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Common questions

Find everything you need to know about taking on the 2011 China Hiking Challenge.

If you're taking part in the 2012 hike, please view the 2012 FAQs|.

FAQs

When does the trip take place?
What do I have to do to take part?
Who takes part?
Where will we stay while hiking?
Do I have to carry my own kit?
Am I fit enough?
Do I have to meet any medical requirements?
How does Macmillan benefit?
What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship?
What will the weather be like?
What is included?
What is not included?
What else do I need?
What is the hiking like?
Who organises the trip?
Can I offset my carbon footprint?

When does the trip take place? Back to top

The trip will take place from 15-25 September 2011.

What do I have to do to take part? Back to top

Simply pay a non-refundable £295 registration fee and return this with a completed application form. We will then ask you to pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £3,400 , of which you should aim to send £1,080 to Macmillan Cancer Support two months prior to departure. The outstanding amount must be with us within two months of the event taking place.

Who takes part? Back to top

The group will be made up of around 60 people, both men and women, from all backgrounds, abilities and ages, although you must be 18 or over to take part. While some take part with friends, most people come on their own, so it's a great way of meeting new people. You will find that the group quickly bond and support each other throughout the challenge.

Where will we stay while hiking? Back to top

Throughout the challenge we will be camping in remote, rural villages. One night will be spent with local Chinese families in their homes which provides a truly cultural experience.

Do I have to carry my own kit? Back to top

We will be accompanied by support vehicles which will carry all our equipment and supplies between each campsite. You will carry a day pack to hold any equipment you might need during the day.

Am I fit enough? Back to top

Macmillan challenges are designed to suit people of average fitness. However, if you do not already walk on a regular basis you will need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months. A full training programme will be included in your fundraising pack.

Do I have to meet any medical requirements? Back to top

Everyone on the challenge is required to complete a medical form that must be signed by your GP. Medical forms will be provided in your fundraising packs and individual surgeries may charge for this service.

How does Macmillan benefit? Back to top

At least 67% of the £3,400 minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £3,400 the entire surplus will benefit the charity.

What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship? Back to top

We will provide you with a fundraising pack full of ideas on how to reach your target. You will also have the support of the Challenge Team and our extensive network of Macmillan fundraisers throughout the UK. However, if you do not manage to raise £1,080 two months prior to departure you will have the choice of making up the shortfall yourself or transferring to a later challenge, and thereby giving yourself longer to fundraise.

What will the weather be like? Back to top

The temperature in September is around 20-26°C, with an average level of rainfall per month of 20-50mm. Although warm by day the temperature will drop at night to around 10°C.

What is included? Back to top

Return flight: London-Beijing-London.
Accommodation: five days rough camping, four nights in hotel.
All food other than three meals.
All camping equipment other than a sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Full support with local guides, cooks, Discover Adventure leaders and doctors.
Macmillan Cancer Support representative.

What is not included? Back to top

Insurance: our tour operator, Discover Adventure, offers insurance specifically created to cover you for the activity you will be undertaking.
Celebration meal on the final night, plus two other meals.
Chinese visa.
International departure tax.
We also recommend around £150 for personal expenses.

What else do I need? Back to top

A valid 10-year passport with at least six months to run is essential.
Entry into China requires a visa for all nationalities. At time of writing (February 2010), a visa costs between £60 and £90 depending on the service you opt. Details of how to obtain one will be included in the registration pack.
It is essential for you to consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations.

What is the hiking like? Back to top

Each participant will need to carry a day pack for items needed during the day: water, sunscreen, camera, waterproofs etc. Trekking time varies from three to eight hours per day. The route is both on and alongside the Wall, following it through the Yanshan Mountains, camping in valleys along the way. The Wall has been renovated in parts, but in other areas is rough and uneven under foot. At times there are steep drops on either side. This is a challenging trek due to the many steep, stepped sections, including 'Heavens Ladder' which is a climb of over 300 steps. Frequent ascents and descents, the variety of terrain and the chance to stay with local Chinese families make this a fascinating trek.

Who organises the trip? Back to top

This trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply.

Can I offset my carbon footprint? Back to top

One of the key determining criteria Macmillan looks for when selecting a tour operator to organise our events is a demonstrable appreciation of environmental concerns. Our tour operator Discover Adventure has links with 'Climate Care', a service that enables participants to neutralise the carbon emissions caused by taking long-haul flights.

For full details of how to offset your carbon emissions visit the Discover Adventure website.

If you have any more questions, please contact email hiking@macmillan.org.uk| or call 020 7840 7887

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Contact us

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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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.