As some hikers conclude their crossings of Scotland and with most others not far behind, we take a look at a few moments from the 40th TGO Challenge.
Sue Oxley, who coordinates the TGO Challenge along with fellow Newtonmore Hostel owner Ali Ogden, sent us an update from the trail…
“The beautiful warm, dry weather turned somewhat wet last Friday evening and the weekend was a combination of sunshine and showers. Early finishers enjoyed clear tops and dry ground underfoot. There was a distinct lack of water in some of the burns so finding drinkable water in some areas was a bit of an issue. All 12 finishers so far all looking sun kissed. One Challenger completed a Moray coast crossing in a week to help staff Challenge Control for the second week.
“We have had 35 people retire, mostly due to knee/foot problems and hydration issues causing general fatigue. However, we have had lots of very positive feedback from first-time Challengers about how wonderful the event is.
“Expecting usual numbers of Challengers at Tarfside where the volunteer team at the hostel there will be dispensing food and drink in vast quantities.”
Ali posted this update from Twitter this morning, depicting her ascent of Lochnager – the 14th Munro of her trip.
Day 11 – a good walk over Lochnagar (our 14th and final Munro of #TGOC19)with dramatic clouds but the focus of the day was getting to a bed, bath and a loo with out a view! Looking forward to some flat tracks over the next few days on the Deeside Way. pic.twitter.com/j0e1PBjgcM
— Ali Ogden (@AEOgden) May 21, 2019
Andrew Bone has also been near Lochnagar:
#TGOC19 The frowning glories of dark Lochnagar and sunshine across Loch Muick…. pic.twitter.com/8DcxZ5eqXk
— Andrew Bone (@BoneyCP) May 21, 2019
Chris Townsend posted a picture of his Trailstar in camp, between showers:
Camp this morning, in between showers. #tgochallenge2019 #tgoc2019 pic.twitter.com/E3kfd3Oabs
— Chris Townsend (@townsendoutdoor) May 20, 2019
JohnBoy finds some trail magic:
When you arrive at a cache of beer at breakfast time, and you don’t want to lug it. #TGOC19 @TGOChallenge pic.twitter.com/viPHUF5lMs
— JohnBoy (@OverthehillsB) May 21, 2019
Marty climbs her first ever Munro:
@TGOChallenge @TGOMagazine @ZusterClivia Our ever first munro during the 11th day if the TGO Challenge! Yes! ?????????? pic.twitter.com/msAQSox0pA
— Marty ??⛺️??????? (@smartiesmarts) May 20, 2019
Ben Dolphin, President of Ramblers Scotland and ranger at Mar Lodge, posted this photo of the Mar Lodge notice board after a busy weekend:
A nice, full #TGOC19 message board after a busy weekend. Really nice to see so many folk coming through @MarLodgeNTS, from all over the world. pic.twitter.com/x5DWnc1u5f
— Ben Dolphin (@CountrysideBen) May 19, 2019
As Challengers near the end, you can follow the progress of hikers who use the Social Hiking service on this unofficial live map.
The annual Challenge finishing dinner takes place on Thursday 23 of June in Montrose.
Header image © Ali Ogden
