September 2022
Applications for 2023 open on:
- 20th September – go to Enter TGOC23 to enter. Those with guaranteed places, including those deferred from 2020/21, still need to complete the entry form. All team members must apply by the deadline. First time Challengers will be asked for details of past backpacking experience.
October 2022
Entries close:
- 23rd October. A draw for places will take place if needed. Those who are unlucky in the draw and late entrants are offered places on the reserve list and/or a guaranteed place in 2024.
November 2022
Time to pay:
- 2nd November – Places confirmed by email and payment, where relevant, will be requested.
- 4th November – the earliest day you can submit your route. Please don’t send it any earlier!
- 21st November – Closing date for payments. Any places not paid for will be given to those on the reserve list.
December 2022
What better way to spend winter evenings than plotting your route? There is plenty of advice in the Event Details and the coordinators, vetters and Challenge community are on hand to help or advise. Routes can be submitted for vetting at any time – no need to wait for your deadline!
- 14th December – last chance to withdraw without losing your entry fee.
January 2023
If you haven’t submitted your route yet it’s definitely time to unfurl some maps.
- 17th January – Deadline for route submission if you, or anyone in your group, have completed 5 or more crossings.
February 2023
Only three weeks left to finalise your route!
- 21st February – Deadline if you, or all of your group, have completed fewer than 5 Challenges.
March 2023
Time to head out with your tent and get some practice in for the TGO Challenge, finalise any booked accommodation on your route and update your route sheet with their details.
April 2023
Final preparations – time to check your gear.
- Early April – The Event’s Final Details, giving up to date information including details of how to sign in and out of the Event and contact details for Challenge Control will be issued by email. You will be required to give details of your emergency contacts and any medical conditions.
May 2023
The adventure begins! Time to travel to your chosen West Coast start point and start walking. After reaching the coast between Fraserburgh and Montrose you to Montrose (motorised travel now allowed) where Challenge Control will be ready to greet you with a certificate and a T-shirt.
- 11th and 12th May – If you have chosen either of these dates as your start day you have 15 days for your crossing.
- 13th- 18th May – You may start latter but will have a shorter time to cross.
- 25th May – Those starting on 11th May must finish and sign out in Montrose by 5pm.
- 26th May – For everyone else Challenge Control closes promptly at 5pm so don’t linger too long on the beach!
- 23rd-26th May – Celebratory dinners will be held each evening in The Park Hotel. These can be booked when you submit your route. Plaques will be presented to those on their 10th and 20th crossings.
June 2023
Tell us about your experience. If you write a blog or put together a photo or video diary send it to the coordinators at newtonmorehostel@gmail.com and we will add it to our blog roll. Carey Davies, editor of The Great Outdoors magazine, is usually looking for photos or accounts for the October issue which features the TGO Challenge. Then it’s time to think about your route for 2024!