Ash is excited to report that he arrived at his second major milestone during Mission Yangtze over the weekend, as he attempts to create history with a third world-first record, this time walking the entire 4,000 mile length of the Yangtze river in China.

Ash has reached the first major bend in the river, its southernmost point, where it takes a sharp 90 degree turn and flows to the northeast in the province of Yunnan, the third province Ash has entered, having previously trekked through Qinghai and Sichuan, and has noticed some environmental surprises as he makes his way along the river.

With #MissionYangtze well and truly underway, Ash is relying heavily on his survival instincts to cope with the physical and mental day-to-day challenges he’s facing. Ash calls those natural survival instincts his ‘wild side’ - a mental state that allows him to become comfortable with the uncomfortable and stay calm when in danger.

Due to an unexpected drama Ash has had to cover an extra 40 miles of terrain that he had previously walked - but is back on track, safe and well, and making good progress.

Ash’s world record-setting #MissionYangtze promises to be one of the most digitally engaging expeditions in history and today we’re helping deliver on that promise by launching a Live Tracker on Ash’s website so you can see where he is in real-time.

Ash has now officially made it to the source of the Yangtze river on his second attempt and is beginning his world-first, 4,000 mile #MissionYangtze expedition. He's returned with a stronger support crew and his trusty horse, Caster Troy, ready to take on the first and most dangerous 200 miles of terrain as they head towards mountain village Qumarleb over the next 2-3 weeks.

#MissionYangtze is officially underway! Ash has started his world record-breaking adventure travelling 4,000 miles on foot along the length of the Yangtze river.

While on Mission Yangtze Ash needs to plan every little detail and be prepared for all scenarios to help him achieve his goal. One unexpected detail comes in the form of personal hygiene and specifically shaving. Staying on top of facial growth is important for both psychological and health reasons and is a good example of how being disciplined in every area will help Ash during his expedition.

I’m still in Dali, there has been a slight delay, nothing major, but it’s holding me back slightly.
I anticipate I can move on to the next city (Yushu), within the next week and then hopefully start the expedition towards the end of this month or beginning of next month.

As Ash puts the finishing touches on his preparations for Mission Yangtze, he has selected essential gear from Kailas's latest collection to give him the best quality clothing and equipment for the adventure ahead. Ash has equipped himself with a range of durable, comfortable clothing and essential equipment from Kailas, the biggest brand of its type throughout China and a hugely popular outdoor brand throughout all of Asia, to ensure that he achieves success.

Ash is in China and on the final countdown to starting his Mission Yangtze expedition. Find out why time management will be critical to his success over the next year and how, armed with the best tools and technology, he can overcome some of the challenges he will face.