Preparation Post #1

Some people (Joyce, my buddies at work) have accused Amanda and I of completely misunderstanding the concept of "vacation".  🤣  This may be true, and there will no doubt be a few moments when we will be looking at each other (or refusing to look at each other) wondering why the hell we ever decided to do this again, but in exactly one month from today (May 5) Amanda and I will be taking our first few steps back in Scotland for The Great Outdoor Challenge (TGOC) 2026. For those that haven't heard us ramble on about this event in past blogs, it is a "self-supported Scottish coast-to-coast backpacking adventure walking on a route you create yourself". The details can all be found here: TGOC Website.  TGOC is not a competitive event. It is about being outside in nature, taking in the beautiful and diverse Scottish landscape, and meeting and talking to other friendly challengers. Although it can be a bit of a test, both physically and mentally, in the end it is a great way to make some wonderful memories.  This is why we are so excited to be heading back for our fourth crossing.  Despite the hardships of walking so far in a relatively short amount of time, we have nothing but fond memories of our previous Scottish adventures (see links in side bar on right).

Bragg Creek Road Loop Training Walk

Route:

Our route this year is going to look significantly different than previous years.  This year we will not be headed through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park which forms the eastern part of the Scottish Highlands, and is the geographical heart of Scotland itself.  This means we will not be passing through Kingussie/Aviemore, Braemar, Loch Callater Lodge, or Tarfside - all famous TGOC gathering points where the land funnels walkers into common locations, resulting in fun and memorable gatherings.  In all of our previous crossings we have stopped in all of these places on multiple occasions.  Our route this year will start in the western Highlands for four days of rugged mountain walking, and then be followed by eight days of coastal walking on the North Moray Coast.  I suspect the walking will be just as demanding but some of the things that will be a welcome change for us are:

• Coastal scenery - usually limited to the first and last days of our crossings
• More frequent little towns.  Once on the cost we will only have to carry one to two day's worth of food - this also means our meals will be more fresh and less freeze dried!
• Campgrounds instead of wild camping - shower every night, flat and tick-free tent pitches, laundry machines for sweaty gear
• Our route vetter indicated that at one point in the walk we would be on the Ice Cream Trail for the next three days.  Ice cream makes everything better!!!

You get the idea - we will have some creature comforts that weren't available on previous routes, and with Amanda and I nine years older than the first time we did a TGOC crossing we will really appreciate it!!

Our Proposed Route

Final route statistics:

• Total distance: 278 km (~23.2 km/day)
• Total ascent: 3,336 m (~275 m/day) - half of this elevation will be done in the first two days... 😱
• Longest day: 30.5 km - Day 12 (final day) Macduff to Fraserburgh
• 12 days: 4 wild camps, 1 B&B, 7 campgrounds

Gear:

No major changes for gear this year other than a few updates and one upgrade:

• Upgrade - We bought a second Exped Synmat so that we will both have comfort and warmth in the tent
• Update - New footwear for both of us.  Similar model/brand just new because our old stuff was worn out
• Update - This will be our first time in our new two-man tent which was purchased a few years ago.  Sam and I slept in it on TGOC 2024 and it held up very well.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX On Left (Mandy), Hoka Transport Hike GTX On Right (JM)

Training:

As for training, we don't have much planned.  Like with all other years, we are currently in shoulder season here in Alberta meaning a combination of snow, ice, and mud.  In addition, the winter gates are still closed, making many of the trails that would be suitable length and difficulty non-accessible.  We aren't too worried, though.  Between being active daily, doing a few road walks, and knowing that the crossing is more of a mental challenge than anything, we think we are up for the challenge!

That's about all for now.  I may post a second preparation update as we get closer, and if not we will start posting on Travel Day, and hopefully for 12 days after that!!  Thanks for following along if you do, and I hope you enjoy the adventure as much we plan to!!