What skills do I need?
There are a few skills you need to have before you consider taking part:
- Previous experience of backpacking including ‘no trace’ camping in a wild environment with no facilities. One of these trips needs to be in the last few years and at least 3 nights long, walking at least 20km (can be shorter if over rough ground or significant ascent) between camps whilst carrying a full pack.
- Ability to navigate across pathless, rugged terrain using map and compass – digital or analogue. You must not be solely reliant on following a GPS track.
- Capacity to carry personal/camping equipment with a minimum of 3 days’ provisions.
- Experience of being self-sufficient (including first aid skills) in remote areas where help may not be easily accessible.
- Ability to assess and deal with risks and adverse weather (wind, rain and occasionally snow and excessive heat) including unbridged rivers/burns in spate and other obstacles that present themselves along the way.
If in doubt please speak to the Coordinators (click here for contact details) who are always happy to help and advise, before you enter.
What can I expect on the TGO Challenge?
Any multi-day Scottish backpacking trip is a serious undertaking and you need to consider the following:
Terrain – If your main experience of mountainous areas is in England, Wales or overseas, you may find the terrain much tougher than you expect. Be prepared for rough, often wet, pathless ground. In many areas travelling at 2-3km/hr is good going with a full pack. Take a look at Elli Schneider’s 2024 crossing or to see what you might encounter on a rainy crossing go to Sabine Zawadski and Dean Read’s 2022 accounts. Colin Crawford’s Guide to Scottish Terrain.
Navigation – We don’t mind whether you use a map and compass or a digital device as your primary means of navigation but you need to be well practised with whatever you use. You also need to carry a back up system and be competent with using that too. Maps can get wet or blow away, a compass can get lost, digital devices can run out of battery or malfunction so we think a combination of both physical and digital navigational aids is best. All members of a group must have these skills and their own maps in case they become separated.
Unlike Continental Europe or North America you will find few paths waymarked and some marked on the map are not evident on the ground. Conversely there are also paths and estate tracks that aren’t on the map . . . For more information on Navigation during the TGO Challenge click here.
Climate – Scotland’s climate is notoriously unpredictable. High winds and heavy rain are common. You are likely to face unbridged burns (streams) which can be difficult or impossible to cross in spate (high water) necessitating diversions. There is often 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 equipment.
Shelter – The Challenge is designed to be a backpacking event so you should carry a tent or other suitable shelter capable of withstanding the extremes of Scottish weather i.e. high winds, heavy rain and frosts/snow. Whilst you might visit a town or village every few days where you can find accommodation, you should expect to be wild camping a majority of the time.
What equipment should I carry?
It is assumed that all applicants are experienced backpackers and do not need an equipment list. However, for your safety, the following items should be carried by every participant:
Tent or suitable shelter and sleeping bag or quilt- Cooking equipment (can be shared between a team)
- Waterproof and windproof clothing
- First aid kit
- Emergency rations for at least one full day
- Maps, compass and whistle
If snow conditions prevail, an ice axe (and the skills and experience to use it) is essential for higher-level routes.