TGO Challenge Route

The TGO Challenge is one month away. I actually leave for Scotland in less than a month. I've got most everything sorted out but some things remain to be dealt with. Fortunately one thing that has long since been settled is my route plan. Since this is my first Challenge hike and my first solo hike in the United Kingdom I have selected a route that is reletively low-level and also fairly popular. While some of the distances are a bit daunting given that I'm right now in so-so shape my real concern is navigation rather than physical limitations of my body. Will I lose my way and head off on some sheep path that takes me away from where I want to go? Will I have troubles finding my way in and out of the towns I pass through? I am more apt to find sub-optimal routes than most people and this will impact upon my trip if it happens often. Having said all this I am still looking forward to the adventure I know is awaiting me.

Date	DAYS ITINERARY WITH FOUL WEATHER ALTERNATIVES (if needed)	OS SHEET	DISTANCE (km)	ASCENT (m)	OVERNIGHT HALT
FRI 9 MAY	Loch Duich Hotel - camban - Alltbeithe Youth Hostel	33	27	700	Alltbeithe YH
	FWA Shiel Bridge – camban - Alltbeithe Youth Hostel	33	19	650	Alltbeithe YH
SAT 10 MAY	Alltbeithe YH - Cougie	33	19	550	Cougie (camp)
SUN 11 MAY	Cougie - Bealach Feith na Gamhna - (244 200 path to 253 187 – across moor 120°/3.5km to pylon track at 292 115 then follow paths) - Fort Augustus	33,34	24	700	probably camp
MON 12 MAY	Fort Augustus - Melgarve - Garva Bridge	34,35	27	1000	camp
TUE 13 MAY	Garva Bridge – Sherrabeg – Drumgask Fm – Catlodge – Mains of Glentrum – Phones – Lubleathann - Kingaussie	35	31	600	hotel/B&B/inn type – not sure where yet
WED 14 MAY	Kingussie - Ruigh-aiteachain Bothy	35	16	300	Ruigh-aiteachain Bothy
THU 15 MAY	Ruigh-aiteachain Bothy – White Bridge (via Mullach Clach a Bhlair – River Eidart (916944), follow river to waterfall at 913887 and follow path east from there to White Bridge).	35,42,43	28	700	camp
	FWA Ruigh-aiteachain Bothy – White Bridge (along footpath)	35, 42, 43	22	400	camp
FRI 16 MAY	White Bridge - Braemar	43	15	100	lodge
SAT 17 MAY	Braemar - Gelder Shiel - Spittfal of Glennmuick - Shielin of Mark Bothy	43, 44	27	1100	Shielin of Mark Bothy
SUN 18 MAY	Shielin of Mark Bothy -Invermark Castle – Tarfside	44	18	400	Tarside green
MON 19 MAY	Tarfside - Cairncross – Wester Aucheen – Blackcraig – Water of Dye - Charr Bothy	44, 45	15	650	Charr Bothy
TUES 20 MAY	Charr Bothy – Spital Cott – Bridge of Dye – Heatheryhaugh – Kerlock Cairn -Glennskinnan – Stonehouse – Mergie – Snob Cott – Bossholes – Cheyne Hill – Blairs – Home Fm - Dunnottar Castle	45	38	750	not sure
	FWA Charr Bothy – Mergie (use if late in day)	45	25	600	camp
WED 21 MAY	FWA Mergie – Dunnottar Castle	45	13	150	not sure
THU 22 MAY
FRI 23 MAY
Notes: Foul Weather Alternatives (FWA) can also just be alternatives depending on how I feel. Though I note many bothy stays I am just as likely to camp out at the bothy instead of staying inside the bothy proper. Keep in mind that most time an ascent has a corresponding descent.