The Outdoors Station - Audio

One of the best known characters of the Challenge is Alan Sloman who always seems to be at the heart of any of the many social gatherings which take place during the crossing. This year he had somehow managed to combine the traverse of Scotland with a Lands End to John O'Groats walk for charity. A total of over 1600 miles. Of course, once he had finished the Challenge he then had to walk back to the West coast to reach his goal. This full length interview covers all aspects of his trip, the mental, the physical, the environment and of course, the gear!

While Andy and Kate enjoy a restful start to their day off, our damp little group gather ourselves together before heading into Braemar for some well earned refreshments. Once in town we naturally head for the Fife Arms, and meet up with other challengers Peter Shepherd, Colin Ibbotson and David Albon.

Andy starts the day by sharing the beauty of Glen Feshie, while we pack up and leave Martin to head via the Burma Road to Aviemore. We have one last brew stop before we arrive in town and hit the shops. The following day I have to say farewell to a tearful Rose and continue on my own in the hope of meeting Lee Wells and Tony Bone. Eventually we make it to Derry Lodge and look for sheltered spot away from the brewing storm.

Andy and Kate start from Laggan, while Rose and I cross Loch Ness early in the morning before heading into the Monaghliath Mountains via Errogie. On route we meet Martin Banfield and Ian Cotterill and share a few miles with them and end the day at a lovely riverside camping spot where do a bit of a gear review.

A day of rest for us and an easy day for Andy and Kate. Interviews with Mountain Guide Richard Kermode, Challengers Ian Gillies snr, Ian Gillies jnr, John Watson, Lee Wells and Tony Bowe. Plus we chat to locals Drumnadrochit B&B owner Laurence Selleck and the Loch Ness Ferryman Gordon Menzies.

Day four and we are all on our way now, settling into the trip and doing battle with the ticks. Includes interviews with other challengers Maurice Gray, Ant Cathcart, Peter Goodwin, Jonathon Smith and Susanne Monka.

Day three of the challenge and the cold wind starts to bite! Shoulders ache and feet start to get sore. Includes interviews with Gill Blair the warden at the remotest YH in the UK and Darren Christie and his timely rescue.

The last in our series from the huge outdoor trade fair in Germany. This time we have interview with Square Peg (Care Plus), Blue Desert, Body Glide, Eberhard Gooble, Totseat and Sprayway. A packed show full of atmosphere!

Yet more from the big trade fair in Germany. This time we have interviews with Steripen, Coup at Golite about the new tents and footwear and Lighthiker Roman Ackl, for his impressions of the show.

Just back from the huge trade fair in Germany. This podzine includes interviews with Silk Body, Klattermusen, Vargo Outdoors and Sat Map regarding the forthcoming 2008 products!

Bob and Andy once again venture out into the wilds of Wales, for a coastal tarp and bivvy adventure. Sleeping under the stars, living off the land and catching fresh fish is the aim. On route someone steals their perfect camping spot. How will they cope and who is this person anyway?

Part two from 'The Tale of Two Podcasters' where 2 couples are walking across Scotland as part of the Rab TGO Challenge. Andy and Kate enjoy a good first day and night, whereas Bob and Rose begin the first of many battles with the infamous Scottish 'Midge' on their second day.

The podcast everyone has been waiting for! Andy Howell chats to Colin Ibbotson the lightest man on the recent 2 week TGO Challenge at 3.7kg, and Roman Ackl (Lighthiker from Germany) about the practicalities and safety issues of hiking lightweight in Northern Europe.

We may have been moaning about our weather pattern at the moment, but spare a thought for the people in Antarctica, who a half way through their period of 105 days without daylight. A privilege to speak with Peter Milner - Winter Base Commander at the Halley Base, about living and surviving at the end of the world!

The tale of two podcasters Andy Howell and Bob Cartwright, walking across Scotland on the 2007 TGO Challenge begins with interviews with other challengers Micheal Osborne, Mick Guest, James Greig and Dorothy Pearson owner of the Plockton Hotel. In this episode, we arrive at our respective start points and prepare ourselves for the forthcoming trip.