The Great Outdoors Challenge
The TGO Challenge is an annual self-supported walk across the Highlands of Scotland, west coast to east coast. The Challenge was the original idea of Hamish Brown, the writer and mountaineer, and has taken place every May since 1980. Still known to many as the "Ultimate Challenge" after the original sponsor, Ultimate Equipment, it is now sponsored by TGO, the walkers' magazine in partnership with Rab, the outdoor clothing and equipment company. Application forms appear in the October issue of the TGO magazine (out September). More information can be found on the Challenge website.
Some challengers have published their diaries of the event on line - usually posting the address on one of the message boards. Trouble is, as time rolls on, these posts disappear, and most of the pre digital diaries and stories have never been shared beyond family and friends. This is a shame, as there are some great stories out there. So we have gathered a few here for the enjoyment (and entertainment) of fellow challengers, and to encourage those who may be thinking about taking up the Challenge.
The next selection is all links to external websites that we think have outstanding Challenge stories - we hope you enjoy them as much as we did, and if you know of a site that we've missed, let us know.
Some of the stories below are culled from blogs, and therefore are in reverse order (i.e. they begin at the end if you see what I mean)
Audiophiles will be pleased to know that in addition to the links above, there is a series of Podcasts from Bob Cartwright. Do have a look around his shopping site Backpackinglight as well. Bob sells a wide range of lightweight kit, much of which you won't find in your local gear shop - and as challengers themselves, you can be assured that Bob & Rose will give good advice on your choice of equipment for your adventure.
For the time being we have decided that what we have here gives a sufficient flavour of the event and plenty of inspiration for those planning a route for the first time. We won't be adding more for a while as the ethos of the Challenge is self sufficiency, and that especially applies to route planning.
We hope that you've enjoyed these Challenge tales - and if you've not yet taken up the TGO Challenge, why not give it a try? Scotland offers superb backpacking country, and May is just the right time to enjoy it.
Go on. You know you want to.