I’ve added an album on my Picasa account for my TGO Challenge 2015. You can find it by clicking here
Tag Archives: TGOC 2015
TGO Challenge 2015: Gear Roundup
Ok, here’s a quick roundup of some of the clothing and equipment I used on this year’s TGO Challenge
Clothing
For me, the real star of the Challenge was my As Tucas Sestrals 2 insulated trousers. At 185g, they provide an amazing amount of warmth and wind protection. They were wonderful to put on at the end of each day when I was camping. The new Schoeller material is like silk and lovely against your legs. They are thin enough that you don’t overheat but plenty warm enough, even in cold and windy conditions like we had for the Cheese & Wine party. The snaps at the hem mean you can cinch them at the ankle to keep warmth in. They also have a good DWR coating so they shrug off light rain. For wearing around camp in cool or cold conditions they are brilliant. I also used them on a couple of nights in my sleeping bag for some extra warmth. Highly recommended.
The Challenge was the first prolonged test for my Marmot Essence waterproof jacket and trousers. At just under 170g each, they are astonishingly light. I wore the overtrousers more than the jacket. The jacket was used extensively on two days, once over my Paramo Velez Light and once on its own. I was very pleased with the breathability. It doesn’t feel quite as good as three layer eVent, but I think that’s down to being a 2.5 layer rather than 3 layer jacket, where the moisture is “hidden” by the inner fabric. The material is certainly waterproof and the DWR effective with no wetting out. The thinness of the material makes the garments cooler than more substantial waterproofs. They are also quite delicate, so I’ve had to patch a cut on both the jacket and overtrousers. If you want a good value, very breathable lightweight shell, the Essence jacket and overtrousers are worth considering. The jacket is quite a trim cut, so if I were buying again, I’d go a size up. Also don’t expect them to put up with rough treatment as the material is quite delicate.
The two other things to report on are the Outdoor Research Sunrunner cap and Spectrum Sunsleeves. I liked the Sunrunner cap a lot. The vents make it more comfortable when warm and I like the detachable neck screen. I also used OR Spectrum Sun Sleeves. These convert a short-sleeved T shirt into a long-sleeved one. They have a SPF of 50 and can be pulled over the back of your hands. At 38g, they weigh nothing, but are brilliant for using on sunny days instead of sun screen. They are also quite cool (as in temperature, not looks). I really liked them.
Equipment
Virtually all the equipment I used as the same as last year. Given the wind and some poor weather, I was glad I took my Scarp 1. Talking to Bob and Rose, about the evening that we were camped in Glen Markie, they couldn’t cook inside their Vaude Power Lizard because it was flapping so much. I had no problems in my Scarp. I love being confident that it can handle anything. It also has a compact footprint and goes up in a jiffy. I used my GG Mariposa rucksack. My only criticism is that one of the shoulder straps slips and has to be tightened regularly and the material is not very water-resistant. Other than that, it’s a great rucksack.
My sleeping bag was my modified Rab Neutrino SL 200. It’s just right for the Challenge. Most nights it was fine on its own. On a couple of nights I had to supplement it with my PHD Minimus down jacket and As Tucas Sestrals 2 insulated trousers. I used my Thermarest Xlite short sleeping mat, which was very comfortable and had no issues with deflation.
My boots were Ecco Biom Hike Mids, which were perfect. Very comfortable and robust. They also were very waterproof. Sure I was occasionally a bit sweaty and I wished I’d taken an extra pair of socks, but I had no blisters. It’s a shame they’ve stopped making them.
In the end I took my umbrella and waders. I was really glad I took my umbrella. I used it for most of the day on two days. On the day to the Water of Allachy, I even rigged it so it was hands free. It made two of the days of heavy rain much more bearable. The waders were useful as well, particularly on one day when I had to wade a river when it was raining hard. If I was being super-Spartan though, I’d leave them behind.
Any failures?
I had no failures. The only disappointment was the new style Rohan Ultra T, which doesn’t seem to be as smell resistant as the old style. As a result, I wore my Montane Sportwool Terra T (polyester/merino wool blend) most of the time, which was impressively smell resistant. I might get another merino/synthetic combo base layer as they seem to combine smell resistance with fast drying.
DIsclaimer: all items mentioned were purchased with my own money.
TGO Challenge 2015: Reflections
My favourite picture, Creag nan Clachan Geala
I found this year’s TGO Challenge tougher than last year’s. Part of the reason was the route involved a bit less track walking and a bit more off piste. However, I think the main reason was the weather. We had a lot more rain than last year. While the air temperature wasn’t that cold, during most of the Challenge, there was a bitingly cold wind. After a while, it becomes energy (and heat) sapping.
The poor weather had an impact on clothing and washing. The logistics of getting clean socks began to dominate my thinking. The wet weather meant socks had little or no opportunity to dry out either in my boots or on my pack. Being able to launder them at hotels and B&Bs became a must. Hence, at Aviemore, I stayed at the Cairngorm Hotel rather than the camp site, so I could do some laundry. In future, I’d be tempted to take an extra pair (or two) of socks.
Sock washing obsession
The perishing wind also meant fewer opportunities to wash properly, so it was a bit more smelly than last year. I did have a small collapsible bowl to wash in the shelter of my tent, but often I just made do with a quick flannel rinse of my face and used some hand sanitising gel to get rid of body odour. I also used some lavender linen spray to mask the smell of my base layer and fleece.
Despite the more adverse conditions, I didn’t have any excessively long days and I was always finished before six o’clock. On no day did I feel shattered, so I think I paced myself well. Unfortunately, the snow conditions and weather meant I used my FWAs and stayed low, but that seemed sensible in the circumstances. Overall, I was pleased with my route, which had some outstanding walking and good camping spots.
Falls of Glomach
It’s difficult to pick out highlights, but I think the Falls of Glomach, Glen Markie, the Dulnain, the Water of Caiplich and Glen Tanar/Water of Allachy were scenic highlights. Seeing the eagles along the Dulnain was a thrill as well. In some ways, the changeable weather actually enhanced the majesty of the landscape. It’s difficult to capture in photos just how wonderful the landscape looks in rain and low cloud.
Glen Markie
This year felt an even more social experience than last year. This is strange because I reckon I spent around half the time walking on my own (more than last year). I think this is down to knowing more people and more time spent walking in groups (perhaps also the Cheese & Wine party).
I was particularly fortunate to walk with Emma for the first two days, who was good company. On several occasions I walked in groups with Lynsey, Carl, Andy, Gordon, Mick, Louise, John and Norma (not necessarily all at the same time). I walked with Dave and Graham a couple of times and the Rev. David. I also accompanied Bob and Rose and Martin and Keith briefly.
A merry band of Challengers
I think at the heart of the appeal of the Challenge is the opportunity to meet and walk with like-minded folk from all walks of life. For a solo walker like me, the ability to pick up with walking partners and swap and change as well as going solo is a great attraction. It’s not something that is achievable outside the Challenge.
I think this answers the question “why do the Challenge when you could walk across Scotland at any time?”. There seems to be a special bond between Challengers. Talk to almost anyone during the Challenge and after five minutes, it’s like you’ve been friends all your life. The best example is the night I spent in the bothy on the Dulnain with Paul and Wayne. Although we’d met very briefly, we’d hardly talked before. Yet within a few minutes we were having a laugh and a joke like we’d been friends all our lives. It was a brilliant and memorable evening.
Cheese & Wine
The other incident that sticks in my mind was when Louise fell over and injured her knee on the way to Ballater. Everyone rallied around to make sure she was ok and that she could continue. Carl patched her up and we redistributed some of her pack amongst us. Later that evening, everyone checked what her route would be the next day so she wouldn’t be walking alone.
The troops rally round Louise
The phrase “the Challenge family” is much used and here it was in action. I’m sure that most Challengers will have similar examples, even on this year’s Challenge. In a generally selfish world, the Challenge exhibits a different and uplifting ethos. In my view, its espoused aim of “fostering fellowship among walkers” was amply demonstrated this year (and on previous Challenges). I hope this defining characteristic of the Challenge continues for as long as the event exists.
Will I do the Challenge next year? You’d better ask my wife that question! The deal this year is that she gets the veto for future Challenges. For her, me being away for over two weeks is arguably a bigger challenge than me walking across Scotland, given her health. It may be that I have to wait three years until our daughter has finished university and is back home. We’ll see.
I definitely hope I can do it again. I shall miss all the people I’ve met on my Challenges, but look forward to seeing them again in the not too distant future. If you’re wondering whether to do the Challenge, if you can afford the time, you should give it a go. Only by participating will you understand its magic.
A sociable finish
TGO Challenge 2015: Statistics
For those of a statistical bent, here’s some stats on my 2015 TGO Challenge, with a summary comparison with my 2014 Challenge.
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The overall distance was just shy of 300km, 26.5km longer than my 2014 Challenge. In terms of total ascent, 2015 was very similar to 2014. My original plan was for much more climbing but I had to use my FWAs because of weather and snow.
In terms of time actually walked, I walked nearly 10 hours longer. However, my average speed was very similar. I walked a bit more off piste on this Challenge, so that’s not a bad effort. All timings are approximate and are actual walking time (subtracting an estimate for lunch/snack stops).
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Just for a bit of fun, I’ve made some charts of key measures. Looking at daily distance, in the middle of the walk (days 4-9 inclusive), I was more consistent than last year by walking 23-26km per day. Last year, I had some shorter days interspersed. This section largely accounts for the greater overall distance. The daily time chart reflects a similar consistency. The ascent chart is remarkably similar.
This year, I definitely felt more tired, although I never felt trashed at the end of any day. I think I paced myself reasonably well. I put the tiredness down to the less benign weather, especially the sapping cold wind. It’s also possible that last year I benefited from the interspersing of short and long days, giving my body more time to recover.
Looking at the daily distance walked, it strikes me that my first three days were sensibly modest, giving my body time to adjust. I then put in some decently long days to break the back of the walk before having a more relaxed time from day 10 onwards. That strikes me as a nicely paced Challenge.
I had six days where I walked over 25km. Of those, four I walked solo. Overall, I walked seven days mainly or totally solo. I guess it’s not surprising that you tend to walk further when going solo. You can go at your own pace and lunch/snack stops tend to be shorter.
I don’t think there any startling conclusions to draw from these figures, but they will help with future planning. It’s interesting that my walking speed has been consistent between the two years. I might do a bit more analysis (for my own benefit) on how ascent affects speed, time and distance. On a higher level route, ascent would be a key variable.
TGO Challenge 2015: Summary
This is a summary page for my 2015 TGO Challenge to help you navigate through the posts of my trip more easily. Each day will open in a separate window. I’ve also added some associated pages.
Getting to the start
Day 1: Dornie to Falls of Glomach
Day 2: Falls of Glomach to Loch Affric
Day 3: Loch Affric to Cul Dubh
Day 4: Cul Dubh to Ft Augustus
Day 5: Ft Augustus to Glen Markie
Day 6: Glen Markie to Dulnain Bothy No.1
Day 7: Dulnain Bothy No. 1 to Aviemore
Day 8: Aviemore to Water of Caiplich
Day 9: Water of Caiplich to near Tullochmacarrick
Day 10: near Tullochmacarrick to Ballater
Day 11: Ballater to Water of Allachy
Day 12: Water of Allachy to Tarfside
Day 13: Tarfside to North Water Bridge
Day 14: North Water Bridge to Kinnaber Links
TGO Challenge 2015: Day 14
North Water Bridge to Kinnaber Links
Distance: 11.7km
Ascent: 117m
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The last morning dawned with the pitter patter of rain. To the last, the weather was alternating between glorious sunshine and rain. My orignal plan was to finish at Tangleha’. However, the tea shop had closed in St Cyrus and JJ promised a sumptuous repast at the garden centre near Kinnaber Links. This proved irresistible to a group of us, so off we trooped with the prospect of food dangled in front of us.
From North Water Bridge to Kinnaber
Mick and I struck out in the lead. It was a straightforward road walk to Hillside. The weather wasn’t too bad with some light showers. The cafe was very good and suitably refreshed, our weary band made it through the dunes of Kinnaber Links and to the sea.
Kinnaber Links
It was lovely to finish with a crowd of Challengers. Photos were taken and congratulations dispensed. I think this year was tougher than last year, mainly because the weather was more unsettled and the almost constant cold wind, which, at times, was quite sapping. However, overall, it was a very enjoyable crossing and a very social one. I’ll post some further thoughts at a later date.
The finish
TGO Challenge 2015: Day 13
Tarfside to North Water Bridge
Distance: 27.0km
Ascent: 166m
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Today was largely a repeat of last year. I decided that, unlike many Challengers, I wouldn’t have breakfast at The Retreat, in order to get to Edzell in good time for lunch at the Tuck Inn.
Tarfside and River North Esk
While it’s a lovely walk down the North Esk river, it was all quite familiar, so I didn’t dawdle.
Rocks of Solitude and river walk into Edzell
Like most Challengers I took the Rocks of Solitude/Blue Door walk. It was every bit as lovely as last year. Unlike last year, I took the river walk into Edzell, rather than the road. This was an unexpected pleasure and every bit as good as the Rocks of Solitude.
Edzell to North Water Bridge
I seemed to be the first to arrive at the Tuck Inn. The waitress asked me whether there were any other Challengers behind me. I assured there would be plenty. After a good lunch, I girded my loins for the trudge to the North Water Bridge camp site.
I was one of the first at the camp site, so I nabbed a spot in a quiet corner and took a shower before the hordes arrived. Most arrived around tea time. Later, there was an impromptu birthday party for Lynsey with cake. Yum. I decided to have a relatively early night and left the revellers to it.
TGO Challenge 2015: Day 12
Water of Allachy to Tarfside
Distance: 16.4km
Ascent: 569m
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The disadvantage of pitching in the woods was that the flysheet was very wet both inside and outside in the morning. The morning sun didn’t reach me until I was nearly packed, so I had to wipe down the tent to get rid of as much moisture as I could.
Water of Allachy
I resumed my walk up the Water of Allachy with dappled sunshine through the trees. Again it was a delightful stroll. I reached the ford where I’d pencilled in a camp. Instead of passing by, I had a poke around, looking for camping spots for future reference. It was a really nice place to camp, but would have been wetter than my pitch by the pony hut.
Ford at Water of Allachy
The next task was a short climb to regain the Firnmounth Road. However, there was a short shower, so I hid under a tree before resuming my walk. While the track was clear, it was boggy in a few places as it climbed out of the forest. Beyond the tree line, the cold wind resumed its assault. Looking north, I could see various wintry showers making their way across the hills.
Firnmouth Road
After a short pull up to Craigmanhandle, it was out on to the open moorland, with no shelter from the winds and showers. As a precaution, I put on my waterproofs. The path was easy to follow but very wet in places. On the summit of Tampie, I was treated to a squally snow shower.
Firnmounth Road to Tampie
Once over Tampie, the snow stopped and I started the descent to Tarfside. Initially it was quite steep, but soon the incline abated, making for a pleasant walk with some extensive views. I seemed to be surrounded by showers, but fortunately none touched me. At Shinfur, I was tempted to take a quick lunch stop, but the skies darkened and I pushed on.
Way to Tarfside
I reached Tarfside by two o’clock. I decided to pitch my tent before visiting St Drostan’s. Like last year, I pitched down by the river to avoid the crowds. I wandered up to St Drostan’s for a bacon butty, cake and tea. I booked in for the evening meal.
Tarfside
On my way back out I bumped into James who was going to see Chrissie and her dog Tilly in her camper van which was parked in the layby near the green, so I tagged along. It was good to meet Chrissie at last. The evening meal was very convivial. Afterwards I wandered back to the tent and then to the Mason’s Arms for a bit of socialising.
TGO Challenge 2015: Day 11
Ballater to Water of Allachy
Distance: 18.8km
Ascent: 266m
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I wasn’t expecting much from today’s walk, but, despite the weather it turned out to be rather good. I left the hotel just after nine o’clock. On the green outside the church, I met Lynsey, Carl and Louise. After a quick natter, I walked past the recently burnt out station 😦 and found the cycle track to Dinnet, which is part of the Deeside Way.
Ballater Station and Deeside Way
While not desperately exciting as a walk, it did have the merit of being refreshingly flat and was quiet enough for a variety of wildlife to frequent. There were lots of rabbits along the way. There were also Lapwings, one of which buzzed me several times. A little way down the former railway track I bumped into Hugh and Barbara, who I’d met last year briefly. They were going quite slowly, so I pushed on ahead.
Deeside Way to Dinnet
About half way to Dinnet, it began to rain, so it was on with the waterproofs and up with the umbrella. I was rather pleased with myself as I rigged up a hands free umbrella system using the chest strap of my rucksack. It worked really well, especially as I was sheltered from any wind. It made what might have been a rather miserable walk into quite a pleasant one despite the weather.
By the time I got to Dinnet, it was raining quite hard, so I called in to the Loch Kinord Hotel for some lunch. The hotel staff were very welcoming. Soon, Hugh and Barbara came in, followed by Brenda and another couple of Challengers whose names I didn’t get. I had an excellent lunch and two pots of tea. I was first in but last out. By the time I left the rain had eased somewhat.
Dinnet to Glen Tanar
I left the Deeside Way to follow roads and tracks to Glen Tanar. I saw absolutely no one along the way. This was fortunate as two pots of tea had caused me to over hydrate and I had to stop an embarrassing number of times for comfort breaks.
Glen Tanar (Tourist Information Centre and St Lesmo’s Chapel)
By the time I reached the Tourist Information Centre, the rain had resumed again in earnest. There was still no wind, so the hands free umbrella experiment continued. I passed St Lesmo’s Chapel, declined to take the Firnmouth Road to press on to the Water of Allachy. Despite the rain, the walk up Glen Tanar and the Water of Allachy was quite delightful.
Glen Tanar and the Water of Allachy
Unfortunately, my pictures really don’t do it justice. In good weather it must be a magical walk. Even in bad weather it was beautiful. After a mile or so, I began to consider pitches. There were several places where it was possible to camp, but I decided to continue to a building marked on the map in the expectation there might be some flat ground suitable for camping there.
Water of Allachy pony hut
Right on cue, into view came a hut. It had a decent piece of flat ground in front of it, which wasn’t water-logged. Even better, the door wasn’t locked. Inside it looked like it was a hut to stable horses or ponies. There was a bench for my rucksack. I could put the tent up outside and unpack my stuff in the dry before transferring to the tent. Perfect.
It was a great place to camp. It was sheltered from any wind and water was readily available yards away. The only downside was the drips from the trees. After I had dinner, the skies brightened and I was treated to some sunshine. It had been a surprisingly satisfying day despite the weather.
TGO Challenge 2015: Day 10
Near Tullochmacarrick to Ballater
Distance: 15.1km
Ascent: 219.m
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Today was always going to be a bit of a stroll. As I was booked into the Alexandra Hotel, there seemed no point in rushing to get to Ballater early. Consequently, I was the last to leave our camping spot. Also the wind and sun had a chance to dry my tent. Looking at the higher hills, there had been a fresh fall of snow overnight.
Tullochmacarrick to Gairnshiel Lodge
As I finished packing, John and Norma appeared on the track. They didn’t recognise me in my bright yellow windproof! As I climbed up to the track, Lynsey, Carl and Louise appeared, so we formed a little group to go to Ballater. From Tullochmacarrick. I led the way as I’d been this way last year. We avoided last year’s boggy path by following an unmarked track by the river.
Just beyond Gairnshiel Lodge, on the main road, Louise tripped over and gashed her knee. Fortunately Carl lept into action as First Aider. We redistributed some of Louise’s gear between us and Louise bravely continued.
On the way to Ballater
From the A393 to Lary, the route took us along some farm tracks and lanes. Tomnavey was a strange place. Everywhere there were rusting abandoned bikes and motor vehicles minus wheels in the oddest places. The lane above Tomnavey was rather more picturesque, as was the walk to Inverenzie. Just beyond Lary, John, Norma and I decided to have some lunch, while the others carried on.
To Ballater and socks drying
After a pleasant laze in the sunshine, it was onwards to Ballater. When we got to the main road into Ballater, instead of following it, we followed the old railway line, which runs below the road. It was a delightful walk, much better than the road. In Ballater, John and Norma went to their B&B while I carried on to the Alexandra Hotel.
My room was ready. Before putting my feet up, I did my washing and put it on the radiator to dry. In the evening, I had a meal with the Rev. David before we both repaired to the bar for a convivial evening with Louise, Carl, Lynsey, Andy, Jayme and Peter.
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