26 highland sgòr gaoith

After crossing Scotland on foot following their own bespoke routes, graduates of the TGO Challenge Class of 2025 tell first-hand tales of heatwaves, high camps and bog-trotting through the landscape on this truly unique long-distance journey

■ Distance: 6 miles/9.7km ■ Time: 2½-3hours ■ Grade: Easy

■ Distance: 7½ miles/12km ■ Time: 3 hours ...

Stefan Durkacz traces an old rail route on a superb full-day walk

■ Distance: 7½ miles/12km ■ Time: 4-5 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

Jim Perrin raises our anticipation for the coming season, recalling the gleaming, glittering challenges of winter climbing in the Cairngorms