Oh my goodness me, just got my full itinerary for the China Hike with Macmillan Cancer Support.
Wowzers.
It's proper full on but I'm ready for it - bring it on you big Great Wall (that's so big it can actually be seen from space - seriously, how amazing?!)
Here's what I'll be doing...
Day 1: Fly from London
Depart from London for Beijing.
* Back to back film watching - yes.
Day 2: Arrive in Beijing
We arrive in Beijing early in the morning and head straight for a tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. After lunch we head for the hotel and sort our kit out ready to start the trek the following morning. The evening is spent relaxing in the comfort of the hotel.
* Amazing - I've never even been to China!
Day 3: Beijing-Huangyaguan
We transfer in the early morning from Beijing to above Huangyaguan (3.5-4.5 hours) where we get our first glimpse of the Great Wall as it snakes along the ridgeline of the Yanshan Mountains. In the afternoon we walk along a renovated section, predominately down hill, to the village of Huangyaguan, where we camp the night.
Walking time approximately three hours.
* Down hill walking - lovely stuff.
Day 4: Huangyanguan-mountain village
Huangyaguan is situated in a beautiful valley in the heart of the Yanshan Mountains. We start our day's walk heading up the steep renovated steps towards what appears to be a sheer cliff face. This is where we encounter Heavens Ladder, a steep ascent of over 300 steps leading us up the cliff face.
Once we have caught our breath the path continues gradually up to the top of the ridge and once again joins the old wall, which follows the contours of the mountain. We descend into the neighbouring valley by way of a steep path alongside the wall and end the day with a easy walk up the valley beyond. We bed down in the houses of a local village, which is a real cultural experience.
Walking time approximately seven hours.
* Steep steps? Seven hours of walking? Oh crikey.
Day 5: Mountain village-mountain village
Beyond the village where we sleep, the wall snakes its way across a wild and sweeping landscape steeped in history. It is a stiff ascent through farmed terraces to start our day, but the views from the top are just reward. Once at the wall we follow alongside it before reaching the Three Border Stone, the meeting point of the three Chinese provinces of Beijing, Tenjing and Hobe. After taking in the view and photo opportunities we head down and away from the wall along the path down into the next valley.
Once on the valley floor we continue walking through farmland with the wall above us and jagged hills all round. We make camp on the edge of another small and remote village.
Walking time approximately seven hours.
* Just another seven hours...and third night in a tent. I can imagine how sexy my hair's going to be looking by this point.
Day 6: Mountain village-Gubeiko
After a short walk back down the road we join the wall and start our ascent. It is a long and hard ascent of around two to three hours before we gain the high point of the ridge, from where we have fantastic views. From here we continue for a couple of hours, undulating along the ridge until we finally leave the wall once again and descend through lush farmed terraces of peach and walnut trees, to camp in the valley floor.
Walking time approximately six hours.
* Oh, only six hours? Easy.
Day 7 Gubeiko-Jinshanlin
The day starts with a short walk across the valley to rejoin the wall. The wall appears to be of an almost brick-like construction here and we wind our way alongside it before gradually ascending the hillside and gaining the wall. This part dates back to the Qing Dynasty, the last dynasty to rule over this vast land. We wander down into the valley in order to skirt a Chinese military post around lunch time before rejoining the wall for the final stretch up and along to Jinshanlin. A short walk takes us to our simple camp site.
Walking time approximately seven hours.
* Well, we did get let off an hour yesterday.
Day 8 Junshanlin-Simatei
Today's stunning walk on this largely restored section of the wall takes us from Jinshanlin to Simatei. Starting where we left off, we head up the carefully restored steps which take us up into the mountains one final time. The scenery is superb with rolling purple hills fading into the distance. We leave the Great Wall at Simatei, enjoying the view as it clings precariously to the rock face opposite. A short walk, gradually descending, takes us to the finish of our amazing trek and a welcome night in a hotel.
Walking time approximately seven hours.
* There's that seven hours again BUT also that magic word: HOTEL. A Hotel and bed and shower...!!!
Day 9: Simatei-Beijing
We transfer back to the frenetic bustle of China's capital city, leaving behind the peace and tranquility of the mountains. Having checked into a hotel an afternoon of relaxation and a celebration meal await us.
* I can't wait to feel that sense of pride of completing and knowing I've helped Macmillan help people. Wooo!
Day 10: Beijing
Free day to explore Beijing. There is an option of a tour around 'The Summer Palace', built as a summer retreat for the empress to escape the heat and humidity of the city.
* If my feet are in one piece, I'm all over this...
Day 11: Beijing-London
Early departure to the airport, arriving back in the UK that evening.
* Goodbye life changing experience...
HOME!
Er, see what I mean?!
Don't forget...every little really DOES help!
Every little helps!