Coast to Coast: Oban to Montrose – TGO Challenge 2023
Hiking Collection by Carola „Bandit“ K.
13
Tours
91:36 h
205 mi
24,700 ft
The Great Outdoors Challenge is a unique adventure that crosses Scotland from the west coast of the Atlantic to the east coast of the North Sea. Every year since 1980, around 400 wilderness-hungry participants have planned their own hiking route in no more than 15 days. They climb mountains with great views, ford wet bogs, following winding rivers and pitch their tents in the midst of nature or spend the evenings by the crackling open fire of a rustic bothy.
In 2023, I was one of them. In mid-May, I set off – together with Martin – from the tranquil coastal town of Oban to Montrose in the far east of Scotland. The TGO team had already approved my route four years prior. A pandemic and another long-distance project later, the time finally came – challenge accepted!
I wanted my first crossing of Scotland to be relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy nature. Less is more in terms of elevation gain, I thought. So our path headed through picturesque valleys edged with dramatic peaks, like the famous Glencoe. A few climbs still lay en route, especially the Munros that tower over 910 metres (2,900 ft) high. As I don't trust the Scottish weather, I also planned to stop at a few cosy bothies to dry my clothes and warm myself up. There's even a whisky distillery on the itinerary.
As is so often the case, plans often don’t go as you expect, and it was no different on the TGO Challenge. It all started when we missed the ferry on the very first day. I’ll let you read the story for yourself in the descriptions. 🙂
P.S. If you want to plan your own adventure across Scotland, the application phase for the next TGO Challenge starts in September. You can find all the information here: tgochallenge.com.
On The Map
Tours
- 07:3219.6 mi2.6 mph1,250 ft1,250 ft
When the first day goes completely differently...
The TGO Challenge works like this: Each hiker submits a self-planned route from the west coast to the east coast to the challenge organization. This will then be checked and released. Our first stage started with a leisurely ferry ride to the island of…
- 08:5318.4 mi2.1 mph2,750 ft2,675 ft
In the morning we wake up in the cloud-shrouded valley of Loch Creran. We don't set off until just after eight and walk the quiet road through the valley. A side path takes us to the picturesque Fairy Bridge - there can hardly be a more beautiful water source. After a short break we continue and from…
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- 07:3414.6 mi1.9 mph2,375 ft1,175 ft
As already anticipated, the rain happily pelted the tent in the morning. The Scottish weather caught up with us. After two coffees we pull ourselves together to pack our things and slip off in rain gear. The path leads us along the road again and it gets warm and dry. Shortly before Kinlochleven starts…
- 08:0915.3 mi1.9 mph2,775 ft2,125 ft
During the night, rain keeps pattering on the roof of the Bothy. Luckily we sleep inside and don't camp outside like two others. So we can pack a dry tent in the morning and start walking. Four years ago, when I submitted the route for the first time for the challenge, which was canceled at the time…
- 07:4619.1 mi2.5 mph1,575 ft2,100 ft
Scotland. If you want to go hiking in Scotland, you should be prepared for rain. No matter what the weather report says. This morning we are again blessed with sufficient rain. Of course, the socks didn't dry out overnight, but that doesn't matter - they'll get wet again the first step anyway. So get…
- 04:169.98 mi2.3 mph975 ft1,400 ft
Today is a short day because it's Town Day. It's going to Newtonmore, the only place we ever have a real bed to sleep in. In addition, a package with trekking food and snacks sent here is waiting for us at the accommodation. At least I could have saved myself the snacks - there are enough delicious things…
- 05:3714.0 mi2.5 mph1,250 ft850 ft
What would a hiking tour be without a closure? But somehow not very challenging. In order to test our flexibility again, the Scots closed one of the two bridges that lead across the River Spey for a few days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to construction work. We have two options: either start very early…
- 08:2918.1 mi2.1 mph2,950 ft2,800 ft
Not that early - as always - we throw our backpacks on our backs and set off for the 1,019 meter high Mullach Clach a' Bhlair. We're not the only ones with this plan. But probably the only ones who opt for the overgrown path behind the Bothy and not for the longer climb over the gravel road. After the…
- 06:2216.4 mi2.6 mph1,400 ft975 ft
This day turned out to be the biggest surprise yet! In the morning we leave the tick-infested riverbank of the Dee, hoping not to have packed any. Our route takes us over a wide gravel road and again and again past tents that are still standing or hikers who are setting off. We also collect the Englishman…
- 05:169.28 mi1.8 mph2,450 ft2,750 ft
The party goes on or: There's nothing to see here!
In the morning the clouds hang low in the valley and over the loch and exude a mystical atmosphere. Most hikers are hoping that the weather will clear up today. And since we still have a few Munro peaks ahead of us today, we too are looking forward to…
- 07:5118.7 mi2.4 mph2,050 ft2,800 ft
After ten days of stalking, today should actually be a relaxing day. No real break, but at 12 kilometers short enough to recover for the remaining stages. A nice plan... and yet everything goes very differently again.
We don't have to get up early for twelve kilometers and look forward to sleeping in…
- 08:0918.7 mi2.3 mph2,175 ft2,700 ft
Tarfside is bustling with activity in the morning. Everyone is in a spirit of optimism – some sooner, some later. When we stow our tent in our backpack, there are maybe five others around us. The late birds are on the move again. When checking today's route, Martin gives me a somber look: "You're kidding…
- 05:4412.8 mi2.2 mph700 ft750 ft
For our final day of the TGO Challenge, the Scottish weather really cleaned up. Already in the morning the sun shines with us when the four of us leave the caravan site. On the recommendation of an experienced challenger, I almost completely replanned the route at the last minute - it was probably much…
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Collection Stats
- Tours13
- Distance205 mi
- Duration91:36 h
- Elevation24,700 ft
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