The Great Outdoors – July 2019

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July 2019 The Great Outdoors 3

WELCOMEWELCOME

NEARLY EVERY YEAR for the past decade

I’ve made a trip to Montrose in late May, to

welcome in the 350 backpackers finishing

their TGO Challenge coast-to-coast hikes.

On a couple of occasions I’ve had the

opportunity to participate in the Challenge

myself – but in the years that wasn’t possible, the next best thing

was to celebrate with those who had.

This year was no exception. It was an honour to represent the

magazine at recent celebrations to mark the 40th event, alongside

TGO’s founding editor Roger Smith as well as gear editor Chris

Townsend and the man behind the Challenge, Hamish Brown.

Turn to page 20 to read all about it.

Editing The Great Outdoors brings many rewards. I always get a

buzz when a beautifully written feature or a stunning collection of

photographs lands in my inbox. It’s even more satisfying when

they arrive together! There is also huge satisfaction to be had in

seeing those words and pictures fully laid-out on the page,

accurately and vibrantly reflecting the experience their author had

out on the hill. Have a flick through the magazine to see some of

the latest examples.

Lochan nam Breac, photographed during

the TGO Challenge 2019 by Ian Cotterill

Towards a new era

I also love receiving reader photographs, and letters where

correspondents take the opportunity to share memories and debate

current outdoor issues. But it’s been interesting over recent years to

see how much of that debate has moved into the digital sphere. The

magazine now has as active a life online via http://www.tgomagazine.co.uk

and on social media channels as it does in print. If you’re not

already following TGO online, come and find us – details are in the

panel below.

This is my last edition as editor of The Great Outdoors. Next

month, Alex Roddie will briefly take over the chair before our new

editor, Carey Davies, steps into position. Many of you will

remember Carey as the magazine’s former assistant editor and more

recently as a brilliant columnist. Since leaving the magazine, he’s

done great things as Hillwalking Officer with the BMC. I have no

doubt he’ll do great things here at TGO too. In the meantime,

thanks to everyone who has contributed to the magazine under my

editorship. And thanks to you, for reading it.

Emily Rodway, Editor

@EmilyOutdoors

Photo: Ian Cotterill