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The challenge will be tough at times but you'll return with a real sense of pride in your achievement, and you'll have found yourself 60 new friends! Find out what happens on each day of the trek.
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.
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.
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 & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Early departure to the airport, arriving back in the UK early that morning, due to the time difference.
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Email hiking@macmillan.org.uk| Call 020 7840 7887 Fax 020 7840 4717 Write to Team Macmillan, Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ
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