Welcome to trail

Moments enjoyed, lessons learned, the strange thoughts that only happen on a walk: welcome to the bits and pieces that don’t make big stories, but do make a difference.

I am lying hip-deep in a peat bog looking up at the grey, ominous sky and pondering my life choices. My backpack is so heavy with all my food, water and camping gear that I can’t actually get up. I am

Want to cycle 1,000 miles across rugged Scottish terrain, climbing more than twice the height of Everest? Oh, and it’s totally unsupported. Then try the Trans Alba race: you don’t have to be mad to do it, but it probably helps!

YOUR MOUNTAIN SNAPS & TALES FROM THE TRAILS

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

Seasoned bikepacker and route guide Markus Stitz shares the six cycling destinations he rates as the very best in the world