Jules Eaton’s Website

What is the TGO Challenge?

The Great Outdoors Challenge 2008 (TGO Challenge) is an annual self-supported walking event across the Highlands of Scotland, west coast to east coast. The Challenge started in 1980 and is held every May.  It is sponsored by TGO, the walkers' magazine, in partnership with Rab, the outdoor equipment specialist, and the adventure trekking company Himalayan Kingdoms.

 

Challengers are responsible for planning their own routes; all routes are checked by experienced vetters, who offer comments which may assist in final planning. Routes can be high or low level or a mixture of both. This flexibility in the route you take, combined with the large geographical area available, is one of the unique features of the Challenge.

 

There are 12 permitted start points on the west coast, between Ardrishaig and Torridon.  You can finish anywhere between Fraserburgh and Arbroath in the east, but all participants have to report to the control point in Montrose once they have finished.

 

The Challenge is non-competitive and a maximum of 15 days is allowed for the crossing. It is restricted for environmental and administrative reasons to 300 participants each year, plus a number of people associated with the event. The Challenge demands a good level of competence in navigation, survival techniques, campcraft and general hillcraft… and probably a certain degree of madness.