The Great Outdoors Challenge 2014 - Ready To Go

Maps printed, food sorted, pack packed (just!) - I'm ready to head off later today for Plockton and the start of my 15th TGO Challenge and the 35th Challenge in total (and I was on the first!). 

For the first time in many years I'm not going alone but will be with Tony Hobbs on his first ever Challenge. Indeed, his first ever backpacking trip in the Scottish Highlands. I've planned what I think is a scenic route showing some of the best the Highlands have to offer. I hope Tony agrees. There's quite a few summits involved - whether we climb those will partly depend on the weather.

As has been the norm in recent years the forecast for the first few days is for rain, more rain and wind plus snow and sleet on the summits. But it doesn't sound as savage as on the last Challenge I did two years ago (see this post). As usual I have a fair bit of gear to test, including a waterproof jacket - I should soon find out if it's as good as it looks - plus pack and sleeping bag.

En route I hope to post updates when I can find some wi-fi - here if I can and also on Twitter and Facebook.