Blog

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 …

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 …

May means one thing here at the Ultralight office: The Great Outdoors Challenge, or TGO for short. We’re incredibly proud to sponsor this unique, communal coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. This year, Lois from our Customer Service team and Nick from our Purchasing team are setting off on their own Scottish coast-to-coast adventures—and we’re excited to follow along. Read on fo …

Four-Season Review: Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie From the chill of dawn on a springtime Scottish coast to the biting frost of winter in the Lakes, the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie has been with me every step of the way. Over the past year, it has become my go-to insulation layer, tackling everything from multi-day treks to daily hikes with unwavering reliability. Montane kindly p …

When Black Diamond announced the Beta Light 45 backpack earlier this year, I was intrigued by its unique appearance and impressive stats. Black Diamond kindly provided the Beta Light 45 backpack and the Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag for my upcoming TGO Challenge, a two-week coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland. The Beta Light 45 and Beta Light Pack Sattelite Bag feature a sleek, modern de …

The Great Outdoors Challenge (TGO) is an esteemed annual long-distance walking event in the UK, which takes place every May. The event covers around 200 miles (320 kilometres) through the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering participants - known as 'Challengers' - a remarkable journey from the west coast to the east coast of Scotland. The TGO is not a race but an opportunity for outd …

For this year's TGO challenge, a demanding two-week coast-to-coast journey across Scotland, I sought to reduce the weight of my pack without sacrificing the headroom, living space, and large vestibules I have come to enjoy with my trusty Hilleberg Anaris. Having traversed the country with the Anaris on four previous occasions, I decided to try a different trekking pole tent, Goss …

Hiking the TGO (The Great Outdoors Challenge) requires dependable equipment that can endure the rigors of long-distance trekking. During my journey, two standout pieces of gear were the Suunto Vertical watch and the Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel. Here’s my on-trail review of how these devices performed and why they are indispensable for any serious hiker. From the first day on the tr …

As I traverse the rugged and breathtaking landscape of Scotland on the TGO Challenge, the importance of reliable and lightweight gear becomes increasingly evident. After a long day of trekking through moors and over mountains, my MSR Titan Kettle 900ml, MSR Titanium Double Wall Mug, and MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove have proven to be indispensable cookware companions. The updated&nbs …