Our annual backpacking event, The Great Outdoors Challenge, kicks off on 12 May. Once again, 300 walkers will be gathering at points along the west coast of Scotland to start journeying along their own set routes to the east coast. They’ll be carrying their own equipment and will be wild camping in some spectacular locations along the way on a much-loved event with a rich heritage stretching back nearly 40 years.
Many of ‘The Challengers’ have been sharing their preparation for the event using #TGOC2017 on Twitter. Here’s a glimpse of what people have been sharing:

Graham’s been preparing up high

TGO Challenge

David’s been preparing down low

TGO Challenge

The Dutch are coming along as well

TGO Challenge

Pleased to have you along Jessica

TGO Challenge

David has faith in his friend JohnBoy

TGO Challenge

There’s a helping hand from Hillgoers

TGO Challenge

Robin planned his route the modern way

TGO Challenge

Chris did it the good old-fashioned way

TGO Challenge

And a parting message from Andrew

TGO Challenge
If you’re taking part in this year’s Great Outdoors, make sure to tag @tgomagazine and @tgochallenge in your pictures on Twitter and Facebook, and keep using the hashtag #TGOC2017.