Want to know what life looks like on the TGO Challenge? Here’s a selection of shots sent in by our Challengers from their crossings of Scotland over the years
All you need to know about this unique event.
The Great Outdoors Challenge is a unique and very special Scottish institution. Since 1980 Challengers have backpacked from Scotland’s west coast to the east as part of this annual event – each of them following their own carefully crafted route. Many of those Challengers come back time and time again, drawn by the potential for both wilderness and camaraderie.
Covid-19 resulted in the cancellation of TGOC21 and the postponement of TGOC21 but a smaller Event was held successfully in June. As a result there are many people who have deferred their places until 2022. So that no one is disappointed again, for one year only, numbers will be increased with a staggered start. Sadly there may be relatively few places for new entrants but we hope to be back to normal in 2023.
Part of us is glad TGOC21 is behind us as the continual uncertainties and changes of plan were rather draining but there were a lot of positives too. Not least the loyalty and support of Challengers, both old and new,…
TGO Challenge 2021 – Final Report There have been many anxious moments since TGOC20 was cancelled. We wondered, despite our efforts and the loyalty of Challengers if TGOC21 would go the same way but a second cancellation didn’t bear thinking…
This has been the question on our minds for the last few weeks, and no doubt the minds of many Challengers too. We hope the answer will be yes but, whilst before Christmas we were pretty confident, the new variants…
Time for the virtual TGO photo competition! Thankyou to Ultralight Outdoor Gear and @KelseyMedia for putting up some excellent prizes. To enter just add your photo to the daily photo competition thread on Facebook or email it to newtonmorehostel@gmail.com. We’ll put up some daily themes…
Yesterday proved to be somewhat surreal as Challenges started out on a virtual journey – travelling to Scotland’s West Coast without leaving their homes. We’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but the most surreal action is in the Challenge Facebook…
We are delighted to announce that Ultralight Outdoor Gear will be sponsoring the 2020 TGO Challenge. Their expertise and focus on quality lightweight gear makes them ideal partners for the Event and we are looking forward to working with them.…
TGO Challenge coordinator Ali Ogden discovers that you learn a lot about a stove when you need it the most… Price: £69.99 Weight: 83g Type: canister-mounted gas stove By Ali Ogden The last time either Sue or I brought a…
Challenge coordinators Sue Oxley and Ali Ogden discuss the mental health benefits of a multi-day trip into the wilds. This feature was first published in the Spring 2019 issue of The Great Outdoors. As other Challengers rush across the sand…
Challenge coordinators Sue Oxley and Ali Ogden discuss the intricacies of route-plotting. First published in the April 2018 issue of The Great Outdoors. In early November every year, hundreds of backpackers get the very good news that they have successfully…
Challenge coordinators Sue Oxley and Ali Ogden celebrate bonds forged through shared backpacking. First published in the March 2019 issue of The Great Outdoors. “Here is my route,” read the email from Tim. “It is the same as Douglas’s. We…
