We are only a few week's into 2019 and already Colwyn Bay adventurer Ash Dykes has reached his first major milestone for the year.

Dykes has reached the half-way point of his world-first trek along the entire length of China's Yangtze River.

The Yangtze River stretches 4000 miles from west to east China, through eleven provinces, diverse ecosystems and multiple major cities including Chongquing and Shanghai.

It has taken Ash 136 days and 2000 miles of intense trekking across some of the world’s most dangerous and remote provinces to reach the halfway point in the small Chinese city of Panzhihua, having set off from the Yangtze River’s true, scientific source in the Tibetan Plateau on 26th August last year.

In one of the few remaining ‘firsts’ to be attempted by man, Dykes and his team have faced huge challenges on this first half of the expedition, with eight out of nine of Ash’s teammates dropping out mid-mission due to injury, illness or fears for their safety.

He has also had to overcome encounters with bears, travelling down the mountain to find food before hibernation, and wolves.

He was tracked by a pack of wolves for two days straight not long after the trek began, and has faced the very real threat of aggressive wild yaks, cobras, and giant hornets along the way.

Other natural elements have also made this challenge particularly immense, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees, snow blizzards, glacial river crossings, and landslides pushing

Although the most remote, dangerous and uncertain leg of the expedition is now behind him the remainder of the trek will pose threats of different kinds.

Rather than bears, wolves and wilderness, Dykes will encounter heavily populated cities and some of the most polluted areas of any river in the world.

The hot, rainy season means the river is more likely to flood, and as the river widens so do its tributaries, meaning crossings will be more difficult and could lead to further detours and delays.

Despite this, Dykes remains positive. He said: "Without a doubt, Mission Yangtze has been the biggest challenge I’ve undertaken to date.

"Physically I was as prepared as I could be, but mentally it’s hard to get ready for the harsh and remote landscapes, sub zero temperatures, and the difficulties these bring.

"I have trekked through some of the most breathtaking and unspoilt parts of the world, but I’ve never felt so vulnerable to the elements and predators as I have done over the past few months.

"China is an unbelievably diverse country, with each province I’ve crossed bringing unique terrains, climates, wildlife and challenges.

"Despite the challenges, I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality shown by the people I’ve encountered so far.

"The expedition hasn’t been straightforward but it’s been an incredible experience so far, and I’m really looking forward to seeing and learning even more about this amazing country as I enter into the second half of the mission. Bring it on.”