Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: suspectmonkey on September 12, 2010

Title: TGO Challenge
Post by: suspectmonkey on September 12, 2010
Well, I posted my application this weekend for the TGO Challenge (http://www.tgochallenge.co.uk/)!

Had hoped to give it a go last year, but it didn't really work out and I ended up doing the West Highland Way with Kat instead.  There are only 300 places, and its usually over subscribed, but fingers crossed there will be a place for me!

If you haven't heard of the TGO Challenge before its an annual, self-supported, coast to coast trek of Scotland.  You are given a choice of start points on the west coast and you can finish between two designated points on the east coast.  Route planning is left to the individual, so Scotland is pretty much your oyster!  I think its the route planning that daunts me the most, but its also a major part of the appeal.  Will be doing this one solo though, as my partner in crime (Kat!) can't make it.

Any one else tempted?
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: Scribble on September 12, 2010
I have been reading about it in the magazine and it sounds awesome I would love to try something like that but my navigational skills and my fitness would be no where near ready for anything as big as that .. Really hope you get your golden ticket I will cross my fingers for ya ..
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: LennyJ1 on September 12, 2010
I would love to do this aswell but with Kili a couple of months before dont think I could afford it or get the time off work. Maybe 2012
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: Kat on September 12, 2010
Really hope you get this opportunity Jonny!  Never fear about the route planning!  There may be unexpected challenges on any route but always remember...

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.”
-- Frank A. Clark
 :)
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: RedLeader on September 13, 2010
Shame I'm missing this one. You can suss a route this year and I'll do it next  ::)
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: suspectmonkey on September 13, 2010
Shame I'm missing this one. You can suss a route this year and I'll do it next  ::)

Well I've been staring at maps already trying to get an idea of a route in my head.  The only thing I know for definite is I want to pass through the Cairngorms... so at least I know where I'm heading to :)

Seeing I've set aside the time to do this in May, I've decided if I can't get to do the TGO Challenge I will probably do some kind of long distance walk in Scotland.  Cape Wrath trail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Wrath_Trail) could be on the cards!
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: MG1 on September 13, 2010
The Cairngorms is cool some really big hills.
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: suspectmonkey on November 08, 2010
Well I got the letter today, I'm on the 2011 TGO Challenge :)

I think there were 440 applicants for 330 places, so they did a draw to allocate the places.  My Christmas wish list has just been updated with some 50k maps of Scotland :D
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: RedLeader on November 08, 2010
Congrats. I was searching for the start/end dates but the TGO website is so disorganised it's hard to find.

Well I got the letter today, I'm on the 2011 TGO Challenge :)

I think there were 440 applicants for 330 places, so they did a draw to allocate the places.  My Christmas wish list has just been updated with some 50k maps of Scotland :D
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: suspectmonkey on November 08, 2010
Congrats. I was searching for the start/end dates but the TGO website is so disorganised it's hard to find.

Will have to check that when I get home!  It's all on the application pack that came with the October edition of TGO magazine, but I think its the second week in May.  I should probably know, but I never get too hung up on dates until nearer the time :D
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: Kat on November 08, 2010
Yay!!!!!! Well done Jonny Long Stride! ;)
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: MG1 on November 09, 2010
Fair play to you mate. :)
Title: Re: TGO Challenge
Post by: darren on November 10, 2010

very well done indeed mate.