We visited the wall at the Juyongguan Pass area. Despite having seen parts of the wall on TV programmes where people were strolling along relatively flat sections – this was not it! This is an incredibly steep stone staircase with steps of differing depths. There is a handrail virtually all the way to the top. It wasn’t a sunny day when we visited, just warm, but virtually everybody was dripping with sweat. It was quite punishing. Obviously you don’t have to go to all the way to the top (this particular section ends at a locked watchtower). I waited at the gift shop whilst my husband continued on until he reached the locked gate. Plenty to see in the gift shop – just about every kind of souvenir you can imagine. You can even buy an “I climbed the Wall” medal with your name on. The shop also sells drinks and ice creams. Back down at the bottom we rewarded ourselves with an ice lolly (5 yuan, compared with 10 yuan at the Forbidden City). All the toilets are “squat style” – remember to take your own toilet roll. It was a three mile round trip, but as we know, not all miles are equal, and my calves were “tweaking” for several days afterwards, but I’d do it all again in a breath.

A tour was arranged by our hotel's concierge. Driver spoke good english and gave us the freedom where we wanted to go. This place was least populated so we decided to go here. Once you are walking here you can feel the effort that had been put to make this long wall. It is really beautiful

To see the Great Wall is truly amazing. The history behind the building is incredible. The walk on it is very strenuous though as steps are so uneven. My advice is to just take your time and you will be able to go quite a distance.