I've just completed part one of the start of my TGO Challenge; and that is getting the route sorted out.
As a first timer; it is suggested that you do a low level route, so I have kept to this and made the route as such.
I did have two starting points but have gone with the one that I feel is the easier start for me, although it doesn't seem that easy to get to.
As usual I've used digital maps to plan the route but this time using a different software package namely Quo. I went with this one as I needed to update the two other software packages I already had, Anquet and Fugawi both of these are a long way out of date.
To update either of these two worked out quite expensive, but Quo allows you to buy 25K tiles and the cost of buying these for the route I had, worked out to less than £10.
After using Quo for a couple of weeks, it turn out to be a very easy program to use, much easier than both Anquet and Fugawi. The printing of the actual maps is much better and shows exactly what part and what scale you are printing at; unlike Fugawi.
The only problem I have had with the route is working out the map numbers to include on the route sheet, as digital maps don't have this infomation in/on them and to be honest I have never used map number since going digital.
Next thing is to send the route off for vetting and find out if there is anything wrong with it.
I'm also a first time TGOer, and have been playing around with Quo2. The only annoying feature of Quo2 is the minimum of 6 tiles per purchase. My first purchase missed off 1 tile I needed, so in order to get it I had to order another 6 in total. I also got the OS paper maps since they will be going with me anyway. I know they advise a low level route but I live in Holland, so I've really had enough of that kind of walk...
ReplyDeleteI'm going to start at Strathcarron and head east to Drumnadrochit, Aviemore,Braemar and Montrose. Bring on those mountains !
Remember that in Scotland even a low-level route is committing, and..... blah blah blah, you'll have a great time! Looking forward to meeting you (both) at some point on the journey.
ReplyDeleteI think they has to sell in a minimum of six to make money.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm putting in a low level I still may change it as the journey progresses.
Its fun planning a Challenge. Low level is less than 12 Munro's. Go on do one or two on the way and enjoy the views. Do as Mr Sloman does and plan good weather high level alternatives.
ReplyDelete@ Geoff - LOL :)
ReplyDeleteGeorge that answers one of my questions about Quo, think I'll take another look at this. That said I think Liam has Memory Map.
Another usefuil point is to print these out on that special paper that's water resistant and more durable.
BTW I look forward to seeing you guys along the way Braemar seems the most likely place by the look of it :)
ReplyDeleteHi George - there will be nothing 'wrong' with your route - the vetters are there to check that your route is 'do-able' and safe and they can make very helpful suggestions that make your route more enjoyable (one or two let you know where the really good pubs are and what beers they sell)
ReplyDeleteThey do like checking the accuracy of mileage and ascents though - as this generally shows how much care was put into creating the route.
Good luck with it fella - hope to see you in Braemar then!
Thanks guys :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't know what happened to my comment post there was a lot more in there. Forgetten half of it though :-( some of it was about the Cairngorms.
I still need to look into the maps, whether to take print out or 'proper' maps, I'm not sure about the water resistant paper, as I think you need to have waterproof ink to.
Congratulations on completing the route planning, I am a first-timer too and having just sent mine in am now hoping that the actual walking doesn't prove to be that taxing (said from prone position in a darkened room!).
ReplyDelete'Scottish Hill Tracks' has a map with OS numbers that helps some 'digital Challengers'.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to test the waterproofness of your maps printed on waterproof paper. My old Epson printer was fine using normal ink; my new Canon printer is not up to the job, so an A4 Ortlieb case will come with me in 2010. I'll still use waterproof paper as it's so much nicer to handle than the laminated maps I used on my first challenge.
Recommend a larger scale (eg 1:50000 printed at 1:100000) backup in case of map loss or major diversion from plan.
Have fun!