Won't be long until the October issue appears in the shops with the entry forms for TGO Challenge 2011. It's almost decision time again...

Can I ask a really stupid question or two?

My understanding is that The Challenge is an unsupported walk, coast to coast across Scotland, from a number of designated start point to a virtual finishing line on the east coast. Why does it need to be organised or restricted in numbers? Could anybody not undertake this challenge at any time either during or out with the allotted 15 days? Could it not be be summarised in an email saying we're starting here on this date, and we'll all meet again over there in 12 days or so time?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking it, and I think it sounds a great adventure and a real challenge. I doff my hat to all those who have even attempted, let alone those who have completed it.

I'm guessing the Challenge was started to encourage folk to do it.
Of course you can do it yourself at any time. I've walked across Scotland a few times myself, but never ss part of the Challenge. I can't get the time off work then.
I always get someone to pick me up when i come out of the hills though. I don't fancy the last 20/30 miles of road walking!

MJ- Here's the story as far as I know it.

As an event the TGO challenge started back in 1980 and Hamish Brown was the man behind the concept, the Challenge has received TGO magazines supported since then.

My understanding is that the Challenge as an event is restricted for environmental, safety and administrative reasons to 300 participants each year, plus a number of people associated with the event. There's also numerous volunteers "backstage" who give their time freely, ensuring the Challenge cogs run smoothly, from vetting routes to making bacon butties and staffing the control centre. It is also renowned for its sociability and camaraderie, and you will always find your fellow-Challengers willing to help in any way they can. If the event is too big or small this magical bit won't really happen! But as Mike points out you can do it yourself at any time, its just a different experience and that has its own merits too. Its all about walking your life and being out there.

Roger Smith is the main man to talk to, a TGO Challenge Jedi Master. He's the event co-ordinator and you'll get a lot more sense from him.

Cameron you naughty tinker, you've got me all excited at the thought of it! Just a few weeks to go until that coveted October issue hits the news agents shelves. The wife says I can go if I'm able to take my Llamas. Does Roger have rules about Llamas on the Challenge???=]

I'm guessing the Challenge was started to encourage folk to do it.
Of course you can do it yourself at any time. I've walked across Scotland a few times myself, but never ss part of the Challenge. I can't get the time off work then.
I always get someone to pick me up when i come out of the hills though. I don't fancy the last 20/30 miles of road walking!

MJADAMS. It,s the event that matters in the end and the taking part.
You can run a solo marathon,Great North Run.Coast to Coast etc..
But to take part in an event with like minded people is the
Utimate Challenge, as was the title of the fist few TGO,s.