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Feeling simultaneously nervous and excited, we’ll meet at the airport for the big day and the long-awaited flight to China’s capital, Beijing.
On arrival we’ll be met by a Charity Challenge representative who will transfer us to our lodge in Juyongguan, which is situated right next to the wall. Once checked in, we will have the day to explore, before enjoying our first team dinner together. There will also be a full briefing on the challenge ahead.
Home to the perfectly preserved mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Tombs represent the challenge starting point. We will run 11kms along the wall, before heading into the mountains. Later we will visit Zhao Ling Tomb, where we can climb to the top for inspiring views. We will finish the day by walking down the Sacred Road, which is lined with imperial statues.
An early start will ensure there is enough time to tackle the infamous stairs of Juyongguan. This is one of the three greatest passes of the wall and forms a huge 5km circuit. The steps are steep and uneven which makes running dangerous – but there’s nothing to stop us from power walking! Then it’s a 90km bus ride to Heilongtan, stopping for lunch and shopping en route.
Today we run 20kms along beautiful mountain roads towards the Chinese Pavilion at Feng Jia Yu village. Having completed this tough but spectacular day, we head back to Heilongtan before trekking through the lush environment of the Black Dragon Pools national park.
It’s the penultimate day of the challenge and the toughest yet. Set amid the dramatic mountain landscape of Jinshanling, this section of the wall is the best preserved and there are amazing views from the top. After lunch we head into the countryside where we will experience rural life at close encounter. Later it’s back to the lodge, ahead of the final challenge day.
Trekking from Jinshanling towards Simitai, the routes meanders over steepm, crumbling staircases and relics of watchtowers. On a clear day you can see for around 80 miles. This region is little travelled and as such is perfect for reflecting on our achievement. Later we return to Beijing, where we will explore the night market – a perfect place to experience a foot massage and buy some souvenirs.
The hard work is over and now it’s time to be spoilt with a guided tour of Beijing. Highlights include the Forbidden City and a stroll through Jingshan Park. Enjoy a celebratory meal on the final night together in China.
There’s time for breakfast and a few more hours to explore before we head for the airport and our flight back to Britain. The flight arrives back in London in the early evening.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE