Ash Dykes (28) crossed the finish line in Shanghai 08.30am BST, having traversed Yangtze River in China in what is his third world first at 24 traversed 1,500-mile length of Mongolia, with 18 stone survival trailer, solo and unsupported, in just 78 days.

Today marks the day dual world-first record holder, adventurer and extreme explorer Ash Dykes crosses the finish line on his latest, 350-day 4,000-mile outing where he's taken over 8 million steps to walk into achieving his third world-first record.

It feels surreal to be this close to finishing.

There has been so much energy, effort, time, blood, sweat and fear put not only into the one year of undergoing the expedition but also two years beforehand, for the planning, training and logistics.

Myself and Mandarin Films China-based production team creating the Mission Yangtze documentary), head to the Wudang Mountains, to learn and film further Kung-Fu training.

During his Mission Yangtze UK adventurer ASH DYKES is not only focussing on ‘walking the Yangtze’ but he is also trying to interact with people along the way, giving interviews or speeches in order to share all aspects of the journey so far.

You know, as strange as it sounds, training is something I miss most.
I’m currently leaving Dali as I write this and I feel so refreshed due to dedicating that weeks visa run to refuelling my body with all the good stuff and working on body mobility, agility and flexibility. Especially after being stuck in such a fixed position for a long time (trekking with a weighted rucksack constantly strapped to my back).

On 23rd March, Ash was flown to Shanghai by WUJI, which is a cobranded clothing range between Adidas and international Movie Star Jet Li.

When originally mapping the route and planning the mission, Yibin seemed such a huge distance away, that I remember not really planning Panzhihua to Yibin in much detail, believing it wouldn't be too difficult. I was wrong and although no way near as tough as the first couple of months, it still had its challenges and this section took me an extra two weeks longer than anticipated.

I’ve had many people ask me what the food is like over here, so I’ve put together a small blog describing the varied foods that I’ve come across so far.

Ash shares a rare and deeply honest glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into Mission Yangtze as he reflects on 2018 and being away from home for Christmas. In the spirit of a true world-first adventurer and pioneer, he also has his sights and his determination firmly set on what lies ahead in 2019: the successful completion of his expedition!