Pendleside trekkers are planning to go boldly where no Pendleside man or woman has gone before – along the Great Wall of China!
And the response has been so good, the hospice has been offered extra places for more keen trekkers to join the adventure.
Sammi Graham, head of events, said: “The Pendleside Hospice Great Wall of China Trek in September has proved so popular that we are hoping to increase the numbers from 26 to around 40.
“There is a diverse range of people of all ages joining us on an adventure of a lifetime and it is set to be a fantastic experience, plus we have another dozen or so places left for anyone who is yet to choose their 2020 challenge.”
To promote the nine-day trip there will be a get-together at the hospice at 6pm on Wednesday, February 26, when both people who have already booked and others who are interested will learn about China and the trip. They will also be given a tour of the hospice.
Hospice supporters Sarah Green and Nicola Gornall have also arranged a gin tasting evening with a Chinese twist at St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Barnoldswick, on Saturday, January 25 – the start of the Chinese New Year. Tickets for the gin tasting and Chinese snacks are £25 and can be ordered by contacting [email protected] or [email protected].
And on January 31, Ribble Valley Craft Gins are hosting a gin night at their HQ at 16 Whalley Road, Read, where £5 from each ticket sold will be donated to Pendleside’s Great Wall of China Trek. Tickets at £25, which include five gins and nibbles, are available from [email protected].
Sammi continued: “This trek is the ideal challenge for those with a passion for history and a sense of adventure and gives trekkers the opportunity to discover China's hidden charms, astounding cultural past, traditions and mythology well off the tourist trail.”
The trek takes place from September 17 to September 25 and covers a section of the 6,000km Great Wall which was first started in the 5th century. The trek passes through woodland and terraced farmland and follows the contours of the beautiful hills and mountains in remote areas north of Beijing.
While the challenge is physically demanding it offers fabulous scenery and fascinating insight into a rich culture and history.
The holiday has been organised in conjunction with Skyline Events.
The itinerary for the trip is: Day 1: Depart Manchester for Beijing Day 2: Arrive in Beijing Day 3: Huangyaguan-Qiankaijian Village (5-7 hours trekking) Day 4: Qiankaijian Village-Jinshanling (4-5 hours trekking) Day 5: Guebikou-Jinshanling (5-7 hours trekking) Day 6: Jinshanling-Mutianyu (3-5 hours trekking) Day 7: Mutianyu-Beijing (3-4 hours trekking) Day 8: Beijing (free day) Day 9: Depart Beijing for Manchester.
The registration fee is £349pp and then you can choose to self-fund your trip (£1,645) or raise a minimum sponsorship amount (£2,800), which covers the cost of your trek as well as supporting Pendleside Hospice.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Great Wall of China Trek should contact Sammi Graham on 01282 440136.