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The TGO East challenge is a shorter, sister event to the main TGO challenge, lasting roughly 7 – 8 days compared to the usual 2 weeks of the main event. The organisers describe it as: “The TGO East offers a way for less experienced backpackers and those who lack confidence in their skills to ‘find their feet’ in the TGO challenge area while experiencing some of the demands …

TGO EAST – Dalwhinnie to St. Cyrus What is the TGO East? We love the TGO challenge here at Ultralight, it’s an event that has been running for over 40 years. People from around the world come to Scotland to conquer its terrain from east to west. In a self-support coast to coast walk that exposes you to the majesty of Scotland. In 2026 they introduced the TGO Challenge East… The …

The Montane Featherlite Hoodie became one of my most-used layers on this year’s TGO Challenge. It was a very windy crossing, and other than my baselayer and trousers, which I had to keep on or risk being arrested, this was probably the item I wore most. I have used lighter windproof layers before, but what I like about the Featherlite is that it does not feel too stripped back. At 115g (med …

There are three things you want from your trekking poles, useability, adaptability and great build quality. Well, it’s safe to say I found all three boxes ticked when using the Trail Vista Shock Poles by Black Diamond. I took these poles with me on an 8-day hike through Scotland where they battled in numerous ground and weather conditions. From boggy moors, rushing rivers and sand these tre …

This year's Great Outdoors Challenge (TGO) started a little differently from my previous crossings. I’d been hiking and camping on the Isle of Skye for the week building up to this year's crossing, with my partner Sacha, my American annual-adventure companion Brian, and his wife, Jackie. We hiked part of the Skye Trail, spotted minke whales, and made the most of the island’s food and …

Day 7 - 14th May Invernahavon Campsite – Glen Feshie Distance: 26.47km Altitude: 678m Steps: 27,783 The downside of having a campsite so close to the A9 and railway line was when they decide to do any maintenance, they tend to do it at night so not to disturb the traffic. However, it does disturb campers! The sound of rattling machinery seemed to go on all night; I must have only managed …

The kit selection for my TGO was based on balancing warmth and comfort in potentially changing weather whilst keeping weight to a manageable level. Utilising technology to keep me on the right track, safe and powered for the duration. The weather for a two-week trip in Scotland is hard to predict, especially at some of the higher elevations and having versatile clothing to cover all eventualities …

Day 1 - 8th May Mallaig to River Carnach Distance: 21.19km Altitude: 1636m Steps: 31,115 My route would start with a short 30-minute ferry ride from Mallaig to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula. But first I would have to officially sign out from the West Highland Hotel. Situated just up the road from my slightly more rustic hostel. The hotel overlooked Mallaig and had a wonderful clear view out …

Day 8 Balquhidder to Meall Odhar Friday 16 May Distance 22.4km Elevation 639m I woke to glorious sunshine beating down on the tent. Keen not to hang around in the tick infested glade too long, I quickly packed up and headed out without breakfast with the intention of stopping somewhere along the track and after about 3km I found a clear stream just off the track and a large bench, perfect to se …

9-22 May 2025 Portavadie to Arbroath Total distance 331km Elevation 6300m Precipitation 0% Midges >1% Ticks 3 The TGO Challenge is steeped in history. It started in 1980 when mountaineer Hamish Brown presented the idea of a coast-to-coast, self-guided challenge to Roger Smith, the then Editor at The Great Outdoors Magazine. Many challengers return year after year to join the pilgrimage from …

The Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar (72g) is a rugged, GPS-enabled multi-sport watch built for outdoor adventure. It offers offline maps, dual-band GNSS tracking, an altimeter, barometer, compass, and solar-assisted battery life. While it’s capable of tracking just about every sport under the sun, I’ve used it exclusively for hiking and camping. I first started using the Suunto Vertical …

Having been given the opportunity to attempt the TGO challenge, a two week coast-to-coast backpacking hike across Scotland, it seemed a great opportunity to give the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 55 litre rucksack a good workout. This being my first foray into the larger ultralight rucksacks, I was a little apprehensive about committing to a new bag for such a long trek. Would it be comfortable …