Harry's Great Wall Trek

Our Norfolk & Suffolk area manager, Harry Baird recently took part in Springboards Great Wall of China Trek raising funds for the hospitality charity Springboard UK. As part of a team of 24 trekkers from all walks of the industry Harry tells us of his experiences..

Part 2

There it was the great wall! It seemed endless!

We all limbered up and the first of the 12 pairs moved up the hill where we split into three groups to remain throughout the trek.

Having not kept up with the fast paced middle trekkers I walked on my own until I decided to leave the wall with a hard prickly bush taking my fall in places I wish not to discuss.

Once the summit had been reached we went to catch our bus and return for another late Chinese lunch (oh please, please release me from this) and another visit was planned on our way back.

Finally we arrived at our lodge tired and thirsty. We all got ourselves cleaned up, had another Chinese dinner (of the same foods as previous) and met in the room where cards, beer and firewater inevitably improved the morale.

10 miles completed

Day 3 - Monday 28 March 2011

The morning arrived. I knew then that the firewater had not been good for me! Breakfast would have been a step to far so instead I somehow got up, showered and shaved.

I met everyone out front and death was a good description of what I saw. We all drank lots of water and started our trek on foot, slowly I walked one step then another and somehow I continued with the encouragement from the group and knowing it was self-inflicted!

The trek went on for hours and slowly I recovered to take in some superb sights and thrilling scenery. Finally our lunch break included a sandwich which was enjoyed by all as a welcome change.

Onward and upwards we trekked until finally a descent was made into a village that did not fit in with the surroundings. Our last group arrived to Chinese karaoke of some sort where a beer was thrust into my hand (which took 60 minutes to consume). As we talked and reflected our trek the urge for karaoke took over some of the trekkers

20 miles completed

Oh forgot to mention dinner! A Chinese meal of similar type was provided and I opted for an early night.

Day 4 - Tuesday 29^th March 2011

Feeling refreshed and ready to go after an early breakfast of toast, we all met outside ready for our next trek.

Well here it was an even steeper hill to the wall than before. By now the 24 trekkers were in 3 groups, aptly named the Power Rangers, Glue and Fun bus - in which I threw my mast into due to their unbelievable support the day previously. Up and up we went where paths were there and then not, sides of the wall were and we were open to the elements. Best not to look down!

The summit was met and our descent to base was a treacherous one. Finally we reached our base and got onto the bus ready for the 90 minute drive to our lodge and Chinese dinner. 30 miles completed

Day 5 - Wednesday 30^th March 2011

This was going to be our hardest trek yet according to Phil and the intrepid Chinese guides of Martin and Jason. Martin was the one who maintained the pace up front with Jason keeping pace at the rear trying to move group fun bus along and getting continually moaned at. This became a sense of enjoyment among our little group of trekkers, which was needed, as we had no real path to follow and an upward climb that was endless.

We walked and walked to the summit, where we were told a surprise was made, yes guess what it was??? A late lunch, consisting a Chinese meal of similar repute (I am starting to think the food is more of a challenge than the trek itself).

40 miles completed

Day 6 - Thursday 31^st March 2011

Well we had been fooled, last night our intrepid leader Phil explained our Wednesday trek was most difficult, well now I know why he plays poker, this was not the case but as we knew it was our last long trek, we were all psyched up and ready to go.

Onto the bus we went, drove for 20 minutes and yes there it was the Great Wall of China in all its glory, but this time we were walking a commercial route with others that do the 2 hour walk daily. This was surreal as we were dressed up with sticks in hand alongside people walking in suits!

After we reached the summit, our descent was made and we arrived into the bazaar! Everyone around us was trying to sell us anything and everything. Let the bartering began! Unfortunately in our group we had Rob, an Irishman who was the funniest and most charismatic person you could meet, but with one failing - he could not say no. After great discussion and support, Ron finally escaped but had spent £40 on fur hats x 2, t shirts x 4, Hoody x 1 and books! This meant for some reason I was carrying more than when I left (well done Ron, you smooth talker). 

50 miles completed

Yippee we arrived at our lodge for the final trek tomorrow to complete our mission. Yes you guessed it; we had another stimulating Chinese meal of things best not discussed. Our final briefing was held and yes once again Phil raised the inevitable question of could we please be on time (not a chance).

Day 7 - Friday 01 April 2011

We all looked on in despair as the final climb looked horrendous and this caused concern. As we supported each other and played Ron’s “na na what’s your name” song, (which had become our daily ritual) morale improved and a final push for the finish was made. WE MADE IT! Hugs kisses given to everyone, photos taken of our achievement, which was immense and the most satisfying thing I had done in a long while.

At our descent we got onto the bus, had a few beers and went to the 5* hotel in Beijing. Well this was different, after washing, showering; we went off for a foot massage!

This turned out to be quite surreal as everyone was split into 4’s and taken into rooms. We were told it was a clothed massage; however Ron spoke to our masseurs and misunderstood so we all then stripped. During our massage, songs were sung and even our Chinese friends got involved the place was loud causing quite a stir.

Well I am sorry to say but a decision was made! I was all Chinese’d up when it came to food so off I went to Molly Malone’s and had cheeseburger and fries with extra fries. Oh forgot to mention so did another 20 trekkers.