We are also preparing for a first time crossing and have chosen a challenging route. I had a knee ligament strain not long ago, and must admit it has added a little too much excitement than was perhaps necessary to my challenge prep.

I don't think it will really kick in until we are at our overnighter before day 1, but there is something to be said for pushing out of your comfort zone and trying something a little different - and very few hikers put together whole routes over these sorts of distances, which is what attracted us to the TGO in the first place.

I've been collecting the last few bits of kit, and am currently dehydrating various meals to bring with me (some of them may even be edible). Expecting a heavier bag than I'd like, but being as it's a first crossing, I'm taking some additional items, and I'd rather not get the tarp out just yet.

Our route is fairly remote and high level, so we will see how the challenge develops, remain flexible, and we hope to meet many of you at the watering holes along the route!

Hi Tom,
Another first-timer, and like me you will be going high. We will be going out of our comfort zone :-)....

See you at the watering hole!

Andre

Hi Gavin,
I hope the recovery goes well! My path leads me from Strathcarron to St.Cyrus. Most of it is new territory for me, apart from Braemar where I have planned a glorious half-day rest :-).

Yesterday we had quite a bit fa hail over here, while the weather forecast for Scotland was quite good believe.

What's your route?


Andre

Hi Andre,

Our route starts in Shiel Bridge, through Glen Affric and over to Fort Augustus.

From there we hea over the Corrieyairick pass and then onto Newtonmore before crossing over to Glen Feshie and through to Braemar.

There on if its good weather we will climb over the hills from Glen Callater to Loch Muick and over to Tarfside, then heading down the Glen to Edzell and finishing in Montrose.

That sounds good... Ggreat, all those walkers fining the courage and the enjoyment for such an endeavour...

See you on the hills!

Andre

It sounds like some of you may be extremely close to us, with a Dornie start then the northern ridge of Glen Affric being our preferred stomping ground. After that our routes seem to converge. You won't miss us, huge packs, bandana and shiny silver walking poles with red stripes!

They make you go faster doncha'know