Booked to spend 3 days in Beijing in November and planned to visit the great wall but can't get a real sense of the walking/climbing that will be involved. One of us is not very mobile - a 20-30 min walk maximum the other does not like the thought of going in a cable car!! are we going to be disappointed?

The Great Wall at Badalaing is near Beijing. You have to go up some steps to get on it and it rapidly becomes fairly steep (there are railings to hold onto though they are mainly used when there is ice on the wall). No cable cars as the wall is not very high (12 feet? Can't remember exactly) but literally follows the contours of the land so goes up and down steep hills.

It is good to stand on the wall and look but few go far as tours often do not allow a lot of time there, preferring to spend time at a rubbish shop on the way in the hope that you will buy something so the guide can earn commission. we overstayed at the Wall to make up for this and the last twop women had to be almnost dragged aboard the tour bus an hour after the 45 minutes were up. They'd been shopping.

There is an excellent market by the wall where many stalls sell all sorts of things dirt cheap (shop around) so is worth a visit.

Lots to see in Beijing which is on the flat and fairly easy to move around. Most things you can easily do yourself with a guidebook and map. Expect to take lots of photos.

The Great Wall is amazing and such a sight to behold. There is value in going to where the bus takes tourists and just viewing the Wall. Be very clear, however, that the wall is not walking but rather stair climbing. The path, about 10 feet wide, is an unending length of stairs - up and down, uneven in height (the steps range from 6 to 26 inches in no particular pattern). There are railings to assist. I went with a group of friends. Those in good shape did fine. Some struggled but were determined to experience the climb. Others sat at the parking lot level and viewed with delight. You can climb as much or as little as your body and time permit. I was surprised to find that the path I had seen in photos of the Great Wall is really and unending series of stairs. As a memory of China, it is one of my fondest.

The Wall at Mutiyanu doesn't involve much walking but it does require a cable car ride. Note the cable car is fully enclosed, seats 6 and isn't scary in the least.

I made it up to the second tower on the left side on crutches. You should be OK. But as mentioned above, it gets steep quickly!

it is a must see!! i gave up very quickly and stayed behind....our friends and my wife walked on for about an hour...they are glad they did it but it is very difficult...steps are often steep and of different heights which makes it very awkward...

you and do what you can and then sit and watch the tourists and enjoy the area...

Many thanks for all your very helpful comments. I feel more optimistic now about giving it a try, being prepared for what's in store really helps e.g. all the stairs involved.
Thanks again - we appreciate you all taking the time to reply.