The Tour de Trigs is acclaimed as the UK’s toughest non-stop cross-country navigation competition. It takes place in and around north Oxfordshire, south Warwickshire and south Northamptonshire on December 3 and 4.
There are three options for teams of three people:
- 50-mile event in less than 24 hours.
- 30-mile event in less than 15 hours.
- 15-mile have-a-go event called the Taster Hike.
What is the Tour de Trigs?
Launched in 1964 by a group of local Rover Scouts, the Tour de Trigs Walking Competition takes its name from the Tour de France cycle race.
The aim is to navigate across north Oxfordshire, south Warwickshire and south Northamptonshire countryside ticking off checkpoints – many are Trig points – with the aim of completing in the set time of 24 hours.
Because the event takes place in December, there is limited daylight and the weather is very unpredictable.
The terrain is likely to be soggy, wet and muddy and across a variety of countryside including ploughed fields, hills and some paths.
The route is revealed only 30 minutes before the race starts and navigation skills are a major part of the event.
Walkers take part in the Tour de Trigs.
A spokesperson for the Tour de Trigs says: “It’s a tough event for many reasons, including the time of year, the terrain, route finding and the limited daylight in December.
“No more than 30 per cent of teams have ever completed the route and participants require stamina, determination, navigational skills and good team work.”
What are trigs?
Trig is short for Triangulation Point, or Trig Point. Trigs were installed across the UK from 1936 onwards. These trigs allowed surveyors to attach theodolite equipment for charting the lay of the land. The results were used to create the original OS maps. See Trig bagging.
In the year that OS celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first trig (triangulation point), the Tour de Trigs offers the 47th outing of this challenging event.
Take on a new challenge: Tour de Trigs
Tour de Trigs details
Teams must comprise three people.
Each member of the team must be 15 years or over on the day of the hike, or 14 years for the 30 mile Hike.
Entry costs £27 for adults; £20 for under 18s; £12 for Taster Hike. After October 30, cost is £30/£25/£15.
The race starts at 9 am from Warriner School, Bloxham, near Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Trophy awards are given to the fastest team, oldest team, fastest ladies team, fastest mixed team amongst numerous others. Certificates are awarded for all who complete their chosen hike and for those covering 35 miles or more in the 50 mile event.
To find out more see Tour de Trigs and on Twitter @TourdeTrigs