Event Details 2020

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TGO Challenge – EVENT DETAILS 2020 Welcome to the 41st Great Outdoors Challenge! Please read these notes carefully, even if you have participated many times before, as they are regularly updated. The coordinators will help with any queries but before you contact them please check that the information you seek is not within these pages. Clicking on any blue text will give you additional information. Useful contact information and phone numbers can be found in the Resources section of the website.

OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE Paths, tracks, bridges and fences 8 Travel and Accomodation – including Hostelling 8 What to expect – terrain, navigation, 1 Scotland, Ault-na-Goire, Cougie, and Tarfside climate, shelter Resupplies and Trail Food Offers 10 Timeline 2 Medical Information and Emergency Contacts 10 Communication 2 Animal Hazards 10 PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE Skills 3 COMPLETING THE ROUTE SHEET How to complete the route sheet 11 Equipment 3 Sample days 13 Boundaries 4 Checklist 16 Start points 4 Maps 5 VETTING PROCESS Type of route 5 Vetters’ Role 16 Finish Points and Celebration dinners 5 Vetters’ Comments 17 Ferries 6 Revisions 17 Foul Weather Alternatives 6 KEEPING IN TOUCH Resources – books, blogs, websites 7 Websites, message board and social media 17 Access 8 Reunions 17 AN OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE The Great Outdoors Challenge is a demanding, self-supported walk across Scotland. It is not a competition or a race nor is it a running event. It aims to encourage fellowship amongst walkers fostering a relaxed atmosphere in which participants can enjoy Scotland’s wild and remote places as well as the company of other Challengers. We ask everyone, however hard they drive themselves, to respect the non–competitive principle. There are no pre–set or advised trails – planning WHAT TO EXPECT your own route is what makes the Challenge Any multi–day Scottish backpacking trip is a unique. Some devise routes which include serious undertaking, and the Challenge should summits and ridges whilst others walk mainly be approached as such. through the glens (valleys). No special merit is RRTerrain – If your main experience of attached to a higher-level crossing – all successful mountainous areas is in England, Wales or Challengers receive the same certificate. overseas, you may find the terrain much There are few rules. The most important is that tougher than you expect. every step is walked, with the exception of some Be prepared for rough, often wet, pathless ferry crossings, from west to east coast within the ground. In many areas travelling at 2-3km an Challenge boundaries between the start and finish hour is good going with a full pack. See vetter, dates. This means if you have to take transport at Colin Crawford’s, Guide to Scottish Terrain. any point you need to return to the same point for RRNavigation – You will need to be capable your crossing to be valid. We ask that the Access of navigating by map and compass. Unlike and Bothy codes are followed and that due respect Continental Europe or North America you is given to the landscape as well as those who will find few paths waymarked and some live and work there. If you have not already read marked on the map are not evident on the the Entry Notes please do so. A few more Dos and ground. Conversely there are also paths and Don’ts to help you gauge the spirit of the Event estate tracks that aren’t on the map . . . can be found on the website.

1 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk AN OUTLINE OF THE CHALLENGE

RRClimate – Scotland’s climate is notoriously unpredictable. High winds and heavy rain TIMELINE are common. You are likely to face unbridged The Challenge will start at 9am on Friday 8th burns (streams) which can be difficult or May and finish at 5pm on Friday 22th May impossible to cross in spate (high water) 2020. Below you will find a list of important necessitating diversions. There is often dates and deadlines: significant snow cover on the mountains in May and occasionally fresh falls at lower levels. If you plan a high route you may need winter RR1st November – routes can be submitted for equipment. vetting once the entry fee has been paid. RRShelter – The Challenge is designed to be a Please don’t send them before! backpacking event so you should carry a tent or RR14th November – payment deadline. Any other suitable shelter. Whilst you might visit a places not paid for will be given to those town or village every few days where you can unlucky in the draw. find accommodation, you should expect to be RR13th January – route submission deadline wild camping a majority of the time. for Challengers who have completed 5 or COMMUNICATION more Challenges (or groups containing such We will use the email address given on your a Challenger). entry form so please let us know if this changes RR17th February – Deadline for route and mark [email protected] as “safe submissions for all other participants. sender” on your spam filter to ensure you receive RR2nd March – deadline for route revisions everything. All emails are acknowledged, usually within 48hrs, RREarly April – Final Details and medical/ so if you haven’t had a response please contact us emergency contact forms circulated again. RR12th April – deadline for returning medical If you do not have an email address or are not form comfortable receiving information this way please RR8th May – TGOC20 starts at 9am ring us and we will arrange an alternative. RR20th May – informal celebration dinner at RRCoordinators – Sue & Ali are your contacts at the Park Hotel [email protected] or by phone on RR21st May – formal celebration dinner at the 01540 673360 or 01540 673583. Park Hotel including presentation of 10th RRVetters – Your vetter may give contact and 20th crossing plaques. details with their comments. Please copy RR22nd May – TGOC20 finishes promptly at the coordinators into any communications 5pm. Informal dinner at the Park Hotel - regarding your route. former Challengers welcome. RRTGO magazine – You can contact TGO editor, Carey Davies at [email protected] RROther Challengers – Contact details of other The deadlines will be strictly observed Challengers cannot be given out, but the and only extended in truly exceptional coordinators can pass on a message on your circumstances. behalf.

For those who are unfamiliar with Scotland here are a few Gaelic/Scots words that might be useful. abhainn = river dearg = red gleann = valley rath = hill-fort allt = stream doire = wood gorm = blue ruadh = russet baile = farm, township drochaid = bridge grianan = sunny place seanachas = legend baine = pale druim = ridge iolair = eagle sgor/sgurr = pointed peak beag = small dubh = dark/black lairig = pass slug = mire, morass beag-dhonas = imp or pixie eas = waterfall liath = grey socach = snout-shaped hill bealach = col eilean = island linne = pool spate = high fast water bearn = pass, gap faol = wolf lochan = small lake sron = shoulder beinn = hill/mountain fear/ban-sgrùdaidh = vetter meall = rounded hill stob = peak bhuidhe = yellow feith = stream mhor/mor = large strath = wide valley camus = beach, bay fiacail =toothed ridge moine = moss, bog stuc = conical hill clach = stone fraoch = heather monadh = upland moor uamh = cave cnoc = hillock gairm-chatha = challenge mór = big uaine = green coille = wood garbh = rough, stony odhar = dappled uisge = water creag = crag geal = white pait = hump, knoll uisge-beatha = whisky

2 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

Important Note for all Participants All those participating in The Great Outdoors Challenge do so at their own risk, in accordance with the spirit of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which states: “There is a longstanding legal principle called ‘volenti non fit injuria’which means that a person taking access will generally be held to have accepted any obvious risks which are inherent in the activities they are undertaking.” We might offer advice on routes, but ultimately participants must rely solely on their own skills and judgment. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit and have suitable skills and equipment for an arduous two week backpack. Any Challenger who has ongoing medical problems should obtain medical advice before taking part, ensuring the medical professional is aware of the nature of the Event. Participants are deemed to accept the inherent risk of mountain walking and agree to participate in The Great Outdoors Challenge at their own risk. Participants are strongly advised to consider personal accident insurance. By participating, Challengers agree to abide by the rules, conditions and spirit of the Challenge, as summarised here and in the Entry Notes. They must accept that the publisher of The Great Outdoors, its agents, personnel or associates, Event coordinators and vetters shall not be liable for any damage, loss, injury of death which may arise from participating in The Great Outdoors Challenge, other than that caused as a result of negligence.

PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE There is a lot of preparation needed for the Challenge, which can be a little daunting if this is your first crossing. In common with other events you need to prepare yourself and your equipment, but the unique aspect of the Challenge is designing your own bespoke route. This can be time consuming and at times frustrating but ultimately, when your route has been accepted, it is immensely satisfying. What else are wet winter evenings for?

SKILLS (and us) at this stage. We will do all we can to help You, and any teammates, should already have the you prepare a route that is within your capabilities following skills: but, if necessary, your entry can be deferred until RRAbility to navigate across pathless, rugged terrain 2021 to give you time to gain these essential skills. using map and compass (You must not be solely reliant on GPS). EQUIPMENT RRBe able to carry personal/camping equipment We assume that all applicants are experienced with a minimum of 3 days provisions. backpackers and do not need an equipment list. However, for your safety, the following items should RRPrevious experience of backpacking including be carried: ‘leave no trace’ wild camping in an environment RRTent or suitable shelter and sleeping bag with no facilities. RRCooking equipment RRCapacity to be self–sufficient, including first aid skills, in remote areas where help may not be RRWaterproof and windproof clothing easily accessible. RREmergency rations for at least one full day RRBe able to assess and deal with adverse weather RRMaps, compass and whistle for each member of (wind, rain and occasionally snow and sun!) the team including unbridged rivers/burns in spate. RRIf snow conditions prevail, an ice axe (and the If you lack any of these please speak to the skills and experience to use it) is essential for coordinators. It is best to be honest with yourself higher-level routes.

3 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk THE GREAT OUTDOORS CHALLENGE PERIMETERS RR West – The western seaboard of mainland Scotland from Torridon south to Kilchoan on the Sound of Mull, across the water to Tobermory, eastern Mull, then by Oban (including Kerrera and Lismore), down the coast to Crinan, the Crinan Canal to Ardrishaig – across Loch Fyne to Otter Ferry, south to Portavadie. RR South – Follow mainland coast around Kyles of Bute, Firth of Clyde and Loch Long to Arrochar, Tarbert, Inversnaid, south to Rowardennan to include Ben Lomond, east following Duchray Water, south shore of Loch Ard to meet Rob Roy Way to Callander, Comrie, Crieff, Perth, Tay Estuary to Arbroath. RR East – The eastern seaboard from Arbroath to Fraserburgh. RR North – North coast from Fraserburgh to Inverness, north shore of the Beauly Firth (but not Moray Firth) to Achnasheen, A832/A896 to Kinlochewe and Torridon.

Inverness Peterhead START POINTS Torridon 1 1 Torridon Youth Hostel – 01445 791 284  2 Strathcarron Hotel – 01520 722 227 Strathcarron 2 Plockton 3 3 Plockton Hotel – 01599 544 274 Dornie 4 5 Shiel Bridge Aviemore 4 Dornie Hotel – 01599 555 205 Glenelg 6 5 Kintail Lodge Hotel, Shiel Bridge – 01599 511 275  Aberdeen

6 Mrs Davidson, Taobh na Mara, Glenelg – 01599 522 310 Mallaig 7 7 West Highland Hotel, Mallaig – 01687 462 210 Morar 8 Lochailort 9 8 Morar Hotel – 01687 462 346 Archaracle 10 Fort William 9 Lochailort Inn – 01687 470 208 Kilchoan 11 Montrose 10 Loch Shiel Hotel, Acharacle – 01967 431 224 11 Kilchoan Hotel – 01972 510 200 Arbroath Oban 12 12 Oban Youth Hostel – 01631 562 025 Perth Dundee 13 The Grey Gull Inn, Ardrishaig – 01546 606 017 Rail 14 Portavadie Marina – 01700 811075 Stirling Bus Click here for further information about rail, bus and air links. 30km Glasgow 20mi Ardrishaig 13 4 [email protected]   01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 Portavadie 14 Edinburgh www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

MAPS WHAT TYPE OF ROUTE? Whether you use physical or digital maps you RRHigher or lower level? On your first crossing, should use the most up–to–date editions. You unless you have significant backpacking need to carry paper maps on the Event along with experience in Scotland’s hills, we any digital devices you plan to use as these can recommend a lower level route. If you have fail or run out of power. Sheet maps or printouts suitable experience and want to put in should cover sufficient territory either side of some hills you will be asked to provide a your route to allow for diversions necessitated by Foul Weather Alternative for each high day extreme weather or injury. – which also give you an alternative lower- RROS 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey Landranger maps level route should you prefer it on the day. are recommended to both plan and walk your RRSolitary or sociable? You can plan a route so route. Your vetter will use these maps. you hardly meet a soul or a more sociable RRHarveys 1:40,000 are excellent maps designed one visiting some of the towns and villages specifically for walkers but do not currently which have taken the Challenge to their cover the entire Challenge area heart. Many people mix and match periods of RROS 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey Explorer can be solitude with a taste of the famous Challenge useful for planning as they give more detail (eg camaraderie. field boundaries) but are too bulky to carry on RRThemes and highlights. It is worth looking for the Event itself. Please note only names used on places you might want to visit before you 1:50,000 maps can be used on your route sheet. start detailed planning, marking them on RRLarge scale maps such as road maps and Google a large-scale map to see which are feasible Earth can be used when planning to get an to connect. Some Challengers have picked overview but should not be relied upon during themes in the past eg linking drove roads, the Challenge. castles or even searching out tea rooms! RRDuration of crossing. Remember it is not a WHERE TO START? race! Unless you are constrained by work or Picking your start is as good a place as any to family commitments, why hurry? Make the begin. Each start point gives a very different most of Scotland’s magnificent wild places experience and more detailed information on and savour it rather than rushing through. each can be found here. Most people finish on the final Wednesday The new start point at Portavadie, giving access to Thursday or Friday so if you hurry across the Cowal Peninsula, proved to be popular in 2019 you are also less likely to experience the and has therefore been retained. The area south of Event’s camaraderie. Ardrishaig on the Mull of Kintyre peninsula will RRDistance and Ascent. From our experience remain out of bounds. The southern boundary of the 18–25km (12–15 miles) per day is enough Challenge area has been adjusted to increase the for most people. You need to allow for the options beyond Loch Lomond. nature of the ground as well as the ascent The registers are mostly held by small family- for each day – some 15 km days can be run hotels or SYHA hostels. All have been very extremely arduous. See Colin Crawford’s supportive of the Event over the years so, whilst Guide to Scottish Terrain. there is no compulsion to do so, please consider them when planning food or accommodation. WHERE TO FINISH? Contact details for the start points can be found You can finish anywhere on the East Coast on page 4. between Fraserburgh and Arbroath. You will Regular Challengers are encouraged to use then need to make your way to Challenge different start points on each crossing and to Control at the Park Hotel in Montrose to sign explore the lesser used starts such as Acharacle, out. There are a whole host of possible places Ardrishaig, Glenelg, Morar, Portavadie and to finish your crossing. If you need some ideas Plockton. see Roger Smith’s Guide to Finish Points.

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FERRY CROSSINGS You may make an initial boat journey to reach another point on the coast, or cross, but not travel along, large bodies of water such as Loch Ness and Loch Linnhe. Possible crossings are:

1 Mallaig to Inverie Western Isle Cruises (01687 462 233) offer regular sailings. Please note the earliest crossing you can use on Friday 8th May is 10:15 am. To receive a discount quote TGOC2020 when you book.

2 Dalelia to Polloch Crossings of Loch Shiel can be arranged with Izzy Buchan and John Macaulay email [email protected] or 01967 431 253.

3 Camasnagaul to Fort William Lochaber Transport (07826695160) This ferry does not run on Sundays.

4 Corran Ferry Sailings every 20-30 mins across Loch Linnhe from 6:30 am (8:30 Sun) to 9:20pm – no need to book.

5 Oban to Lismore Calmac (0800 066 5000). Challengers using this route are given dispensation to sign out early on Friday 8th May in order to catch the 9am ferry. You will also need the Argyll and Bute Council (01546 605 522) service from the north end of Lismore to Appin.

6 Tarbert to Portavadie Calmac (0800 066 5000). Runs hourly from 8am to 6pm. This can be used 8 to access Portavadie prior to the Challenge.

7 Tarbet and Inveruglas to Inversnaid and Rowardenan 1 Cruise Loch Lomond (01301 702356) offer waterbus services across Loch Lomond. 3 8 Drumnadrochit to Inverfarigaig 2 Gordon Menzies offers a service 4 for Challengers across Loch Ness from Temple Pier (NH 528 300) on the north side of Urquhart Bay to Inverfarigaig, usually at 8am and 5pm. This must be pre–booked 5 by emailing gordon.menziesm@ btopenworld.com after 1st March 2020. Please do not try and contact Gordon any earlier. As usual he will ensure all Challengers get across 7 the loch even if this requires several trips. Once the Challenge is underway you need to text (don’t phone) 07831 434 691 one or two days before your 6 sailing to confirm your booking.

Other crossings (commercial ferries or private hire) are possible but please check the route is acceptable with the coordinators before making firm bookings.

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CELEBRATING YOUR CROSSING While slightly lower routes, such as the No doubt the odd celebratory drink will be Corrieyairack Pass, are acceptable, extreme taken in many an east coast hostelry, but we weather can render them impassable. Common also hold celebratory dinners at the Park Hotel. sense has to be applied during the Event and on This usually costs £20-£25. occasions you may have to wait for weather or RRWednesday 20th May – there will be an water levels to subside. informal gathering and meal. The weather doesn’t have to be bad to use your FWA – it can also be a Feeling Weary Alternative! R RThursday 21st May – we will toast everyone’s You may have to use it in good conditions if there achievements at a set meal (with vegetarian is snow and ice on the tops and you do not have option) and present plaques to those winter equipment. If you deviate significantly completing their 10th and 20th crossings. from your main route or FWA you should let RRFriday 22nd May – a three course meal for Challenge Control know your new plans as soon an increasingly popular final night of the as you have a phone signal. Challenge. Former Challengers and visitors welcome. RESOURCES You can get inspiration from lots of sources but Places are limited to 180 on each evening. To here are a few suggestions. There are more in the reserve a place fill in the dinner box when you resources section of the website. complete your route sheet. You cannot reserve a place until you submit your route so don’t BOOKS leave it until the last minute if you want to RRScottish Hill Tracks (Scotways) describes come along! If a dinner is over subscribed those Scotland’s rights of way and is a good place to who submitted their routes closest to their start when planning you route. deadline will miss out. RRScotland by Chris Townsend (Cicerone) gives Those on their 10th or 20th crossings (along a comprehensive guide to all the mountain with their walking partners and one other ranges in the Challenge area. Chris is the guest), volunteer helpers, representatives of gear editor for TGO and a regular Challenger TGO magazine and the Event’s sponsors are himself. guaranteed places at the Thursday meal should they want them. RRHostile Habitats – Scotland’s Mountain Environments by Mark Wrightham and Nick FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVE (FWA) Kempe (SMC) is a guide for walkers to You must provide a foul weather alternative when Scotland’s wildlife and landscapes. your route crosses high ground that is pathless or exposed. FWAs need serious thought and often CHALLENGERS’ BLOGS prove to be the hardest aspect of route planning. You can find accounts of recent crossings here There is no defined altitude at which a FWA is and some older accounts at Doodlecat. By all required as the nature of the terrain, duration of means visit some places you have read about walking at an exposed height and whether a clear but please don’t copy a route in its entirety. path is evident, all have a bearing, as does the The Challenge is all about producing your own experience of the Challenger(s). However routes personal bespoke route. over 900m always need one whilst routes under 500m do not usually need a FWA unless there WEBSITES are un–bridged burns and rivers that may be RRWhere’s the path – OS maps and aerial impossible to cross safely in spate. A FWA may photography side by side – a very useful need to be more than one day long. planning tool. The site is under threat of closure but remains open at the time of writing. FWA’s are always required for the following RRGeograph – access to photos for individual routes: grid squares – a good way to get an idea of the RRLairig Ghru terrain and scenery you may encounter. R RSummit of Mount Keen (bypass path RRWalk Highlands – mainly day routes but useful acceptable) if you are incorporating some hills. R RJock’s Road RRCore paths – particularly useful when trying RRFords of Avon to avoid stretches of road walking in lowland RRKilbo path areas as it shows many newly adopted paths which may not yet appear on OS maps. RRCairn an t’Saigairt Mor path/Dubh Loch route

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If you are still struggling for ideas or how to be indistinct or even absent on the ground. Most connect places talk to the coordinators who are not maintained and may be rough and wet. can give you some suggestions. The fine detail, Tracks are marked with double dashes (===) though, will still be up to you. and usually suitable for all-terrain vehicles. They are generally evident on the ground and vary from ACCESS well-constructed dirt roads to rough cart tracks. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act gives a general Bridges may be lost in winter storms and we may right of responsible access to open countryside not be aware of damage, particularly in remote in Scotland. There are exceptions; the vicinity of areas, before the Event. If a bridge is absent or buildings, industrial sites, airports, railway lines unsafe you must be prepared to use your initiative and military areas. The Act includes a right to to find a safe crossing point or divert your route. wild camp responsibly, away from buildings, for Information regarding damaged bridges on one or two nights. The rights and responsibilities popular routes will be posted here. are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Fences can be unexpected obstacles. Deer fences Access may be temporarily restricted for reasons are commonly over 2m high and may require a including forestry operations and the construction diversion if you can’t find a gate or climb over. of hydroelectric schemes or windfarms and any Electric fences have appeared in the eastern reasonable notices should be followed for your highlands over the last few years. There are own safety. The coordinators will liaise with supposed to be regular crossing points but these any known projects on popular routes and post may take some time to locate. information on the Access News page on the website. TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION There is a longstanding, generally good, Please note there will be a bank holiday across the relationship between landowners and hillgoers UK on Friday 8th May 2020 to celebrate the 75th in Scotland. We ask you to help us preserve and anniversary of VE day. There may be additional foster this by showing due consideration to the pressures on travel tickets and accomodation land and its people. Those who live and work on from Thursday 7th May so we advise you to the land should be treated with respect regardless book early. As usual there will also be a bank of your views about the job they may do. holiday weekend immediately after the Challenge Please be scrupulous about disposing of litter finishes. and human waste properly, leaving ‘no trace’ at wild campsites and keeping bothies clean and Travel. Traveline Scotland is a good place to planning tidy. In general, if camping on farmland or near your journey but you can find lots of useful houses, please ask permission. It is a courtesy and information about getting to your start point on the you will rarely be refused. travel and start point pages of the website. Within the context of ‘freedom to roam’ there are a number of places where we would ask you Wild camping. This is what the Challenge is to observe local requests: about! We strongly advise that you carry a tent RRGlen Feshie. The estate requests camping be or other suitable shelter. When you choose your confined to the area around Ruigh–aiteachain equipment bear in mind sub–zero temperatures Bothy (NN 847928), or further up the glen. are common in May. Your shelter needs to be RRGlen Muick/Loch Muick. Balmoral Estate capable of withstanding gale force winds and request no camping because of the specific heavy rain. characteristics and sensitivities of this area. The nearest bothies are at Glas-Allt Shiel (north Bothies are basic shelters open to all. They are side of Loch Muick) and Shielin of Mark. a valuable resource offering welcome refuge in adverse weather. Many are maintained by the RRGlen Lee. Dalhousie Estates request there should Mountain Bothies Association. Please follow the be no camping on or near the shores of Loch bothy code and consider supporting the MBA and Lee, which is often used for night fishing. their volunteers. There are also many non-MBA RRGlen Mazeran. The estate requests Challengers estate bothies which are open to walkers. do not walk past Glenmazeran Lodge. Please take the right fork at NH 744 227, cross the Campsites. Many shown on OS maps have limited river and drop to the minor road at NH 748 224. capacity for tents or no longer take tents at all. We suggest you check prior to the Challenge PATHS, TRACKS, BRIDGES AND FENCES noting that some may not open until Spring for Paths are marked on the map with single dashes enquiries. There is usually high demand for (- - - - ). Unlike continental or North American pitches at Braemar, Ballater and Montrose where trails they are not normally waymarked and may we advise you to book in advance. Montrose

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South Links Caravan Site is run by Angus Council. RRCougie Lodge, NH 242 212 – Melanie Book by phoning the Council’s ACCESS line on ([email protected] or 07773 491 03452 777 778. 262) will once again open especially for challengers offering a very warm welcome along with food, accommodation and Braemar and Ballater campsites will once again be camping. offering discounts. You cannot access either offer RRLaggan –Laggan Stores and Coffee Bothy online. When booking state you are a participant in reopened just before TGOC18 and provided a the TGO Challenge. wonderful service to Challengers ever since. Braemar Caravan Park Camping pitches can only They are usually closed on Wednesdays but be booked by phone (01339 741 373). The site is will remain open especially for Challengers under new management for 2020 but Mike and on Wednesday 13th. Accommodation can Peter are happy to welcome Challengers. Details of be difficult to find in the vicinity butLaggan any discount will be circulated when available. Village Hall is now available (01528 544309 or [email protected]) Ballater Caravan Park (01339 755 727) after RRDalwhinnie – Accommodation is limited in 31st March 2020, ask for Susan – the price is Dalwhinnie but the Loch Ericht Hotel and Snack likely to be similar to 2019 – £10 for a solo tent, Shack (01528 522331) will once again allow £13 for a two person tent. camping in their grounds as well as providing meals and rooms. There are plans for a new hostel in the Old School House which should B&Bs and hotels. Most villages and towns offer a be available by May. choice of accommodation. Details of many can be found at www.visitscotland.com (01387 245 550) RRMar Lodge – They will once again be and on websites and apps such as Trip Advisor, providing hot drinks for Challengers and Booking.com etc. Please note remote buildings will also hold parcels. clearly marked ‘TGOC named on the map as ‘Lodge’ do not usually for Collection’ and posted to yourself c/o provide accommodation. Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YJ. The Head Ranger stresses that Mar Lodge cannot accept responsibility for Hostels them. Please note that no accommodation or Hostelling Scotland – formerly SYHA (0345 camping is available. 293 7373) offers Challengers a 12% discount RRNewtonmore Hostel (01540 673 360) – While on bookings throughout May at hostels in Sue wanders across Scotland, Neil, Ali, the Challenge area. This does not include the Ann & Alvar Thorn and Pauline Marshall affiliated hostels on their website. Quote code will once again provide hot drinks and TGO when booking. Temporary membership homemade cakes to those staying or passing cards are no longer needed. through with donations to Cairngorm Mountain Rescue. We will also hold parcels. Scottish Independent Hostels is a network of independent hostels many of which are RRTarfside – St Drostan’s Hostel, will once regularly used by Challengers. again be run by Challenge volunteers from Saturday afternoon 16th May to Thursday Most accommodation providers give a warm morning 21st May offering snacks, evening welcome to Challengers but there are a few meals and refreshments and a small number which go an extra mile to help us, some of beds. Please note the beds cannot be pre- opening their doors especially for the Event. booked and neither can you send resupply RRAult na Goire, Errogie, NH 544 229 – the parcels. Free camping is available on the Sutherlands ([email protected] or village green. 01456 486 711) offer a great welcome along with camping. Please contact after the New CHALLENGE COMPANIONS Year to check whether they will be able to Friends and family may join you for a few days offer meals for 2020. They are happy to hold or visit you at planned stops, but they must not resupply parcels. Please contact them if you act as back–up crew. Unofficial full crossings intend to stay. are not permitted. Unfortunately, to maintain RRCallater Lodge, NO 178 844 – Bill Duncan and good relationships with those working on the Mike Glass will once again open Callater Lodge land, dogs are not allowed on the Challenge. providing food, drink and a few songs along the way. There is ample space to camp outside.

9 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk PLANNING FOR THE CHALLENGE

RESUPPLIES & TRAIL FOOD A Brief History of the Challenge The Challenge is a self–supported expedition so support or back–up crews very much The idea came from writer and mountaineer contravene its spirit. However, you do not Hamish Brown. He had crossed Scotland on need to carry all you need for two weeks. Most foot himself and felt that similar crossings Challengers resupply every 3–4 days. Supplies could be accomplished and enjoyed by can be bought along the way or posted, with the others within the framework of an organised owner’s permission, to booked accommodation. non–competitive event. Please note some items such as gas canisters In autumn 1979 Hamish presented the cannot be sent in the post or by courier.

idea to Roger Smith, then editor of The Great Outdoors magazine, and the first Base Camp Foods (07891 731 886) are event was held the following Spring. again offering a 15% discount. Enter code Since then it has become a hillwalking TGOC202015. institution. That the Challenge has been held every May since 1980, format TentMeals (07723 916 817) are offering unchanged, is a tribute to Hamish’s vegan meals at a 20% discount for original concept. It has been sponsored by Challengers. Use code TentMealsTGO20. TGO magazine since the outset but was originally known as The Ultimate Challenge Mountain Trails – Food on the Move (01995 after the first co–sponsors, Ultimate 672 879) will be offering a 20% discount to Equipment Ltd. The only year in which Challengers. Use code TGOC20 well as other a full Challenge was not held was 2001, regular offers on a dedicated TGO webpage. when an outbreak of foot–and–mouth disease led to severe access restrictions. MEDICAL INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS Instead, a partial crossing from Strathspey In March/April each participant will be asked to to the east coast was arranged. provide a medical declaration including details of Hamish was one of five people who any long-term injuries and conditions. It remains completed all of the first 10 Challenges, your responsibility to ensure you are fit enough to the others being Bill Robertson, Bob Dawes, participate. This information will only be passed on to the appropriate services in the event of an Ron Reynolds and Dave MacArthur. Bill emergency. completed his 33rd crossing in 2016. The You will also be asked to nominate an oldest participant so far was Jim Taylor who emergency contact who will be Challenge completed his 20th crossing in 2014 at the Control’s first port of call if they are significantly age of 91, surpassing the record of fellow worried about your welfare eg a missed phone- nonagenarian Jack Griffiths. in or known injury. They do not need to be your To date, 3,534 people have participated next of kin but it is important this person: in the Event. A total of 10,013 crossings RRconsents to be your emergency contact have been attempted and 8,851 have been completed which is a success rate of 88%. RRknows that you are participating in the TGO A remarkable achievement for a remarkable Challenge event. RRis available by telephone during the event and is comfortable conversing in English Roger Smith acted as coordinator for two decades, steering it from strength to RRhas details of your outer clothing colour, tent strength. He retired in 2011 but maintains a make/colour etc close association, acting as consultant and RRideally has a photo of you that can be passed to as a member of the valued team of vetters. the emergency services He was succeeded by former TGO deputy RRholds contact details for anyone else who editor John Manning, who has ten crossings should know if there are concerns about you to his name. After three years John handed the reins to Sue Oxley and Ali Ogden who first met on the Challenge in 2004 and have both completed multiple crossings.

10 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET

ANIMAL HAZARDS RRCattle may be encountered, mainly in lowland Scotland doesn’t have much wildlife that can areas. Use an alternative route if one is harm you. available. If not, proceed slowly and quietly RRAdders are our only venomous snake but giving them as wide a berth as possible. Be are relatively shy. Bites are uncommon and particularly cautious of cows with calves and, rarely cause long term problems. of course, bulls. RRTicks are small blood sucking arachnids RRMidges are rarely a problem in May. If we have common in the Highlands, particularly in a warm spring you may encounter some in long grass or heather. They tend to seek out sheltered spots especially near water. dark moist areas of skin. Tick removers are an essential part of a Challenger’s first aid WITHDRAWALS kit. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease which, If you have to withdraw from the Challenge for although easily treated in the early stages, any reason please let us know as soon as possible. can cause longstanding problems if left Unfortunately, the entry fee is not refundable and untreated. cannot be deferred to another year.

If you develop a rash or fever in the days or MERCHANDISE weeks after the Challenge you should consult a We will once again be providing good quality pin doctor as soon as possible. badges at an additional charge and also hope to offer other merchandise at Challenge Control.

COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET Once your route has been planned you need to submit it to us on a Challenge Route Sheet. This is central to how the Challenge is organised. It makes the jobs of the vetters and those on Challenge Control so much easier when it is clear and accurate. Please note we cannot accept routes presented in any other form. It is much easier for us to work with typed It is worth bearing in mind who uses the route documents that can be edited so, if possible, please sheet when completing it: complete your route sheet as a Word document and RRYou and your group as an aide memoire email it to us. If you cannot work with Word, PDF summarising each day’s route and when you are versions are also available. due to phone Challenge Control. Please do not delete any of the boxes or change RRVetters use it to trace your route when they the format of the form and try to ensure it remains assess it. on two pages. RRChallenge Control – if worried about you it is their Apple Mac users – the conversion to “Pages” often first port of call. upsets the formatting causing it to roll over onto RREmergency Services if a search is initiated. additional pages and you will not be able to rectify it. Please note we cannot open “Pages” files. The sheet therefore needs to be clear, concise and Please save your route sheet as a “Word” or .rtf accurate so your route can be quickly gauged. No document which we can edit and we’ll adjust it at jokes please – they might amuse us or your vetter our end. If this is not possible please send us a PDF but may not seem so funny if the sheet is being version. looked at by the emergency services . . .

For those who do not have access to a computer or The following pages explain what is needed in find the route sheet difficult to complete digitally each section and why, and also give examples of we will of course accept handwritten route sheets how to present each day. which can be posted or scanned and emailed.

11 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk 2020 ROUTE SHEET page 2 All participants will be asked to provide an emergency contact and complete a medical PLANNING METHOD: Please state if manual (eg OS map declaration in March/April 2020 and contour counting) or digital (eg MemoryMap, Anquet)

Please use the checklist before submitting your route.

Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT TGO CHALLENGE 2020: COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET TGO CHALLENGE 2020:MAY COMPLETINGSee planning notes: routes YOUR lacking ROUTE sufficient detailSHEET will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) SAT 18th Start/finish points Dinner requests FWA: Emergency contacts Planning method Date you plan to sign out. Complete as Wed, Thu and/or Fri or none for each person. Give first and surnames and State whether manual (eg map and SUN relationship to you. string/wheel) or digital (ViewRanger, Date you plan to reach the coast – Bookings are provisional as we know plans change. 19th Anquet, MemoryMap etc). not date you will report to Challenge FWA: Must not be someone participating in Control (if different). Places will be confirmed on your 2nd or 3rd phone–in. 2020 TGO Challenge. Digital methods usually give higher ascent figures so your vetter needs to know when Information used when preparing Useful to us as a rough guesstimate of dinner numbers. We will try, Only used in an emergency situation but cannot guarantee, a place for the dinner you have requested. MON assessing your figures. start and finish lists. 20th so helpful for Control personnel to FWA: know who they are contacting by name.

TUES st TGO CHALLENGE 2020 ROUTE SHEET page 1 21 FWA: Number for mobile phone carried START POINT: FINISH POINT: Name(s) – group leader first Dinner requests- 2020 ROUTE SHEET page 2 during the event Wed /Thu/ Fri/ none All participants will be asked to provide an emergency contact and complete a medical 1. PLANNING METHOD: Please state if manual (eg OS map WED declaration in March/April 2020 and contour counting) or digital (eg MemoryMap, Anquet) 2. 22nd 3. DATE: DATE: 4. FWA: Please use the checklist before submitting your route. Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT MAY See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT Overnight halt point MAYTHUR See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) rd FRI 23 10th Wild camps/ bothies SAT FWA: 18th FWA: Place name (eg Glen Loyne) and FWA: six figure grid reference. FRI nd SAT 22 11th No need to state “wild camp”– it’s SUN FWA: usually pretty obvious! th FWA: PHONE19 -IN POINTS: minimum of FOUR, need to be reliable (ie landline available or place with known mobile reception) Any questions? Main route FWA Map sheet Ascents and FWA: Villages/towns. DATE LOCATION DATE LOCATION numbers distances 1. 4. SUNConcise and clear – not an essay! Should link to and from 2. 5. th Name of town/village – no grid reference 12 main route. State OS Metric figures only. 3MON. 6. needed. th One routeFWA only: – no multiple variations (exception is 1:50,000 20 escape routes from ridges or summits to FWA). For multiday must Distance to nearest : map sheet. Type of accommodation (hotel/hostel/ FWA be contiguous with whole kilometre. B&B/campsite) if known. MONHighlight any significant summits over 600m previous days FWA and If using 13(egth Munros, Corbetts, Grahams) in bold. Ascent to nearest TUES may need a second digital Name and phone number of any 21st FWA: FWA if main route mapping ten metres. Place names (only those named on OS 1:50,000 establishment already booked. FWA: maps) with a small amount of description – see covers high/exposed numbers can Ascent is total of all Phone–in points If bookings are made after submitting TUESexamples. ground on second day. be worked climbs during the Minimum of 4, maximum of 6. th your route please let us know details. 14 out here. day and is never 0! WED Needs to be easy for your vetters and Challenge Need to have a FWA 22nd No more than 4 days apart. FWA: Place names rather than just grid Control to follow. for any time you might Challenge Accurate figures FWA: Solo walkers/ high level routes encouraged to phone informally between official phone–ins. be on high/exposed Control and references give Control a quick overview show you have Should be where mobile signal likely or landline available. WEDAlternative routes cause confusion and take more of ground (see planning some vetters of your route. We realise you may stop th planned carefully 15the vetters’ valuable time. guide) use paper, short or continue further along the THUR and taken in to 23rd FWA: rather than following day’s route. This is our primary safety system. Place names are quicker to locate than grid account the effect FWA: Can get complicated! digital, maps. references. Talk to coordinators if of distance and Accommodation details are useful Control will have sleepless nights if you can’t phone or forget! THUR ascent on the if Control need to trace you. We will th stuck. 16Vetters and Control use 1:50,000 maps. length of your day. check with them before worrying your FRI 22nd Sometimes difficult to identify 4 days on high routes – discuss with coordinators if problems. FWA: emergency contact. Grid references only when no named feature available FWA: – 6 figures and 2 letter prefix eg NN 185 462. PHONE-IN POINTS: minimum of FOUR, need to be reliable (ie landline available or place with known mobile reception) Any questions? FRI DATE LOCATION DATE LOCATION 17th 1. 4. FWA: 2. 5. 3. 6. 12 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk 13 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk 2020 ROUTE SHEET page 2 All participants will be asked to provide an emergency contact and complete a medical PLANNING METHOD: Please state if manual (eg OS map declaration in March/April 2020 and contour counting) or digital (eg MemoryMap, Anquet)

Please use the checklist before submitting your route.

TUES st TGO CHALLENGE 2020 ROUTE SHEET page 1 21 FWA: Number for mobile phone carried START POINT: FINISH POINT: Name(s) – group leader first Dinner requests- 2020 ROUTE SHEET page 2 during the event Wed /Thu/ Fri/ none All participants will be asked to provide an emergency contact and complete a medical 1. PLANNING METHOD: Please state if manual (eg OS map WED declaration in March/April 2020 and contour counting) or digital (eg MemoryMap, Anquet) 2. 22nd 3. DATE: DATE: 4. FWA: Please use the checklist before submitting your route. Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT MAY See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) Date DAILY ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed) OS (1:50k) DISTANCE (km) OVERNIGHT HALT Overnight halt point MAYTHUR See planning notes: routes lacking sufficient detail will be rejected MAPS & ASCENT (m) (name & grid ref.) rd FRI 23 10th Wild camps/ bothies SAT FWA: 18th FWA: Place name (eg Glen Loyne) and FWA: six figure grid reference. FRI nd SAT 22 11th No need to state “wild camp”– it’s SUN FWA: usually pretty obvious! th FWA: PHONE19 -IN POINTS: minimum of FOUR, need to be reliable (ie landline available or place with known mobile reception) Any questions? Main route FWA Map sheet Ascents and FWA: Villages/towns. DATE LOCATION DATE LOCATION numbers distances 1. 4. SUNConcise and clear – not an essay! Should link to and from 2. 5. th Name of town/village – no grid reference 12 main route. State OS Metric figures only. 3MON. 6. needed. th One routeFWA only: – no multiple variations (exception is 1:50,000 20 escape routes from ridges or summits to FWA). For multiday must Distance to nearest : map sheet. Type of accommodation (hotel/hostel/ FWA be contiguous with whole kilometre. B&B/campsite) if known. MONHighlight any significant summits over 600m previous days FWA and If using 13(egth Munros, Corbetts, Grahams) in bold. Ascent to nearest TUES may need a second digital Name and phone number of any 21st FWA: FWA if main route mapping ten metres. Place names (only those named on OS 1:50,000 establishment already booked. FWA: maps) with a small amount of description – see covers high/exposed numbers can Ascent is total of all Phone–in points If bookings are made after submitting TUESexamples. ground on second day. be worked climbs during the Minimum of 4, maximum of 6. th your route please let us know details. 14 out day and is never 0! WED Needs to be easy for your vetters and Challenge Need to have a FWA 22nd No more than 4 days apart. FWA: Place names rather than just grid Control to follow. for any time you might Challenge Accurate figures FWA: Solo walkers/ high level routes encouraged to phone informally between official phone–ins. be on high/exposed Control and references give Control a quick overview show you have Should be where mobile signal likely or landline available. WEDAlternative routes cause confusion and take more of ground (see planning some vetters of your route. We realise you may stop th planned carefully 15the vetters’ valuable time. guide) use paper, short or continue further along the THUR and taken in to 23rd FWA: rather than following day’s route. This is our primary safety system. Place names are quicker to locate than grid account the effect FWA: Can get complicated! digital, maps. references. Talk to coordinators if of distance and Accommodation details are useful Control will have sleepless nights if you can’t phone or forget! THUR ascent on the if Control need to trace you. We will th stuck. 16Vetters and Control use 1:50,000 maps. length of your day. check with them before worrying your FRI 22nd Sometimes difficult to identify 4 days on high routes – discuss with coordinators if problems. FWA: emergency contact. Grid references only when no named feature available FWA: – 6 figures and 2 letter prefix eg NN 185 462. PHONE-IN POINTS: minimum of FOUR, need to be reliable (ie landline available or place with known mobile reception) Any questions? FRI DATE LOCATION DATE LOCATION 17th 1. 4. FWA: 2. 5. 3. 6. 12 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk 13 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk SPECIMEN ROUTE SHEETS COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET – SAMPLE DAYS Sample days

Firstly a relatively simple day from Dornie:

Route end >

< Route start

Sample days

Firstly a relatively simple and first day from Dornie:

Dornie – minor road Bundalloch – path E River Glennan to Camas-luinie and Glen Elchaig – bridge at NG 968 278 – FRI track E then NE to Iron Lodge – path NE to Loch Mhoicean 33/25 22 710 Loch 8th Mhoicean NN 068 313 FWA: not required

14 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending Scotland’s hills): Inveraray – road N - track E side Glen Shira then track ESE from NN 158 164 to ascend firebreak at NN 172 160 –Tom Allt nan SUN a’Phiobaire – ridge NE to Beinn Bhuidhe (M) - E to Glen Fyne then NE by Allt Chaluim – camp near track end Allt nan 56/50 26 1220 Caorainn 10th Caorainn NN 260 224 FWA: As above to Elrigbeag then track Glen Shira to dam – N shore Lochan Shira – N bank River Fyne then contour 350m to camp spot as above 56/50 28 490 as above

Route Sheet Check List

Please don’t submit your route until you are sure it is complete - we cannot accept drafts. The check list below should help to ensure the sheet is filled in correctly.

Sign out point Name - one of the 13 listed in the Event Details - first, surname and mobile phone number (if carried) of all - date group members (group leader first please) Finish point Dinner requests - between Fraserburgh and Arbroath and named on 1:50,000 - please state Wed/Thur/Fri/none for each person maps - you may attend more than one dinner if you wish - date - dinner reservation will be confirmed during your crossing SPECIMEN ROUTE SHEETS COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET – SAMPLE DAYS Sample days And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending Scotland’s hills):

Firstly a relatively simple day from Dornie: < Route end

Route end >

FWA start >

< Route start Sample days

Firstly a relatively simple and first day from Dornie:

Firstly a relatively simple and first day from Dornie: And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending < Route start Dornie – minor road Bundalloch – path E River Glennan to Camas-luinie and Glen Elchaig – bridge at NG 968 278 – Scotland’s hills): FRI track E then NE to Iron Lodge – path NE to Loch Mhoicean 33/25 22 710 Loch 8th Mhoicean Inveraray – road N - track E side Glen Shira then track ESE from NN 158 164 to ascend firebreak at NN 172 160 –Tom Allt nan SUN a’Phiobaire – ridge NE to Beinn Bhuidhe (M) - E to Glen Fyne then NE by Allt Chaluim – camp near track end Allt nan NN 068 313 56/50 26 1220 Caorainn 10th Caorainn NN 260 224 FWA: not required FWA: As above to Elrigbeag then track Glen Shira to dam – N shore Lochan Shira – N bank River Fyne then contour 350m to camp spot as above 56/50 28 490 as above

14 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk 15 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk And now a more ambitious day including a Munro (not recommended for first time Challengers without prior experience of ascending Scotland’s hills): Route Sheet Check List Inveraray – road N - track E side Glen Shira then track ESE from NN 158 164 to ascend firebreak at NN 172 160 –Tom Allt nan SUN a’Phiobaire – ridge NE to Beinn Bhuidhe (M) - E to Glen Fyne then NE by Allt Chaluim – camp near track end Allt nan 56/50 26 1220 Caorainn 10th Caorainn NN 260 224 Please don’t submit your route until you are sure it is complete - we cannot accept drafts. The check list below should help to ensure FWA: As above to Elrigbeag then track Glen Shira to dam – N shore Lochan Shira – N bank River Fyne then contour 350m to camp the sheet is filled in correctly. spot as above 56/50 28 490 as above

Sign out point Name - one of the 13 listed in the Event Details - first, surname and mobile phone number (if carried) of all Route Sheet Check List - date group members (group leader first please) Finish point Dinner requests Please don’t submit your route until you are sure it is complete - we cannot accept drafts. The check list below should help to ensure - between Fraserburgh and Arbroath and named on 1:50,000 - please state Wed/Thur/Fri/none for each person the sheet is filled in correctly. maps - you may attend more than one dinner if you wish - date - dinner reservation will be confirmed during your crossing Sign out point Name - one of the 13 listed in the Event Details - first, surname and mobile phone number (if carried) of all - date group members (group leader first please) Finish point Dinner requests - between Fraserburgh and Arbroath and named on 1:50,000 - please state Wed/Thur/Fri/none for each person maps - you may attend more than one dinner if you wish - date - dinner reservation will be confirmed during your crossing COMPLETING YOUR ROUTE SHEET

SUBMITTING YOUR ROUTE If the coordinators think there is any vital Once your route sheet is complete please use information missing you may be asked to adjust the checklist below before sending it to the your route before allocating it to a vetter. coordinators at [email protected] We try to allocate you a different vetter each or, if you do not have access to email, post it to year. The exception is those who previously TGOC Coordinators, Newtonmore Hostel, Main withdrew and are submitting a similar route. If Street, Newtonmore, PH20 1DA. this is the case let us know as it saves valuable We acknowledge all routes so if you have not vetting time if your previous vetter assesses any heard from us within 2 days (5 days if posted) changes. please contact us by phone on 01540 673 360 / 01540 673 583.

CHECKLIST Format • Use mainly place names and grid reference • Only 2 sides only where needed for clarity • No boxes removed – (size of empty boxes can FWAs be reduced if needed) • Suitable FWAs are provided making reference • Mac users – do not send as a “Pages” to the list and advice on page 7. document. Convert to Word or PDF format. • Each FWA (or section of multiday FWA) appears • Start/Finish Points under the relevant day and has distance and • Places and dates tally with the written text ascent figures. Names • Multiday FWAs give overnight halt and, if • Names of all group members appropriate, link to/from the main route • Numbers of any mobiles to be carried. If you Overnight halts are buying a UK SIM on arrival or your number • Town/villages – name of place and changes please inform the coordinators. establishment you intend to use (if known) Distance and ascent • Wild camping – description and 6 figure grid • Required for all days and FWAs reference with prefix letters (eg Loch Mhoicean • Distance to nearest 1 km NH 068 312) • Ascent to nearest 10m • No need to state “wild camp” – it’s usually • Metric measurements only obvious! • OS map numbers Phone in points • Give map number for OS 1:50,000 Landranger • Minimum 4, maximum 6 maps only • Maximum 4 days apart if possible Main route • Do not include your start and finish points • Only one please (escape routes from ridges or • Give place and date – use day of arrival not summits to FWAs are acceptable) following morning • Use only place names found on 1:50,000 maps • Only where mobile signal or access to landline • Clear concise description (see examples) Dinner requests • Highlight any summits over 600m (eg Munros, • Wed, Thurs, Fri or none for each person. Corbetts and Grahams) in bold type.

VETTING PROCESS However well you have researched your route there are always some nuggets of information that cannot be gleaned from a map or the internet. This is where the vetters come in. They are all experienced Challengers with a vast knowledge of Scotland’s hills and glens. Some have been professional guides or involved in mountain rescue in the past, others have explored the hills for their own pleasure. All will offer advice that is well worth considering. VETTERS ROLE Our vetters are volunteers who give their time for RRFeasibility – including the suitability of FWAs free. It takes a minimum of three hours to vet a and phone–in points. straightforward route but can take several days for RRSafety – taking into account your previous a complex one. experience. They aim to assess your route for:

16 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk KEEPING IN TOUCH

RRAccuracy – checking distances and ascents KEEPING IN TOUCH are accurate and reasonable and the route There are a variety of ways in which you can description can easily be followed by Challenge Control. keep in touch with other Challengers as well as Challenge news. RRAdvice – they may make suggestions to enhance your crossing. CHALLENGE WEBSITE Go to www.tgochallenge.co.uk where we will post RR – telling you if any revisions are Revisions updates on the Challenge blog, advised or required. Where possible they will comment on things that SOCIAL MEDIA may not be evident on the map such as bridges Follow @TGOChallenge or #TGOC20 on Twitter that may be missing or in a poor state, new estate and Facebook. You may also want to join our new tracks and bothies. However, your route is unique, TGOChallenge Facebook group. We also have a new so they can’t possibly have walked every step and Instagram account – tgochallenge20. Please note the things may have changed since their last visit. old account – tgochallenge – is no longer active. We try to keep up to date with information on popular routes but cannot guarantee the accuracy MESSAGE BOARD of information given. Getting across Scotland in Challengers can swop ideas and ask questions here. one piece is your responsibility, not your vetter’s. There is a wealth of experience in the Challenge You need to use your initiative along the way. If Community and someone is likely to have the you find things differ from the map or the advice answer to your question but please do not ask for a given, please let us know for future reference. complete route! We ask that you use your real name, not a pseudonym, and respect other users. VETTERS COMMENTS The vetter will return comments to the REUNIONS coordinators who, after reading them, will send A great way to catch up with Challenge friends and them to the group leader. Most vetters return a good introduction to the Challenge Community for comments in 1–2 weeks. first-timers. RRThe Spring Gathering, organised by Alan Hardy, Please acknowledge receipt of your comments. will be held 3-5th April in Hayfield, Derbyshire. On Saturday 4th April there will be a walk Every year a few go astray so if yours have not followed by a three course meal at the Sportsman arrived within 3 weeks of submission please Inn. Rooms have been reserved at the Sportsman contact the coordinators. Inn, Kinder Lodge and the George Hotel. For more details of how to book accomodation and the meal REVISIONS click here or contact Alan at If your vetter requires you to make changes [email protected] or you choose to change your route in light of RRThe Scottish Reunion is organized by Kirsten their advice your adjusted route sheet must be Paterson and will be held in October 2020 – resubmitted to the coordinators. It is helpful if details will be circulated when available. you can highlight (ideally in another colour) the changes you have made. RRHill and Mountain Walking Club, formed in 1989 by RRRequired revisions. Please resubmit your route Challengers, have regular meets throughout the UK within 4 weeks of receiving your vetter’s and abroad offering the chance to meet up with comments. Challenge friends as well as taking in a few hills. RRVoluntary revisions. If you choose to take some of your vetter’s suggestions or need to adjust your Once a Challenger: Always a Challenger route for any reason please send us a revised There are many past Challengers who can no route sheet. longer participate but who would like to be RRAccommodation details. Please let us know of involved in some way. Do you know any? If so, any planned accommodation that was not on please put them in contact with us. your original route sheet. We would love to see former Challengers and visitors attending the Friday night dinner. They The coordinators may sign off minor changes but are also more than welcome at the usual for more complex revisions will pass your route watering holes during the Event and of course back to the vetter for their assessment. both Reunions. So, don’t be a stranger and keep in touch!

17 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk SUPPORTERS

TGO CHALLENGE SUPPORTERS

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18 [email protected] 01540 673 360 or 01540 673 583 www.tgochallenge.co.uk