Chau is very relaxed and a bit ramshackle but full of lush greenery and secluded beaches as will as the LPG dépot and the “transmitting station” where people will start to look rather nervous as you approach. I bought a straw hat that perfectly matched my dress for HK$49, (about £5), too late, I’m afraid to stop me developing a deep suntan.