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.

Mission Yangtze 2018 is officially kicked off in Shanghai

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.

Ash today signed a partnership agreement with Kailas, the biggest outdoor, technical clothing and equipment company in China, and a mainstream brand throughout Asia.

Before heading to China for Mission Yangtze, his most challenging expedition to date, Ash took the opportunity to spend a day in North Wales with team members from his newest partnership - Zip World.

Zip World, creators of the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity 2, are a match made in heaven for Ash due to their shared ethos and values, total commitment to adventure and strong determination to promote Wales as an international adventure travel destination.

Find out how Ash got on riding Velocity 2, the longest Zip Line in Europe - and the world's fastest.

This is it guys - I’m about to fly to China for final preps before starting the expedition one month from now!

Ash Dykes heads to China ahead of groundbreaking world first along the Yangtze

An exclusive first-hand look into Ash' lifestyle from Martin Lyons (Ash' photographer)

It’s great to have you on board following the journey of my upcoming world-first expedition, walking 4,000 miles down the length of China’s Yangtze river. It’s going to be an epic adventure!