TGOC East – what is it?

Who is TGOC East for?
Click the image above for a YouTube video

A sister event to the main TGO Challenge, TGOC East offers a way for less experienced backpackers and those who lack confidence in their skills to ‘find their feet’ in the TGO Challenge area while experiencing some of the demands and joys of the main Event. The aims are:

Photos: Graeme Dunsire, Sue Chalmers, Lynn Shepherd, Paul D’Ambrogio
  • To provide an event for the less-experienced backpackers, so they can gain the knowledge, confidence and skills for the full TGO Challenge event.
  • To allow participants to engage with TGO Challengers, discovering the camaraderie and community of the Event.
  • To encourage participation of minority groups and those with limited opportunity to access the hills.
  • To provide an event that qualifies participants to enter the full TGO Challenge in subsequent years.
How does it work?
  • Participants will need some prior backpacking experience; however, the acceptance criteria will be less demanding than those of the TGO Challenge.
  • Coinciding with the second week of the TGO Challenge – 8am Thursday, 20th May to 5pm Friday, 28th May 2027.
  • 8 start points along the A9 trunk road with popular Challenge finish points.
  • A choice of over 20 pre-planned routes with lower, higher and mixed options to allow for different levels of experience and walking speeds.
  • Routes choices graded and matched to participant’s experience.
  • Maximum of 50 participants, with a limited number on any one route so participants will not be walking in a large group.
  • Opportunity to mix with those on the full TGO Challenge, finish and celebrate with them.
  • Route sheets, GPX files and information sheet (similar to Vetter’s comments) provided to each participant.
What experience do I need to enter TGOC East?

To qualify for a TGOC East place you must meet the following criteria:

Photo Craig Jenkins
  • TGOC Challenge crossings: You have not previously completed the main TGOC Challenge event or more than 3 TGOC East routes.
  • Experience: You have completed, within the last 5 years, a multi-day backpacking trip, in a wild environment, of at least 2 days/1 night. The trip must have involved at least 16km (10 miles) walking each day while carrying your equipment.
  • Navigation: You have the ability to navigate, including using a compass, and be able to read a suitably detailed map (such as Ordnance Survey – paper or digital).
  • Fitness: You have the ability to carry personal and camping equipment, and a minimum of 3 days’ provisions and walk 20+km per day.
  • Self sufficiency: You have the capacity to be self-sufficient in remote areas where help may not be easily accessible, including suitable first aid skills.
  • Assessing Risks: You have the ability to assess and deal with issues encountered and adverse weather (wind, rain, occasionally snow, and excessive heat), including crossing unbridged river/burns and other obstacles that present themselves along the way.
How do I find more information?

TGO Challenge East Event Details will be published here by early November. In the meantime the 2026 document is available.

Mick and Ali will be Coordinating TGOC East. If you have any questions contact them at tgoceast@gmail.com or give one of them a ring Mick – 07714329917, Ali – 07786628105