This MP3 CD-Rom is the complete collection of podcasts (audio radio programs) from the 2007 TGO Challenge where Rose and I, and Andy and Kate both took small portable digital recorders with us on our respective 200 miles routes, when walking from West coast to East coast as part of the TGO Challenge. This is an annual event which takes place in May of each year and is limited to 300 participants.
The TGO Challenge isn't a competition, just a personal challenge and each person can make it as hard or as comfortable as they wish. Some camp all the way, some use B&B's, most do a combination of both and this makes the objective of the event, to promote good fellowship amongst hikers, the main appeal. As each walker weaves their way from the many starting points either on a low route or high route, from one side to the other, they invariably meet others on the way and by the end of the 200 mile journey, the casual meetings have become those of good friends, with a common bond.
All the MP3 files on this CD-Rom are of a much higher quality than the downloaded files found elsewhere on this site. The total running time is more than 600 minutes / 10 hours and hopefully it shares the highs and lows of our trip. However it isn't just our thoughts, but also those of many people we meet on route, who live and work in the area.
Part One - Introduction
The tale of two podcasters Andy Howell and Bob Cartwright, walking across Scotland on the 2007 TGO Challenge begins with interviews with other challengers Micheal Osborne, Mick Guest, James Greig and Dorothy Pearson owner of the Plockton Hotel in the beautiful coastal village of Plockton. In this episode, we arrive at our respective starting points and prepare ourselves for the forthcoming trip.
Part Two - Bugs!
Andy and Kate enjoy a good first day and night, finding a great camping spot, whereas Bob and Rose begin the first of many battles with the infamous Scottish 'Midge' on their second day. Will this set the tone of the trip this year?
Part Three - It all starts to hurt!
Day three of the challenge and the cold wind starts to bite! Shoulders ache and feet start to get sore. Includes interviews with Gill Blair the warden at the remotest YH in the UK and full story of Darren Christie who fell ill in a remote spot and thanks to another Challenger, had a timely rescue.
Part Four - More bugs!
Day four and we are all on our way now, settling into the trip and doing battle with the ticks. Includes interviews with other
challengers Maurice Gray, Ant Cathcart, Peter Goodwin, Jonathon Smith and Susanne Monka.
Part Five - A welcome day off
A day of rest for us and an easy day for Andy and Kate. Interviews with Mountain Guide Richard Kermode, Challengers Ian Gillies snr, Ian Gillies jnr, John Watson, Lee Wells and Tony Bowe. Plus we chat to some locals at Drumnadrochit, B&B owner Laurence Selleck and the Loch Ness Ferryman Gordon Menzies.
Part Six - Nessie!
Andy and Kate start from Laggan, while Rose and I cross Loch Ness early in the morning before heading into the Monaghliath Mountains via Errogie. On route we meet Martin Banfield and Ian Cotterill and share a few miles with them and end the day at a lovely riverside camping spot where do a bit of a gear review.
Part Seven - A sad farewell
Andy starts the day by sharing the beauty of Glen Feshie, while we pack up and leave Martin to head via the Burma Road to Aviemore. We have one last brew stop before we arrive in town and hit the shops. The following day I have to say farewell to a tearful Rose and continue on my own in the hope of meeting Lee Wells and Tony Bone. Eventually we make it to Derry Lodge and look for sheltered spot away from the brewing storm.
Part Eight - The Fife Arms
While Andy and Kate enjoy a restful start to their day off, our damp little group gather ourselves together before heading into Braemar for some well earned refreshments. Once in town we naturally head for the Fife Arms, and meet up with other challengers Peter Shepherd, Colin Ibbotson and David Albon.
Part Nine - Lands End to John O'Groats Challenger
One of the best known characters of the Challenge is Alan Sloman who always seems to be at the heart of any of the many social gatherings which take place during the crossing. This year he had somehow managed to combine the traverse of Scotland with a Lands End to John O'Groats walk for charity. A total of over 1600 miles. Of course, once he had finished the Challenge he then had to walk back to the West coast to reach his goal. This full length interview covers all aspects of his trip, the mental, the physical, the environment and of course, the gear!
Part Ten - The beauty of the Glens
We meet Andy and Kate on route to Loch Callater Lodge and then share the rest of the journey over Jocks Road to find a secluded little spot in the woods to camp for the night. After a good rest and food we chat about using lightweight gear on the Challenge. Loch Callater has to be one of the most charming glens you could ever wish to walk along.
Part Eleven - Tarfside
Finally we all arrive at the welcome haven of Tarfside and while we camp on the playing field, Andy and Kate take the soft option of warm beds and clean linen! In the hostel Andy has a very interesting chat with Rob Hausam who is hiking in sandles, while I catch up with Doug Scott, Beppe Valfre and Simone Pinzolo. The following day we head to The Retreat for a full breakfast before once again parting company and heading different ways to the coast.
Part Twelve - Almost there!
Andy and Kate have a moment of reflection on this their last night at Northwater Bridge camspite and consider how they feel about this years crossing. At Spittal Cott I empty out my bag and review each item in turn and discuss what I did and didn't use and which items I could do without for next time, passing on any tips where I can.
Part Thirteen - Getting our feet wet!
The final days walking involved navigating the notorious Fetteresso forest and the many misleading paths. However we finally make it to Stonehaven in one piece on a beautiful sunny day ready for the traditional paddle in the sea. Andy and Kate also complete their route to Montrose and relax on the campsite before enjoying the Wednesday night celebratory meal at the Park Hotel.
Part Fourteen - Conclusion and celebration meal
The Thursday night meal and celebration at the Park Hotel in Montrose, is where Challengers meet up with old friends to share their experiences, hear hiking stories and congratulate each other for completing the trip. A night of good humour, companionship and for making plans for next time. During this particular evening I talk with Craig Macpherson from Texas, Rolk Kerikoff from Holland, Peter Varley, Jennet Tenant, Christine Roach and Ann Ling and of course conclude with final words from event organizer Roger Smith.
NB: The CD-Rom also includes an interview with 'Coup' from Golite and the new 2008 range of lightweight shelters. Plus a small catalogue of their 2008 tents, rucksacks and sleeping bags.
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