tgo magazine live letters archive

I've not done any walking in Scotland, but I'm planning two 3/4 backpacking trips to Knoydart/Cairngorms next year, so hopefully that would be enough experience. Or does it require more? Also most of my walking (mainly Lakes/Snowdonia) has been day walks. Is that a problem (I'm reasonably fit)?

I`m in a similar position, did the WHW back in '01 but thats my only scottish experience. I don't get much past the Peaks either these days. But I do think that a low-level would fit in with my style of backpacking.

On another point if I wanted to do is as a two-person team do I need to put the other person on the application form or do they send in their own.

Reason for asking is; my mate is away on holidays, won't be back for a couple of weeks and has't really commited himself to the challenge either. And I`d like to get my app in as so as possible.

BW

Bad Wolf – your buddy can send his form in separately if need be though indicate on your form that that is happening if you want your names to go together into any draw that might happen for places. Otherwise, if the co-ordinator doesn't know about it you might find one of you is "in" and one "ain't"!

Robin - ice axe skills might come into the equation if, as has happened in the past, there's a late freeze and a dump of snow. When this has happened people usually use their heads and divert to the low level routes; it's only if it happens while you're camped on the Cairngorm plateau, for example, that you might have a problem!

Please don't let any inexperience in such matters put you off applying; if a route vetter thinks you're getting out of your depth regarding routes and abilities, they'll simply advise you accordingly.

For that reason it's best (and safest) to be honest about your experience and abilities on the application form.

To anyone having doubts about applying for the Challenge I say go for it! It's the friendliest backpacking event out there, and crossing Scotland's finest scenery in a fortnight is one of the finest adventures you could have. You'll never forget the highpoints ... you could only ever regret not applying!

My form has gone in and my fingers are X'd................! There's a first time for everything!!!