The Challenge is a coast-to-coast (west to east) hiking event that takes place in Scotland each May. For some years, the event has been limited to 300 participants and is oversubscribed, resulting in a draw for places. Apparently, there were over 400 applicants this year.
The challenge is to plan, provision, and execute the hike over 2 weeks. Each participant (or small group, max of 3 or 4 I think) has to arrive at a route across the country and submit it for evaluation by experienced 'Vetters'. Any high routes need to be accompanied by a FWA (Foul Weather Alternative) for safety reasons. Participants can camp every night, or if they choose a suitable route it must be possible to stay in a B&B each night. Most do a bit of both but mostly camping is the order of the day. I plan to meet up with family every 3-4 days on the way over, and otherwise wild camp every night.
Distance ranges around 300km depending on directness of route. In 2010 mine was 320km, so the average over 14 days (max days is actually 15) is about 23km per day. I had a rest day on the way over so the actual average is more like 25km. When planning, I start to get Leary when the planned day's walk goes over 30km. Given the terrain and possible conditions, that can be a hard ask. Better to add extra distance on the ground when things are running to plan.
Kit. Expecting to be lighter this trip. Last time, I used my Scarp1 tent, which was brilliant. This time I will either take the Notch which is about half the weight, or the Trailstar with a nest which in total is a little heavier than the Notch, but still a lot lighter than the Scarp. My only reservation on the Notch is in high winds which incidentally struck the 2011 and 1012 events.
Pack will be Mariposa Plus, I have a choice of sleeping bags and clothing, but I intend to walk in Paramo which is well suited to the local conditions. Jetboil will replace the SnowPeak 100 I used last time. Also, last time I carried significant recharging gear for GPS and phone, which turned out to be a complete faff and I won't be repeating that particular exercise. Instead of the Spot, I will have the InReach. I haven't sorted my kit list yet, but aiming for significant baseweight savings on my 2010 kit.Camera. In 2010 I carried my Lumix GF1 with 20mm and 7-14mm in a waist pouch. I recently managed to soak this camera which brought home just how easy that is to do, a few seconds is all it takes. The GF1 has survived after extensive sleeping bag drying but I'm playing with other possibilities at the moment. The OM-D is one of those under consideration, being 'weatherproof'.
My route is taking shape, I'm almost half way over on my first cut.
I'll update this thread as things progress.
I'm thinking of heading east (as you do on the Challenge) 
