Bowelbabe Fund Great Wall of China Trek 2027

About the Bowelbabe Fund Great Wall of China trek

Conquer the imperial masterpiece of the Ming dynasty in aid of the Bowelbabe Fund on this 9-day challenge.

Appropriately named one of the ‘New Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China is a truly iconic location – perfect for a Bowelbabe Fund challenge.

What to expect

Beginning four hours north of Beijing, this week-long challenge tackles a series of vigorous climbs totalling over 10,000 uneven steps. The trek will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway and takes on the famous ‘heavenly staircase’.

As you make your way along this iconic route, you'll be treated to breath-taking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

The challenge ends in the vast metropolis of Beijing, with time to explore the cultural highlights of China’s historic capital. Expert English-speaking guides will be with you every step of the way, managing your challenge and providing historical context to the Great Wall and its surroundings.

The Great Wall Discovery trek is graded as "challenging". It will test someone who is relatively fit and has a spirit of adventure. You may have had some previous experience, but this is not necessary as long as the correct training is undertaken.

What you'll be doing

You can tell your supporters that on your Great Wall Discovery Challenge you will be

• trekking for around 4-7 hours per day, covering approximately 50kms over 5 days.

• tackling thousands of stairs.

• persevering come rain or shine.

• trekking on un-renovated sections of the wall, with tricky terrain.

• taking on sections at height with drops at either side.

• staying in basic lodges each night.

What's included?

• Flights to/from London

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Guides

Important trek information

Please review the documents below before signing up so that you understand what to expect. They include information on the challenge difficulty, what's included and what's not, itinerary, accommodation, meals, kit and much more!

Trip notes(PDF, 1.07 MB) Kit list(PDF, 165 KB)

Sign up to the trek!

We're finalising the last few details of the trek and registrations are expected to open in late September.

Until then, you can click below to register your interest and we'll be in touch as soon as registrations are open.

When registrations open you'll be able to choose from two different entry types

1. Full sponsorship - you pay a registration fee of £475, we will pay for your place and you fundraise at least £4,500

2. Mixed funding - you pay £950 towards the challenge costs, and fundraise £3,500. We will pay the remainder of your place cost.

How to join Team Bowelbabe

Step: 1

Choose your entry type.

Step: 2

Sign up to get Team Bowelbabe Fund and Cancer Research UK perks.

Step: 3

Get fundraising for life-saving research.

Step: 4

Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target.

About the Bowelbabe Fund

The Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK was set up to continue the incredible legacy of Dame Deborah James. It funds cutting-edge research into early detection and personalised medicine, raise awareness of signs and symptoms and tackle the stigmas around cancer with unflinching honesty so we can give more people affected by cancer more time with the people they love.

Why take part for Bowelbabe Fund

Meet Gillian

A tough but amazing experience!

- Gillian Kilgour, 2026 Bowelbabe Fund Trek Participant

Gillian took part in the inaugural Bowelbabe Fund trek to the Himalayas in 2026

"On the last day we didn't know when we would reach the end of the walk, so when we walked down the hill and saw the banners and streamers in the trees I don't think any of us were prepared for just how emotional it would be, there was not a dry eye in the group!"

Bowelbabe Fund trek participants will receive

A personalised Bowelbabe Fund t-shirt

Training tips and plans to help you prepare

Flights, accommodation and meals

Dedicated Local Guides

The difference your money makes

Over 220 Cancer Research UK runners taking on the event

Hitting their fundraising targets to raise a total of around £60,000

Could fund a trial testing innovative radiotherapy technique for treating rare bile duct cancer for one year

Finishing touches

Get training support

We've teamed up with experts to give you the best training support and advice for your event. Whether it's your first time training or you're looking to smash a PB, we've got a training plan for you.

Get fundraising support

We're with you every step of your fundraising journey so you can smash your target. Once you've signed up, we'll send you everything you need to get going such as fundraising ideas, top tips, planners and posters.

Get kitted out

We worked with Scimitar to create Cancer Research UK sportswear that’s comfortable, looks great and supports our vital work. 20% of the price of these products will be paid to Cancer Research UK.