TGO Challenge 2012 - My Crossing of Scotland

[Shewie]

TGO Challenge 2012



About The Challenge

The TGO Challenge is an annual self-supported walking event across the Highlands of Scotland, west coast to east coast. It started in 1980 and was the brainchild of the well-known writer and mountaineer, Hamish Brown.
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. They are:
Ardrishaig, Oban, Acharacle, Lochailort, Arisaig,Mallaig, Glenelg, Shiel Bridge, Dornie, Strathcarron, Plockton, Torridon. You can finish anywhere between Fraserburgh and Arbroath in the east, all participants have to report to the control centre in Montrose once they have finished.
The TGO Challenge is entirely non-competitive (although, on finishing, Challengers receive a special badge, certificate and T-shirt). A maximum of 15 days is allowed for the crossing. Most people take between 12 and 14 days to cross, and the average length for a crossing is about 180 miles.

TGO Challenge



Our Challenge

As this is our first attempt we’ve opted for a fairly steady route, starting at Shiel Bridge we won’t be alone for the first few days. Our path will take us through some true gems of the Scottish Highlands, Glen Affric, the Monadhliath mountains, Glen Feshie and The Cairngorms. Terrain will be a mixture of high heather moorland and low lying bogs with a few nice tracks for good measure, some will be horrific too.
We’ll be camping every night unless we’re forced to seek something warm and cosy if the weather turns, wild camping all the way with proper campsites at three day intervals, these will be our resupply pickups and also a chance to get a shower and wash some stinky clothes.
Our days will average at around fifteen miles, some will be shorter and some will be torture.

[Shewie]

Thursday 10th May - Day Zero

Actually day minus one will involve us driving from Yorkshire up to Glasgow and stopping with some pals for the night, day zero will be the real start to our adventure.
I’ll probably get no sleep at all from being so excited, I know that for a fact, but we have to be up fairly early and get a lift with Stuart to Queen Street station in time for our 10:10 train to the wild west. Here I expect to meet a good number of fellow Challengers and we’ll soon be hearing tales of previous crossings no doubt, the train journey is a bit of a slog but there should be some great views along the way.
We’ll switch trains at Inverness and then head south west towards our start point at Shiel Bridge, to be more accurate we’ll be getting off at Kyle of Lochalsh and then figuring out the last bit for ourselves. Hopefully there’ll be a bus or taxi, failing that it’s thumbing and praying for a lift, worst case scenario we’ll pitch up the tents somewhere and wait for a bus to come by the next morning.



Friday 11th May - Day One

Shiel Bridge to Glen Affric

14.53 miles
775 metres of ascent



Shiel Bridge campsite NG938186 – Glenlicht House NH006173 – Camban NH053184 Alltbeithe NH080202 – Glen Affric ruin NH110207



Saturday 12th May - Day Two

Glen Affric to Coille an Tuathanaich

14.76 miles
559 metres of ascent



Glen Affric ruin NH110207 – Athnamulloch NH133206 – Allt Garbh – Cougie - Coille an Tuathanaich NH289230



Sunday 13th May - Day Three

Coille an Tuathanaich to Fort Augustus

17.09 miles
737 metres of ascent



Coille an Tuathanaich NH289230 – Lochan Seogh NH294189 – Dundreggan – Fort Augustus campsite NH372085



Monday 14th May - Day Four

Fort Augustus to Melgarve

12.38 miles
913 metres of ascent



Fort Augustus campsite NH372085 – Blackburn bothy NH382029 – Corrieyairack Pass – Melgarve bothy NN468951



Tuesday 15th May - Day Five

Melgarve to Glentruim

15.78 miles
372 metres of ascent



Melgarve bothy NN468951 – Garva Bridge – Sherrabeg NN568930 – Laggan – Glentruim campsite NN688951



Wednesday 16th May - Day Six

Glentruim to Ruigh-aiteachain bothy

16.77 miles
546 metres of ascent



Glentruim campsite NN688951 – General Wades Road – Ruthven barracks – Woods of Glentromie – Killiehuntly – Baileguish NN824981 – Stronetoper – Ruigh-aiteachain bothy NN846 928



Thursday 17th May - Day Seven

Ruigh-aiteachain to White Bridge

13.96 miles
588 metres of ascent



Ruigh-aiteachain bothy NN846 928 – Geldie Lodge NN957870 – Geldie Burn – White Bridge NO019885



Friday 18th May - Day Eight

White Bridge to Braemar

9.94 miles
248 metres of ascent



White Bridge NO019885 – Lin of Dee – Inverey – Braemar campsite NO154909



Saturday 19th May - Day Nine

Rest day (pub)

0.00 miles
0 metres of ascent



Sunday 20th May - Day Ten

Braemar to Glas-allt-Shiel

14.91 miles
865 metres of ascent



Braemar campsite NO154909 – Bridge of Dee – Garbh Allt Shiel NO197908 – Feith an Laoigh NO230897 – Gelder Shiel – Coire na Ciche NO273869 – Glas-allt-Shiel NO277825



Monday 21st May - Day Eleven

Glas-allt-Shiel to Tarfside

16.97 miles
755 metres of ascent



Glas-allt-Shiel NO277825 – Spittal of Glenmuick – Shielin of Mark – Muckle Cairn – Glen Lee – Tarfside NO494796



Tuesday 22nd May - Day Twelve

Tarfside to North Water Bridge

16.64 miles
318 metres of ascent



Tarfside NO494796 – Corharncross NO513782 – Holmhead NO563775 – Gannochy – North Water Bridge campsite NO649664



Wednesday 23rd May - Day Thirteen

North Water Bridge to St Cyrus

8.71 miles
195 metres of ascent



North Water Bridge campsite NO649664 – Broomley – Morphie – St Cyrus



Thursday 24th May – Day Fourteen

Bus from St Cyrus to Montrose – checkout and then grab the train back to Glasgow

[Shewie]

I'll add some information next week but for the mean time this is what I'll be taking on the TGO in three weeks time.

Some weights are missing which I'll edit later.


This is everything I'll be carrying, total weight including fuel for one week and food for three days is a very manageable 8.2kg


Numbered for identification




The Big Three

Often referred to as the Big Three is the pack, the shelter and the sleep system


Numbered for identification


1. ULA CDT pack - 481g
2. Ti & Ally stakes x 10 - 110g
3. Thermarest NeoAir short mat - 260g
4. Polycryo groundsheet - 44g
5. MLD Superlight bivvy - 207g
6. MLD Trailstar shelter - 453g
7. OMM DuoLite mat (for feet and sit mat) - 150g
8. Snugpak Pertex bag liner (silk replacement on order) - 209g
9. PHD Minim 300 sleeping bag - 570g

Total Big Three weight = 2.619kg



Hydration

This is my means of carrying and treating water, plus brew kit and stove


Numbered for identification


10. Source 1L Liquitainer soft bottle (for water in camp) - 28g
11. Drink bottle -
12. Paper cup
13. Jetboil Sol Ti with 100g gas cart inside - 438g
14. Nuun hydration tablets -
15. MSR Hyperflow water filter - 244g
16. Nescafe 3-in-1 x 12 -



Food

Food for three days plus snacks for walking


Numbered for identification


17. Homemade Reflectix pouch cosy -
18. Chilli flavoured peanuts -
19. G.O.R.P for three days (Salted Pretzels, peanut M&Ms, chocolate raisins, banana chips) + bagels and Primula for lunch -
20. Cereal bars x 4 -
21. Mugshots x 3 -
22. Opinel No.8 -
23. Home dehydrated meals x 3 (2 x Shepherds Pie, 1 x Chicken & Mushroom pasta) -



Clothes Carried

I don't carry many spare clothes as these are what bunk up the weight, I keep it to a minimum without risking being cold


Numbered for identification


27. HeatHolder socks for bed -
28. PHD light merino wool socks (for walking) -
29. Icebreaker Everyday merino leggings - 190g
30. Berghaus Powerstretch gloves -
31. Rab beanie -
40. Montane Fireball smock - 235g



Hygiene Pack and Poop pack

Toiletries, towel, thyroid meds and poo tackle, nothing fancy


Numbered for identification


25 (Hygiene)

a. Microfibre towel XS -
b. Nivea mini anti-perspirant -
c. Soap (small bar from hotel in NY) -
d. Gehwol refreshing foot balm (decanted into small tub) -
e. Foot powder (decanted into small bottle) -
f. Thyroid meds -
g. Folding toothbrush from Air Canada flight -
h. Mini Colgate toothpaste -
i. Lip balm -

26 (Poop pack)

a. Toliet roll -
b. Hand sanitiser -
c. Mini Bic lighter -
d. Alppoop DIY trowel -



Ditty Bag

These are those things which don't belong elsewhere, handy to have in one place


Numbered for identification


36. Knee brace -
37. Ultrapod -
38. Zebralight H51 - 36g
39. Lithium AA batts x 2 - 28g



First Aid Kit & Map

Self explanatory really, I'll open up the FAK next week and show the contents properly


Numbered for identification


32. Adventure Medical UL 5 first aid kit (with extras) -
33. Osprey pack cover size small -
34. Map & compass
35. Satmap Active 10 -



Wet Gear

Waterproof smock, trews and mitts


Numbered for identification


41. Berghaus Paclite trousers - 185g
42. Terra Nova Tuff Bag paclite mitts - 75g
43. Rab Demand eVent smock - 283g



Clothing Worn

All the clothes I'll be wearing plus footwear, the windshirt and fleece will probably be on and off throughout


Numbered for identification


1. Montane Litespeed windshirt - 186g
2. Montane Fury fleece jacket - 340g
3. Icebreaker 200 LS zip top - 330g
4. Montane Terra pants - 327g
5. Pacer Poles (also used with my shelter so I opted for the heavier but stronger alloy) - 650g
6. Salomon Speedcross 3 running shoes - 313g
7. Outdoor Research Salamander ankle gaiters -
8. X-Socks Trekking socks -
9. Finisterre merino boxers -
10. Stussy cap (cotton but it's been everywhere with me) -





So that's pretty much it, I've actually just packed for a trip to the Lakes in the morning so we'll see how I get on. The only changes I'll be making are swapping the Pertex bag liner for a silk one and carrying the necessary food until we reach a resupply. I've missed off a couple of bits like my camera, that'll go on my waist strap or into a chest pouch I've ordered.

[Shewie]

Reserved for later


.

[Toddy]

Pack your Beaton's and best of luck with the trip

atb,
M

[southey]

DUDE! that looks brilliant! cant wait to read your adventure,

[Man of Tanith]

good luck Rich
look forward to the write up

[JAG009]

Good luck Rich ,am sure you walk it sorry could not help myself


Jason

[gsfgaz]

good luck bud, it looks an awesome challenge ...

[kiltedpict]

Watching this with great interest as I'm applying for next years!

Best of luck!!!!

KP

[resnikov]

Best of luck. Cannot wait for your reports on it.

[Scots_Charles_River]

Have fun, you may get sun or snow:..........

[Shewie]

Pack your Beaton's and best of luck with the trip

atb,
M

It was the first thing on my list, are they out yet?

DUDE! that looks brilliant! cant wait to read your adventure,

Thanks mate, really looking forward to it now

good luck Rich
look forward to the write up

Thanks mate

Good luck Rich ,am sure you walk it sorry could not help myself


Jason

That's the plan

good luck bud, it looks an awesome challenge ...

Cheers Gaz

Watching this with great interest as I'm applying for next years!

Best of luck!!!!

KP

Do it, it's been nearly 18 months since I first mentioned it to a pal

Best of luck. Cannot wait for your reports on it.

Thanks mate

Have fun, you may get sun or snow:..........

Fingers crossed for a bit of both

[Chris the Cat]

Makes my Wainrights Coast to Coast look like a walk in the park!
( It was, - the National Park!! )
All the very best for it , take care.
Chris.

[Dark Horse Dave]

Looks great - best of luck Rich. Look forward to reading of your adventures soon
Regards
Dave

[salad]

This sounds like a great trip to do, I will look forward to your updates mate

[HillBill]

Nice one Rich, looks like a good slog mate.

Day 4's gonna be fun by the looks of it. Some serious contours along that route

[redandshane]

First of all good luck and have a great time
Also Thanks for sharing your Challenge with us I am really looking forward to following it
One day I might give it a go myself;the concept definitely appeals
Kit list?

[Twodogs]

Good stuff mate yerrrrrrrrrrr

[tartanferret]

That looks fantastic ! Good look with the trip !

What's your estimate for the pack weight? when you have refuelled for the next few days ?

[Partickpebbles]

Best of luck with that certainly well planned out. BEST of luck.

[jacko1066]

Excellent!! Looking forward to reading this mate!!!
How is the kit list coming along??
I would imagine it's changed several times!!!
Food must be a massive problem too even though your planning on pick ups every few days!!
Best of luck rich, enjoy it!!
All the best
Steve



Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk 2

[Podcast Bob]

I've done it 6 times now I think, and covered most of the places in your route, which from what I remember you've chosen a lovely route. So I'm sure weather permitting, you'll have a lovely time. It rained solid for 10 days last year, which killed it a bit for us. ;-(

Your first day might be more of a slog than you anticipate, as the long climb up that burn gets pretty hard going underfoot near the top. But as it's your first day, just remember to take it easy and not rush at it. Enthusiasm and adrenalin often carry people for much longer first 2 days the first couple of times they do the TGOC, and then you can feel very tired day 3-4 which leads to a negative mindset.

Day 4 makes sure you start really early. The road over the Corrieyairack Pass has got progressively worse over the years, but that I mean large rocks which can mess with your feet as you rock and roll over them, no matter the footwear you've got. If by then you've got sore feet and blisters then start early, take it slow and enjoy the rest at Blackburn Bothy.

On day 6, when you get to the Glen Feshie bothy don't camp close to it as it is the last place in the morning to get the rising sun. Pitch about 100 m away nearer the river. I've been there and had boots frozen to the ground when it gets chilly, so a bit of sunshine is more than welcome in the morning. It is also a place where a lot of Scots guys go for some male bonding, and this can mean a bit of a pissed racket late at night.

There's going to be quite a few people pitching at White Bridge I understand this year and there isn't much space for more than 3-4 tents. About 1-2km before it there's a wide open space by the river with lots of nice soft ground to lie on!! There isn't much choice after it before you hit the road.

Day 10 you'll already be warned about not camping at Glas-allt-Shiel. The bothy is a very small and dark place. If you want to camp, look for a spot before the decent down to the loch. However by then you'll have made some good friends so you'll have more choices I'm sure.

Day 11 is a long slog especially when you're getting past Shielin of Mark. Hope your navigation is good as a few degrees error adds a hell of a lot of heather bashing to get back on track. But you'll be glad of that Bacon sarnie by the time you get to Tarfside. I prefer to camp on the football pitch in Tarfside rather than stay in the hostel. Then you are right opposite the Mason's lodge for cheap beer at night and you can nip down the road to the Hostel to have a decent shower all for nothing!

Day 12 ask people for a few short cut tips to reduce the amount of road walking on the way to North Water Bridge campsite. Once you go into the village for a well earned cuppa in the cafe, there's a short cut across the river bridge and though the woods which brings you out further down the road and reduces that long LOOOOONNG slog.

Day 13 I think there's another couple of slight short cuts on this day, but it is still primarily a road walk. The cafe has closed a St Cyrus I understand which is a shame, but there's a pub a short walk down the road, which may still be open.

I'm not sure it will help, but if you visit theoutdoorsstation.co.uk website you'll find a 5 part video, and if you search you'll find the 4 audio series of previous crossings, which involve some of the places you are going through.

I hope the weather is kind to you. It was miserable last year, and the previous year I missed there was only 30 minutes of rain in 2 weeks!! I've had snow, storms, gales and rain and a little sunshine. It really is a lovely part of the world on a good day and 'challenging' on a bad one. Make sure you have plenty of tick protection/removers and watch out for the Midge. They are out in abundance due to the warmer weather. I recommend the Gehwol Foot Cream Extra and Refreshing Balm. Never had a blister since I started using them.

Hope that helps. And don't forget to SLOW DOWN!! Everyone makes the same mistake the first time out of the starting blocks. There's no rush. Say 'hi' to John and Roger for me when you get to Montrose.

[Fell Monkey]

I am green with envy! I echo what everyone else says really, good to stay positive, dont forget the vaseline! Live for the moment, you will have an experience to tell forever.

[MartinK9]

Looks like a great adventure ahead. Best of luck to you.

[Shewie]

Makes my Wainrights Coast to Coast look like a walk in the park!
( It was, - the National Park!! )
All the very best for it , take care.
Chris.

Cheers Chris

Looks great - best of luck Rich. Look forward to reading of your adventures soon
Regards
Dave

Thanks Dave

This sounds like a great trip to do, I will look forward to your updates mate

Lots of piccies as usual I hope

Nice one Rich, looks like a good slog mate.

Day 4's gonna be fun by the looks of it. Some serious contours along that route

Yup day 4 will be the ball breaker, an early night is in order the day before

First of all good luck and have a great time
Also Thanks for sharing your Challenge with us I am really looking forward to following it
One day I might give it a go myself;the concept definitely appeals
Kit list?

Thanks mate, kit list should be up tomorrow hopefully

Good stuff mate yerrrrrrrrrrr

Yerrrrrr, bring it on

That looks fantastic ! Good look with the trip !

What's your estimate for the pack weight? when you have refuelled for the next few days ?

Pack weight will be somewhere in the region of 8kg including fuel & food, I'll weigh it tomorrow though.

Best of luck with that certainly well planned out. BEST of luck.

Thanks James

Excellent!! Looking forward to reading this mate!!!
How is the kit list coming along??
I would imagine it's changed several times!!!
Food must be a massive problem too even though your planning on pick ups every few days!!
Best of luck rich, enjoy it!!
All the best
Steve



Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk 2

Kit list is nearly complete, keep your eye out for it tomorrow

... Snip ...

Some great advice thanks Bob, you've given me a few things to think about. I'll have to check my notes for the Glas-allt-Shiel now, I'm pretty sure my vetter said we could camp at the southern end of the loch near the bothy?

I am green with envy! I echo what everyone else says really, good to stay positive, dont forget the vaseline! Live for the moment, you will have an experience to tell forever.

Vaseline? It's not that kind of trip

Looks like a great adventure ahead. Best of luck to you.

Thanks Martin

[drewdunnrespect]

shewie my mate i am well jelous and as soon as i have the light weight kit i would seriously like to join u to do this but not fit enough nor do i have the kit

[Bigfoot]

I reckon you have selected a very interesting route there - I hope the weather is kind to you but I'm sure that won't bother you too much

Good luck with your trek!

[Shewie]

shewie my mate i am well jelous and as soon as i have the light weight kit i would seriously like to join u to do this but not fit enough nor do i have the kit

Sounds like a plan Drew

I reckon you have selected a very interesting route there - I hope the weather is kind to you but I'm sure that won't bother you too much

Good luck with your trek!

Thanks mate, most of it will be new ground to me so really looking forward to it. We'll do a few higher routes next time if it goes well.

[Tony]

cool stuff, good for you mate. I can open the blog up for you

Good luck with it, next year you'll have a buck group doing it with you