HT550 Wrap up 

Day 7 - Big smiles all round

Day 6 - The two hares

Day 4: FKTs and Festering Feet

Day Three: Cor Blimey.

Day 2 

DAY 1

Alice's 2024 Race Preview

Lee Craigie's Route Preview

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/e2DN8B64LO42bDKa3bjhG/2a30ff7eaaf20d5b4058313f116f526c/image.png)

*Eliza Barrie - aged 20 youngest female to finish the route!*

Well hells bells, what a year for the HT550 it's been! As the final rider Emily Scott finished last night this years HT550 draws to a close. 76% finish rate, 21 women and 27 men, incredible stuff!

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1TIrGvg9UEZCV7cGjR7Hok/d7587e485d46a5946a873fc07df05694/image.png)

*Emily Scott - the final rider in!*

The mens FKT fell AGAIN, is that the third year running?? While the womens record - Ol' Lee Craigies holds for yet another year, despite Kerry Macphee giving it a bloody good go and becoming the second women ever to go sub 4 days. Other mentions go to Eliza Barrie, at just 20 the youngest ever women to finish. Shell not quite the oldest, but a finish that meant a lot none the less. The likes of Rob Waller coming back for a 7th finish demonstrating that the HT550 really does get under peoples skin.

I asked Alan if he had any words for the dotwatching community:

*"I'd just like to thank all the riders for their kind words of support and for appreciating my version of what the perfect bikepacking race should be, hike-a-bikes and all!  HT550 is all about community and I hope that everyone, men, women, from the fastest to the slowest, felt welcome and an equal in that community."*

Which I think is absolutely bloody lovely, and you can see why the Highland Trail has become the established and highly respected race that it is with Alan at the helm. Even though Alan couldn't race this year, he was there on the ground following the dots, catching stories and smiles throughout, and you could tell he genuinely cared about each and every rider. Thank you Alan for creating what you have, and I hope I speak for everyone when I say we are all truely grateful to you! 

Riders continue to trickle in with 36 now finished, 7 likely to finish tonight and the final 6 tomorrow if not early Sunday! 

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Big shout out to Mike Sheldrake 'Shell' who's name will now find its rightful place on the finishers list after 5 years of trying. His ride was all looking a little to smooth... but then he posted on instagram that his cranks had failed 6 miles from the finish, so he resigned himself to just a bit more walking. I felt genuinely quite emotional watching Shells dot slowly reach the finish, knowing what it meant to him and that this was it. He's also said this will be his last Highland Trail, even though we're all hoping we'll get to bump into him on the trail for years to come. A true legend of the sport. Huge congratulations Shell!

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5VN9fMmZPP1tce5HRiRvyC/4c0a011c05fa11029ef12f918393918d/image.png)

*Quinda 4th, Kerry 1st, Zoe 2nd, Zoe P 5th*

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4oOvv17O5ZapTHL1JzxR19/ea072c0f05da9260d655d0e8adb84aa4/image.png)

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*Em Greaves and Cat Magill - Cats third consecutive Highland Trail -and she swears never again!*

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*Zoe P at the finish greeted by Quinda*

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*Clement. Last of the French riders. 100% success rate for the French this year!*

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7hbQOWxU60CNeF0p7EUKYj/a78b8bd1b464130742b93560bf2f28d2/image.png)

*Tom and Zoe P - well earned beers!*

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*Shell all done!*

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6uhJvwwwtJUaNrZ1FtSun8/622816bfb26907b03e57ce1e760e2acd/image.png)

Big hats off to Katya aged 51, who apparently had a big crash on the Torridon descent knocking herself out. She's apparently been struggling since, unsurprisingly! But made it back none the less. Amazing effort Katya!


![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5ljfYvuAO3y3wnDX0aBACF/43b0318c76fcd9c76cd593e4b6e6e2cd/image.png)

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5NyhnXglkqD8X0gTwpMX7D/9864d4312c51bb3726ffb48d36f35b87/image.png)

*Jenny and Zoe looking very fresh and happy!*

Our second females are in, Jenny Tough and Zoe Chauderlot! They rode through the night to finish together in 4 days 23 hours or so. Apparently they were leap frogging for much of the race with different sleep strategies, Zoe sleeping 5.5 hours a night and then catching Jenny in what Jenny described as the ‘tortoise and the hare’. It might have felt this way but Jennys moving speed (ie excluding stop time) was actually 0.2mph faster than Zoes, so they’re actually both a couple of hares! (And for context Kerrys moving average was 0.3 mph faster than Jennys). Both seemed pretty fresh at 7am this morning according to Alan who was of course there to greet them as he is now seeing most riders in, the best race director ever! I hope they’ve now had a well earned breakfast, second breakfast, lunch etc together.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3ad93bFiukrsYndfYSsdXT/e48ecd2c00b18c4ad0b89e6521c74e40/image.png)

*Gutted for you Quinda!*

It looks like Quinda our current 4th female was quite taken with the incredible landscapes of Glen Affric, and then gutted to find that the Londis was closed in Fort Augustus – however it looks like she will finish sometime this evening. Rebecca Beale and Emily Scott are the last riders to make their way through Fisherfield, and may both make it to Poolewe in time for a pub dinner. Eliza Barrie a mere 20 years old is not far from Jackie Townsend aged 50 both just through Torridon, which demonstrates that age is not a barrier to these types of races, inspiring stuff both!

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/DgLCcNX3llzxwxeE5ZKI0/a471fd8c7d97b41c5cb23c90552579df/image.png)

*Greg in 11th - one of the only riders ever to have got faster as the route gets harder!*

Alan reports that the conditions have begun to deteriorate in the past few days with heavy showers with the fast riders getting a relatively dry run. As many know, it’s actually much easier to finish these races for the likes of  ‘blink and you’ll miss him’ Alex. Ok, yes I’m sure sleeping for only 3 hours over 3+ days comes with its own trials and tribulations… 😉 but when you’re out there for twice the time of the hitters, if not more, the terrain and weather really can start to take its toll - battering minds, bodies and bikes. We’re hearing lots of wrecked feet out there from the dreaded ‘trench foot’ which develops when feet are permanently wet for 5+ days. So hats off to all those still out there trucking on, we’re still watching and cheering you on!

I've also had some further info kindly sent in from Emil Carr Ross who has scratched today *"Sam scratched due to ankle pain and is home safe. I scratched because I was feeling my unmanaged mental illness taking over and don't want to lose months to it after a race again. Louise is one to watch; her star nut disintigrated after an attempt to tighten the headset and a bodge fix with a voile strap was made. The amount of perseverance she has is unreal"*

Emil also said she was off home on the train for a good sleep, but had promised she would be back to see Louise finish on Saturday or Sunday. The bonds formed in these races is always super strong, and it's so heartwarming to hear of the support riders have for one another. Thank you Emil for the honest update, and hope you get a well deserved sleep and rest.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/33SxSpByYXZjWXU3Cy3371/516036a53015acfefbdb5c389d5120bd/image.png)

*Laurent in 17th who appears to have fallen asleep on his bike*

We now have 20 riders finished with 29 still out on the course, with probably 9 or 10 finishing this evening.

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Matt Stainsby came in 15th and received a gold medal from his kids – who says there’s no prizes eh!


![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/40q003he2bd94PNAU8nKHa/9ec94c29a17c39952aeae37c72d4b484/image.png)

Our first female is in and 6th overall -  Kerry Macphee! She held a strong lead throughout so there was little doubt she would take the win, but she has also entered the exclusive hall of sub 4 day fame and on her birthday no less! It looked for a while like Lee Craigies FKT was in contention, but turns out it will hold for yet another year. Kerry's just starting to update her [stories](https://www.instagram.com/kerrymacphee/) with more detail of how her ride went… it’s always fascinating to hear what was actually happening on the ground while we watch on from above - including being "so chilled to the bone" in Fisherfield she thought she might have to scratch… But was brought back to life by a hand dryer in Poolewe, nice one Kerry for pushing through and for an all round incredible ride! 

Jenny Tough and Zoe Chauderlot are still jostling in 2nd and 3rd, and currently around 9 hours from the finish, which means even if they treated themselves to a cheeky few hours sleep they should still go sub 5 days. BUT who knows, they may be racing hard for 2nd  place and sleep is the last thing on their mind! They both currently sit 18th and 19th overall, with Quinda 4th female and 21st overall.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2TZYIawm8zKwPCZVO70Uo1/1eca7ae013a340565cbb7ee92b3a90ea/image.png)

*Alex and Thomas - enjoying their finishers meal together*

The mens podium is now complete along with the rest of the top 10. Thomas Boury and Miron Golfman were battling it out for 2nd during the final stretch when confusion descended upon the dotwatching community….  It turned out poor Miron was struck down by an unknown (at the time) condition just 7 miles from the finish. Realising he was in trouble he knocked on the door of an incredibly kind man called Maurice who fortunately had been in the fire and rescue service for 12 years and knew what to do. He drove Maurice two hours to Glasgow to hospital where Miron could receive treatment for what turned out to be ‘rhabdomyolysis’ which from a quick google is ‘the breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers with leakage of muscle contents into the circulation’ YIKES! 

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-29 at 16.54.17](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Rs6bc70MM32XSJXhQ78a1/490bec54a2b29a2a237d9c46c8229989/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-29_at_16.54.17.jpeg)

*Mirons savour Maurice!*

His IG stories told us today that he was having one more bag of IV fluids before being released from hospital so that’s great news. So sorry to hear you’re race had to end that way Miron so close to the finish, but hopefully the adventure was worth it, and you’ll be back again to finish it off!

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/29X9kxusCkXW1W17n2SsBn/530ed9d5ddef64b9d1e6cece8a32d17c/image.png)

So, Thomas Boury took second comfortably in what was still a super fast well-executed race, with Lukas Franciszkiewicz in 3rd ~ 5 hours behind him and Sofiane Sehili 4th a couple more hours behind that - bettering his 2023 time significantly. Andrew Hutchenson a returning vet finished 5th, with Kerry Macphee not far behind in 6th. Next to follow was Niall Shannon and Ben Steurbaut getting in in under 4 days. Max Riese who's been nursing a sore thumb since day 1 finished a few hours later, and Tom Rowntree completing the top 10 who is one of the HT550 OGs and a former winner! Greg Drew and Marcus Nicolson were not far behind all finishing by around 6pm just in time for a slap up dinner.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5DA9UxRGuDLFZQYcZNXjCD/a86a84745e9a06f4a58fe0f0e05e6251/image.png)

*Sofiane and Lukas*

Chris Simpson has continued to provide the dotwatching goods from the midpack, as Chris is on the ground near Poolewe catching riders post Fisherfield. Emma Robson of bin bag fame has sadly had to scratch - after a failed saddlepack she had been carrying everything in a kids backpack which eventually did her back and knees in, she’s fine but camping up near Poolewe for a few days and her husband is coming to pick her up so she’s grand! 

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1X4EeO2NaxEeMfuIuLTmRN/bcd74fbf99f56309465b6c8533e699d9/image.png)

*Rachel Fox*

Emmas shown real tenacity this race with a great sense of humour and I’ve no doubt if she decides to come back for another crack it’s in the bag! Kirsty apparently looks fresh as a daisy on her gravel bike, 6 hours up on her previous time so she was stoked. Rachel was happy to be out of Fisherfield and is “going good too”. 

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Katie doing well, a bit battered and bruised but had a good kip on the top of the Coffin road and is loading up on snacks at the shop and aiming for Torridon tonight! We also heard that Louise Haggarty suffered a mechanical when her star nut collapsed, and her handlebars are currently secured to the fork with ski straps! Despite this she is currently in the midst of Fisherfield, fingers crossed for you Louise, we hope the bodge holds!

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-29 at 19.16.13](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1HKbaVbHwPqNn11FuZO1Vx/a744997047cab70e5d6e9c352cbf322b/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-29_at_19.16.13.jpeg)

*Kirsty the gravelleur!*

But I know what you’re all wondering… where the bloody hell is Shell?? Well he’s just left Dornie and when it comes to Shell - no news tends to be good news, so it looks like he may be back in time for a finishers dinner and cold pint tomorrow evening, when his name will be finally and rightfully etched on the HT550 hall of fame - and maybe as oldest finisher ever?? GO SHELL!!!

Other riders near by are Emily Greaves who seems to be with returning vets Cat Magill and Lynne Diamond Davies, that’s some gang right there - in what I can only imagine is a cracking wee party at Manuelas wee bakery! It looks like they’ve been there around 30 minutes and I don’t blame them, the lure of hot pizza and a sit down was to much for me to resist last year!

Scratch report: As mentioned Emma Robson and Miron. Alex Berry also scratched due to 3 spokes out. Sarah and Ellie also out, current reasons unknown.


Day 5 - Our Womens Winner!

Day 4 of the Highland trail and things are well and truly unravelling…for some.

Alex McCormack rolled into Tyndrum earlier today to set a new course record of 3d 5h 30m- two hours ahead of Angus Young’s FKT last year which is just absolutely unbloodybelievable. Well done Alex. He is pictured above looking marginally less fresh than he did 3 days ago. He and the other frontrunner Thomas only slept once for 3 hours (unless I’m wrong). Can you imagine that??? 

![Screenshot 2024-05-28 at 18.40.20](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3pz5yAvncqA1HTtVB5ZWQP/c5b8861c243f15c79c237be0a07aa57d/Screenshot_2024-05-28_at_18.40.20.png)

Now onto Kerry. Kerry Macphee was matching pace with Lee’s 2018 record but as of this afternoon Lee’s time is about 3 hours up (measured at Tomich, after Glen Affric). Some of this (I THINK) could be do to the route change,(data from 2018, 2023 and 2024 suggests riders take a little longer to get from tbe Causeway to Kinlochewe now. But actually it seems fast, technical riders - especially in daytime and good conditions - can complete it in roughly the same time.

Anything could happen, of course, and Lee herself says she unravelled on this last, long section but in any case if Kerry keeps on riding as she has been (earlier pictured saying she was enjoying herself and settled into the slower pace at this point in the race) then she is well on for a sub 4 day finish which would make her the SECOND woman to have EVER broken into this hallowed hall of fame. Kerry has been showing herself to be composed and unflappable - her stops have been very efficient and she hasn’t created any adversity for herself. Nice one Kerry - really inspiring stuff and we’re all rooting for you.

She is currently sitting in 8th.

Sticking with the front runners,  Thomas Boury fought hard and rode exceptionally, maintaining a 4/5 hour gap behind Alex all the way and claimed 2nd place with a time of 3d 9h 58m. Well deserved Thomas and I hope you're proud. Miron Golfman - winner of the 1000km Idatarod among many other races and having proven himself a gent to Alan by greeting him on course with a handshake spent the last days fighting his way up to Thomas. Miron fell ill 10 miles from the end and had to ask for help from a nearby house. He was swiftly taken to hospital, where he says he is feeling much better. We're sorry to hear that Miron and wish you a speedy recovery. 

Soon enough we’ll see Lukas Franciszkiewicz and Sofiane Sehili coming in (30 miles to go) - both returning veterans (Sofiane seems to have got a further puncture after having to put a tube in. He also got a hotel. Last heard saying “finishers get a free meal so don’t expect me to drop out”) -  and then expecting Alex Berry, Andrew Hutcheson, Ben Steurbaut, Tom Rowntree, Kerry Macphee and Niall Shannon to arrive in under 4 days. Definitely a record breaking year for that.

![Jamie Adcock](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6IaWS13fmK4obCA0jb3guJ/a66ef618558bfe82cbebad63df5eab95/2fdc7910-d041-4c4a-b6c6-d855144a9c37.JPG)

Now then now then, onto the juice. Thanks to Chris Simpson for his race correspondence. He’s been catching riders today and has confirmed the consensus on the tollie path. Jamie Adcock (18th), noted it was “bullshit” whilst nursing his trench foot in Slatterdale. Jenny Tough and Zoe Chauderlot (both hovering around 20th) came through close together and Zoe, on riding off from Chris shouted back that the Tollie was “horrible”. She is also facing some tyre issues at the moment which she says has taken some of the fun out of the fun bits. That is a shame because the Coire Lair descent is an absolute hoot.

![bc50a71b-bb82-4d34-a5c2-22dbdfdceb78](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5ONvikgisCgoPvAr35z4bO/9c7873fcb3648a60ca92dbf187063959/bc50a71b-bb82-4d34-a5c2-22dbdfdceb78.JPG)

Quinda, fourth woman, and currently 23rd was in good spirits after the “stinking brutal and beautiful” Fisherfield section. She was last heard getting a hotel in Kinlochewe - cracking idea Quinda - the Tollie Path will do that to the best of us.  Notably Carl Hopps in 2022 who, I think, made it only from Poolewe to Kinlochewe in the course of a day (12 miles on the road…) owing to very poorly feet (owing to riding a Fecking gravel bike). Why is the Tollie Path so shite? Sign up next year to find out.

The mid pack all seem to be in great spirits, being papped by our illustrious leader Alan at Ullapool this morning. Pictured here are Zoe and Kate at Tesco at 7am. An excellent choice of stop because of its loos - although it is easy to get VERY overwhelmed in such a big store. Toilets are of course a very big deal. 

![Zoe (left) and Kate (right)](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/63xJDBxbEctV2ChWsk7UXt/a0b0779e7958f46b17f83ec9f50ff006/e207c738-6fd6-4c95-877d-ea49cd504c0e.JPG)

Emma Robson you will be absolutely shocked to learn picked herself up a new waterproof jacket in Ullapool…which means she’s literally been wearing a bin bag for 3 days! You'll also note her new rucksack, picked up after a saddlebag fail. Absolute nails.

![IMG 1526](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/or28SzGB8HSHOFRF4fzek/bcf0baca7f4387b0d85099f3ffbee65a/IMG_1526.jpg)

Em Greaves - ex-military, MTB leader, mum and all round badass and exceptional human looks to be having a deliriously good time. Where’s she gonna put all that food?! 

Rob Waller, another vet this being his 7th round - is that the second highest Alan? - performed a ‘F1 style pit stop’ in Ullapool getting god knows what done. Wonder if he’ still got his 3 waterproof jackets.

![IMG 1527](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2k1HGTJCVQNMPozqRs0Emw/56f53cd0a21d014450a2f9d66389f9d6/IMG_1527.jpg)

The aforementioned (yesterday) gaggle of strong mid-pack riders are deep in the heart of Fisherfield at the moment.  I’ve not hard of any issues with rain and rivers but it has been wet in the West. Would love to hear about that. 

![IMG 1520](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3UI2U8rrpXzJEI6arPoI74/64c157cfe4c40e14e3ae270bc4e00ab2/IMG_1520.PNG)

Eliza Barrie who checked into hotel Lone last night in a bit of a bad way seems to be making good progress and has just about finished the Northern Loop. 

Scratches to report from: Lesley Sharpe who is making her way home to Skye. Scratching is often fraught with questioning our decisions and feelings. So who better to bump into on the train West than Jenny bloody Graham! Safe home Lesley <3

![dff305ec-b3f5-45e2-997b-ef4e49a7361a](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5LeCOheeCzg6WNNwgSN2dc/ab6df0f31be7cacd4036c3b98b29610c/dff305ec-b3f5-45e2-997b-ef4e49a7361a.JPG)

Further Scratches reported Ed Proctor who had trench foot setting in yesterday but not aware of reasonss given. Sam Kerr, reason currently unknown - hope you're alright Sam?, and Flora Rendell-Bhatti who had been managing pain in her achilles and has called it a day in Lochinver. She was last heard looking for a lift...anyone? Emil Carr-Scott - first woman home in the infamously hard l'esperit put on by vet James Hayden - has also scratched. Not sure reasons but she has been catching riders coming through Ullapool this afternoon - head to her stories for info.  Hope you're okay. Hope you're all okay! Top effort in some challenging conditions.

from Any news worthy stories? Hit up @philippabattye or @lemkiss

edited 29.05 - yesterday i claimed the postmans path was two hours slower  which is where Kerry lost time against Lees record. ive since looked at a bigger base of riders and seen a big variation. riders took 3.75-5.5 riders on the postmans path in 2018. riders took 3.75 and 6 hours on the Tollie path in 2023/2024. this is for top ten riders and there are so many variables to take into account. time of day, wet trails, and technical skill being key. therefore ive changed the releavnt section at the top of thearticle

Highland Trail 550 - Day 3

Alice here to bring you a healthy dose of STATS to whet your bank holiday Monday appetite. Thanks to our illustrious leader Alan for the images.

It is well understood that the ‘race’ really begins after the Bealach Horn (the northern point), where the miles of undulating double track heading north give way to meandering bog, peat hags and some stiff hikes. This is when those who are under-biked or underprepared may begin to really feel the consequences. 

![IMG 1475](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/wIwZyVXbsOL0U9SETPazB/fe5e04ff9933e0d6b2e354b3d6c78b5b/IMG_1475.PNG)

Quinda recently posted a picture this morning of the Glen Golly area in all its glory stating “Some of the hardest riding I’ve done”. That’s a lot coming from someone who has completed the HMR, Atlas and Silk Road. The bog can be kind - Shell posted a recent picture of blue skies and bright sunshine, asking if it “counts”. Meanwhile, Zoe posted a video from last night of what looked like fog and wet and pitch darkness. Not conditions I’d like to be out there in. 

![IMG 1477](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2im5MUpZ5YGx6ja1SZ5Djm/52bf8e4401b17da67ae123cdc8010650/IMG_1477.jpg)

![IMG 1476](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5xNpyk2RQjLs9gaSsYyvjS/e82f11676468af07f1d017053a56093a/IMG_1476.jpg)

Some say the Ledmore traverse and its enraging rocky hell-scape are when the race starts, others say it’s Fisherfield. Whatever way you cut it, the race began ages ago, and we are on for another very fast year and possibly not one but TWO records broken.

If you’ve been living under a rock then let me bring you up to speed about the ferocious pace of the front runners.

Kerry Macphee has been unflappable so fr keeping pace with Lee Craigie’s as yet unchallenged 2018 record of 3d20h55m. On Lee’s second night she slept at a bridge before the Ledmore Traverse kicks in and Kerry seems to have stopped eerily close by too for a 3 hour kip. At 7:09 this morning her dot pinged at almost the same point that Lee’s pinged at the same time 6 years ago and we are all positively GLUED to trackleaders. This enabled Kerry to overtake the gaggle of strong men kipping at Suilaag Bothy just behind - Marcus Nicholson, Andrew Hutcheson, Alex Berry and Niall Shannon - and break into the top 10, currently sitting 9th. There is still a very long way to go and Kerry’s ability to break Lee’s record will come down to whether she can minimise stop time whilst remaining motivated. She hit Shenvall bothy/Fisherfield crossing at 3:40pm, the SAME TIME as Lee did (and maintaining a 3.5 hour lead over the fastest women last year *ahem* me and Phil). Truly nail-biting stuff. Of course, the route this year takes a different course out of Fisherfield than 2018 but who’s to say whether the old route - the infamous postman’s path - is definitively slower than the absolute dog shite that is the Tollie Path. Regardless, we all love a record and chasing a goal like that can have a huge benefit to our physical performance. 

![62f56798-8531-48a8-8de4-86ba869ad7e8](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4WlyyJahydYiaycrLkD9Tp/94c98747cda5abfdd5e22cc4f23df7d5/62f56798-8531-48a8-8de4-86ba869ad7e8.JPG)

Alex McCormack has been blowing minds left right and centre. After Angus obliterated the record last year with 3d7h the dot watching community felt it would hold fast for a while longer but Alex has been astounding us all with his ferocious pace from the beginning. As of 4pm he is 3h20min ahead of Angus’ record, as measured at Dornie (just before Glen Affric). He enjoyed a 3 hour sleep in Shenevall bothy before heading into Fisherfield this morning and is now (at 6pm) 117 miles from the end. On the chase is Thomas Boury, just over 5 hours behind. Also having had 3 hours sleep in Ullapool last night and somehow finding the time to visit a Jetwash and clean his bike down (before the Coffin road, tee hee). These two have packed VERY minimal kit which they seem to be managing without thus far. When it works it works! 

![IMG 1470](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5kur0sQfUPlTMu3iVTUJTe/7f178a5f5fbbe36d20dfb9a43cc1868d/IMG_1470.PNG)

The 11 behind Alex and Thomas are pretty spread out over a distance of 30 miles but 30 of Fisherfield miles is about 6 hours. They could all be on for a sub 4-day finish if they keep at it. This group of 13 were the group that made it over the path of 1000 puddles on day 1. This seems to be the secret. In other years any of these riders could have been comfortably first. But that is the nature of these events. They get faster and faster.

Enough about the top.

![d15a1a8b-2a0a-4b2a-bd47-250721bec8ab](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4eoOyW5E8HL8iYZ8V5GDJI/2aed4b1f86903d99cc59fb40da146131/d15a1a8b-2a0a-4b2a-bd47-250721bec8ab.JPG)

My own race prep data crunching for last year revealed that you need to make it over the Bealach Horn in order to finish between 4 and 5 days. This suggests Jenny Tough and Zoe Chauderlot (last reported complaining that the wind prevented her from getting her beauty sleep last night - doesn’t seem to be holding her back too much!) are on track to meet a sub-5-day finish and have been in close proximity this afternoon, though of course there are anomalies- Ian Fitz made a rapid comeback in 2016 after camping before the BH. Others in this pack include Greg, Jocelyn, Renaud, Jamie, Ed and Lars (more on the latter two later).

![f40f6bd5-b8a3-4a5c-bf77-a22114daaf04](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2sdplCL322N0IUqlkvIv8I/d23d09dbc77fdb0add1d975ee0464898/f40f6bd5-b8a3-4a5c-bf77-a22114daaf04.JPG)

![227cb3f1-6ccc-4701-b59c-88d5fb27f5e5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1aJcVuVKjGe4xozhN4EU6Z/228d350491c6d49cdd116cf2be00bc5a/227cb3f1-6ccc-4701-b59c-88d5fb27f5e5.JPG)

Much to say about the mid pack, seems like more of a party pack if Alan’s images from the OBH are anything to go by. The Whisky Angels have been out in force again, as they pitch their gazebo across the route, tempting riders in with their single malt. Louise pictured here inhaling a big hot meal, and Ed using a Guinness to fill the time, opting to take a long rest as trench foot appears to be colonising his feet. 

![4228bec1-edb0-4d2f-98c5-4f25ad3da694](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6FrYKHIQOlBmY8tpr1PWTn/dd3a5122d2930b2359b04dbeaea6e612/4228bec1-edb0-4d2f-98c5-4f25ad3da694.JPG)

Behind JT and Zoe is a core of exceptionally strong women including Quinda Verhul (who stopped early at Rosehall last night, along with Rob Waller, and has made EXCELLENT time today), Katja Kircher, Zoe Painter, Kirsten Cluey, Louise Humphreys, Emily Greaves, Emma Robson. All on for a strong 5-6d finish themselves and with five men amongst their ranks too. Included here are Cat McGill and Lynne Diamond Davies, both veterans of the HT550 and excellent craic. 

The brigade of incredible HT racers, majority women, are snaking their way around the northern-most parts of this route now. Katie Jones nearing Drumbeg. Back the way, Lesley Sharpe, having become ill the night before the race (she says from a lumpy bus ride from Skye. Shoulda flown) is riding her way back into strength. Emily Scott is no stranger to the mountains, and having just completed the Geneva marathon she’ll be coming into her own very shortly too. Eliza Barrie - is just 20 years old and has collected a great deal of off-road bike packing experience across the Highlands in a short time. She has made it to the sanctuary of Lone, just after the Bealach Horn and is taking the opportunity of shelter to dry out her currently wet bivvy kit and have an early night. She is feeling the wear of 3 days and nights in the Highlands. You got this Eliza!

Weather has been a mixed bag. Everyone’s got wet at some point but nothing persistent like we’ve seen in previous years. Alan says it’s currently quite wet and he wouldn’t like to be on the Coffin Road this evening. Good luck Greg, Jocelyn and Renaud.

Trials and Tribulations

To add a delicious layer of detail to Sofiane’s free hub fiasco, he stated that he had been having a crisis of confidence because he was riding “so slow” (a relative term, Sofiane) and kept getting dropped by people. The next day he realised a pretty serious issue with his Freehub that had been “stealing watts from me the whole day”. He managed a commendable bodge. He’s since crashed and broken his Garmin mount (which we assume he’s also bodged) and then at 4am encountered “A sharp rock pointing out” and now “tyre is slashed”. Riding with tube he says “Definitely morale has been higher”. Sounds like he could do with some support. G’WAN SOFIANE. Note he's still 5th!

Lars has gone through all of his tubeless worms and has cunningly, though who knows how sustainably, begun to use rubber bands. Praying for you Lars. 

Max, having popped his thumb back in yesterday, is appearing to be in some discomfort. Luckily it’s only his braking hand, rather than his gear shifting hand.

Miron was recently seen taking the wrong path out of Torridon, not taking the turn of to Coire Lair and its FABULOUS descent. He is having GPX woes but it isn't slowing him. He is since back on track and very close to Thomas Bury.

Scratch Report: Only Ellie Park to report, with no reason yet given. 


![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/hou2sCKcDInudirilCrVY/5bc94ba47e19b3dd1700f396b81f7fdc/image.png)

                                   *'Shell'and Zoe!*

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours at Contin stores today, seeing racing from the other side as bedraggled riders trickled in relieved ‘the path of a thousand puddles’ was now behind them.  There was a mix of moods, but generally upbeat (or maybe resigned?) especially after a few coffees, warm sausage rolls and every other imaginable riders snack of choice. Those questioning their life choices were surprised to hear that super vet Rob Waller was back for his 7th year, can’t be that bad eh? And great to see other old geezer and general legend of the scene Mike Sheldrake or ‘Shell’ who despite starting the HT 3 times has been thwarted by gates, mechanicals and then after completing it in 2019 in some of the worst conditions ever, all riders were DQ’d due to a drug related incident (Shell assures me it wasn’t him…). Therefore Shells name is STILL not on the finishers list, and that is what he is here to do, it's now or never apparently, we’re all rooting for you Shell! 

It was refreshing to see so many smiling female faces coming through - even Emma Ronson seemed remarkably unphased by leaving all her waterproofs in Fort Augustus as she casually fashioned a cape out of bin bags. She left in good spirits refueled - bin bag flapping in the wind - with equally chipper Em Greaves.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2pLWUHfv5GeE9qGWFFFAIq/9f0b92ee7f176aa6bd167442a3066afa/image.png)

At the pointy end Kerry still leads the women’s field and is 12th overall. She flew through Drumbeg around 8pm and looks to currently be 30 minutes ahead of Lee Craigies record pace. Lee Craigies record stands at 3 day 21 hours, and until last year no women other than Lee had cracked 5 days, let alone 4! 6 women went sub 5 days last year and if Kerry continues at this pace she looks set to join Lee in the sub 4 day hall of fame, if not take the female record outright. Jenny Tough is still a couple of hours behind and was spotted earlier in the Alladale estate seeming fresh and relaxed, taking time to throw sticks for relentless (ly lovely) dog Coire. Zoe Chauderlot is currently 3rd female not to far behind.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2ObIg8eMJyfYNdsgzLvPya/ff82915bd54e1817d21126b609ec6ef9/image.png)

Waaaaay out front is Alex Mcormack who is absolutely flying, and reached Ullapool at 8 pm which is ~ 4 hours/ 11% faster than Angus’s record pace last year. Which frankly is nothing short of remarkable. It looks like he stopped for a full 45 minutes in Ullapool for what is likely his final refuel before the finish.  Thomas Boury is currently around 4 hours behind Alex, who was spotted by Alan after the Ledmore Traverse and reported ‘he didn’t punch me but looked glad it was over!’

It looks like both Alex and Thomas are travelling incredibly light with little to no sleep kit. This seems to be becoming more common place in ultras - the thinking being if you don’t have sleep kit then you can’t sleep. Sleep aside it's a risky strategy - these are wild and remote places and you’d hope every rider has with them the minimum they’d need to stay safe and warm should anything go wrong. Alex is now on the ominously named Coffin Road, which is the gateway to Fisherfield - known as The Great Wilderness and a truly incredible place. It is surrounded by the most remote munros in all of Scotland and when you are pushing your bike amongst these vast mountains, civilisation feels very far away. For even the fastest riders from road to road Fisherfield takes around 7 hours so is a very committing stretch. I imagine Alex and Thomas will both be planning to push through with perhaps some brief respite in Shenaval bothy.

Sofiane Sehili, normally expected to be in the top 3 by his own admission has reported on his socials a freehub issue which had been slowing him down. The problem is now bodged and he seems to have climbed from 7th to 3rd over the course of the day.

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/60kqetmrybOtBJ10JsnrcL/fa8056da188996dc0b2aceac437c9990/image.png)

Yellow warnings of thunder storms are reported for tomorrow, so could be interesting and potentially quite full on for a lot of riders depending on where they are on the course, lets hope Emmas bin bags hold up! (or Rob Waller lends her one of his 3 waterproofs… there’s a man who understands the Highland Trail!) 

![image](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/obZUMl4ZGwkmA1MbWCD7i/a44259ab9d5581d5f08bba100c4afcd1/image.png)

Scratch report – Philippe Vuillard has scratched after apparently ‘over cooking himself’ and was unable to eat, now recovering in his camper. Sarah Hodgson scratched who had reportedly underestimated the singletrack sections. Verity Appleyard who’s head wasn’t in the game otherwise fine. El Jakowska sadly called it after a snapped Tailfin bag and subsequent heavy rucksack enraging recurring back issues. Calum Fisher is also out due to a crash causing a deep gash in his elbow.

![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-26 at 23.37.11](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4hbvnW1G8XrtU6KNVPxELc/99f629fd1cc9abca4c948a691cd0c88d/WhatsApp_Image_2024-05-26_at_23.37.11.jpeg)

*Rob '3 waterproofs' Waller. Not his first rodeo!*

Hopefully for all the riders setting off today there was a palpable sigh of relief that comes when the anticipation finally ends, and the ‘race’ actually begins. With no preparation left to do (or time at least), the only thing now is to ride bikes and have a bloody good time! In the end 31 women rolled out from the start, which could be the most women on the start line of a bikepacking race ever?? (If anyone wants to fact check that for me that’d be great) 

The main aim for most on Day 1 is to reach Fort Augustus for resupply before the Londis/ pizza shop/ Chinese takeaway closes. Those in race mode will grab and go whilst those who are a little less ambitious may have a wee sit down and let their dots linger a while longer. .

Alan Goldsmith our illustrious leader has been out dotwatching and ‘race directing’ today. Due to suffering a dog bite wound a couple of weeks ago, this is the first edition he has been unable to start. It does however mean he’s been updating his feed with a steady stream of photos [@HT550Alan](https://www.instagram.com/ht550alan/)  as well as getting some intel from the field…. Max Reise reportedly crashed dislocating his thumb, but like any rider who means business popped it back in again and cracked on. Zoe Chauderlot had a pinch flat on the Ben Alder descent, so is perhaps new to the Highlands notorious waterbars, plenty more where they came from! Ben Steurbaut also crashed and subsequently reported back pain, but despite this was riding the zig zags (no mean feat) on the Corrieyairack Pass, and for all you lovers of gear ratios was riding… wait for it… a 34T! Unbelievable stuff.

Kerry Macphee is currently leading the women’s field, and a couple of hours behind is Jenny Tough, Quinda Verhuel and Zoe Chauderlot not far behind.

Alex Mc is currently leading the men’s field with Thomas Boury nipping at his heels. Thomas will no doubt be looking to settle the score after being narrowly beaten at Further Pyrenees last summer through a pretty crazy electrical storm. Alex is returning to the HT for a second time after going out last year like the young rocket that he is, and learning the hard way that the Highland Trail is not won in the first 100 hundred miles, nor on flimsy XC tyres.

It looks like El Jakowska, Lesley Sharp, Allen Boardman and maybe a few more might have opted to save the Corrieyairack pass for the morning as they appear to be having a wee get together in Melgarve bothy not far from the top. Smart decision guys, I’m sure they’ll enjoy that descent much more in the morning along with breakfast in Fort Augustus. Poor El also suffered a snapped front roll mount early in the day leaving her to bodge a solution, not ideal on day 1!


The Highland Trail was dreamt up in 2011 by Alan Goldsmith seeking a UK off-road route that could act as a training ground for the Colorado Trail Race. The fixed route has remained roughly the same since 2014. This mass start has stood the test of time - as one of the gnarliest - amidst a proliferation of competitive ultra events, and been resilient against a growing ‘scene’ in the cycling community. There is no official media presence and there is no overly burdensome financial barrier to entry - being a £50 donation to the John Muir Trust, an organisation that works to protect the landscapes that riders pass though. This is a fraction of the upfront cost of many events which cost riders hundreds of pounds on top of costly obligatory extras such as insurance and health certificates. 

Alan has always been a strong advocate for increasing women’s representation in the Highland Trail but especially in the last few years numbers have been exponentially increasing. Alan reserves 50% of spaces for women and this proactive energy alongside encouragement from other women and groups, means that this number has risen year on year. Last year there were 27/62 and this year there are 32/64. A 50/50 split!

It is tradition to introduce noteworthy riders but anything can happen in this race, and so we are choosing to introduce and discuss different riders as the race progresses. We have riders from age 20 - 60 something. Some are professional ultra-athletes or adventurers, some have been professional in the past. Some are artists! There are mums. I mean, there are also dads, but it seems motherhood presents more of a barrier to entry than fatherhood. There are Returning Veterans hoping to change a bad experience, or better a time, or just have a different time. The weather in the UK can do anything in May and so the Highland Trail is different year on year, it’s part of its charm.

HT550 veteran and second place in 2018, Lee Craigie, has put pen to paper to summarise her take on the HT550 route. This Scot knows the route intimately and we're honored to have her words feature as our route preview. Lee wrote this preview for us for the 2022 commentary, and we're yet to better it so we're reusing it!

[https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=36465815&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true](https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=36465815&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true)

===

The route begins in Tyndrum, a tiny ex-mining village which is now better known as the last place to stop for fuel and food before heading over the desolate Rannoch Moor. It’s here in the Real Food Cafe by the side of the A82 that riders converge full of jangling nerves the night before race start and where they tend to regroup tired and wired a few days later. 

The route begins up a side street next to an unremarkable looking village hall and a Scottish Power sub-station but quickly gives way to a wide, sweeping glen with dramatic hills on all sides. The start is usually pretty fast and frantic with riders all jostling to get those split second advantages in a race that will take them days but tends to mellow with the rolling double track that winds along Loch Lyon then climbs and descends more steeply north towards Ben Alder. It’s around Ben Alder that riders get their first flavour of bog trotting, cross-drain hopping and technical climbing but the riding is mostly fast and satisfying once beyond the Ben. That is, until the infamous Corryarick Pass looms.

![DSCF7786](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2emdKOd7s0WS8hdYe6VOKP/227b78a3923e039e8d30780472fa15ea/DSCF7786.JPG)

*Two riders make their way to the summit of the Corryarick*

There’s nothing easy about getting over the Corryarick but the promise of food in Fort Augustus on the other side is usually enough to keep the pedals turning. Getting any resupply right and replacing the days calorie deficit in this attractive wee tourist town on the banks of Loch Ness is an art form worth perfecting on the northwards leg because riders pass back though it again on their way south, a husk of their former selves and with decision making abilities massively depleted. 

With packed bikes and full bellies the ride north carries on along the Great Glen Way to Invermoriston and then due west on the road. A steep, well built service road whisks riders into the hills again but simply disappears around Loch ma Stac leaving everyone wondering if they might have downloaded the wrong GPS track. After a tricky pick around the loch riders are soon dropping like stones in the direction of Cannich for a quick road reprieve before the Path of 1000 Puddles begins between Struy and Contin.

![DSCF7905](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3TyDQF03AKegtBFLGDLEQY/5d95c8be2f8759babee4d7a8c44e88a3/DSCF7905.JPG)

*A typical Contin haul*

If you happen upon it in opening hours (which have been kindly extended for HT550 riders incidentally) the Contin Stores can be a life saver. It also marks the last shop resupply point on the northbound route. Easy riding continues west and then north from Contin until roads and buildings finally disappear completely at Blackwater and a beautiful, wild section of double track carries riders along Loch Vaich towards Croick Church (worth a quick look) to pick up the coast to coast route that runs from Bonar Bridge in the east to Ullapool in the west. 

But following this classic route, that runs straight through the centre of the highlands from the north sea to the atlantic, would mean missing out the remote glory of the most northerly section of the Highland Trail and while that might be tempting for tired bodies, it’s not what’s been signed up for. Instead, riders leave the coast to coast at Oykel Bridge which is the second cross over point on the route after Fort Augustus. The Oykel Bridge Hotel is usually a welcome stop for hot meals and chamois cream reapplication but it’s changed hands recently and is not open this year. A few miles further up the road at Rosehall the extremely friendly if a little erratic Achness Hotel might tell you with a smile that they have no food either.

Welcome tarmac up Glen Cassley and a warp speed descent on the other side might lull riders into a false sense of security before Glen Golly begins. On a good day with fresh legs and dry weather this section up and over the Bealach Horn is honestly actually almost rideable but pushing never hurt anyone either and bums need a rest too from time to time. 

Once over the foreboding Bealach the iconic mountains of Foinavan and Arkle come into view and it feels good to be riding up in the sky with their grand bulk for company. Back down in the glen it’s time to load the south bound half of the route but any high spirits from being (in principle) homeward bound, fizzle on the steep climb out of Achfary towards Kylesku. 

In 2016 Javier Simon stopped at the Kylesku hotel to pay his rent and found me hopelessly stabbing at buttons having failed to load the return route on my Garmin. The staff were kind and gave me food even though the kitchen was closed until eventually I gave up stabblng and headed out again into the darkness to navigate back to Tyndrum by iPhone, a wing and a prayer. 

The Lochinver coast road is a brutal rollercoaster but at least it’s one mostly covered with tarmac and it does offer the fabulous Drumbeg Stores for resupply and friendly faces. Steve will be watching rider’s dots and willing to go out of his way to make sure they get what they need. 

When this road does eventually give way to the Achmelvich singletrack, it offers a unique view of the majestic Suliven which sits up tall and lonely in the distance. Pick up a pie or two from the Lochinver Larder on the way through the tiny seaside town (or weep silently if it’s closed) then begin your meditation on acceptance and gratitude as the track around Suliven gets worse and worse. There’s no point in assuming the path must get better as it approaches the A835 back to Oykel Bridge. It doesn’t. There is no reason to ever be in this place on a bike. It’s just Alan being naughty.

![DSCF7942](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4VxEHvlsWIh8Ec8BfJcof2/4dabc576e1c660addb39cd77a411cb64/DSCF7942.JPG)

*Liam Glen picks his way through the last section of the Ledmore Travers on his way to winning in 2021*

The next section to Ullapool always seems to take forever. I don’t recommend riders calculate how long it would take to reach town by turning due south and following the road rather than following the route. Instead they should just enjoy the fast slightly downhill road section back to Oykel Bridge then smile inwardly at the closed Hotel calm in the knowledge that resupply isn’t too far away as long as resisting the lure of the School House bothy is manageable.  

Ullapool is the danger zone. It’s got cafes and shops and is surrounded by an inviting sea loch. It’s the place that sees the highest percentage of riders scratch from the route because what comes next is arguably the most intimidating and remote section of the Highland Trail. If a rider makes it out of Ullapool still in the saddle she will probably finish her ride in Tyndrum…but it won’t be easy.

![DSCF8051](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4EiHlD54AefkvNwWjUoH3j/e96792431b486a722c47ae29def58772/DSCF8051.JPG)

*Mike Sheldrake (Shell) and organiser Alan Goldsmith exchange stories in Ullapool. Both line up this year*

At the head of Loch Broom, the Coffin Road begins. Back in 2022 by “popular” demand, I believe it’s called the Coffin Road because of the amount of people who have given up and died while trying to push their bikes up it. Still, before you know it, the Fisherfield traverse has begun and everything else pales into insignificance. Past Sheneval Bothy nestled at the foot of AnTeallach to the start of Loch na Sealga where, depending on recent rainfall levels, riders will wade ankle, knee, waist or neck deep across the loch’s shallow mouth to the other side of the glen. 

Fisherfield is a magical place and the push up and over the high mountain plateau to reach the causeway on the other side is utterly awe-inspiring. This year, the infamous and overgrown Postman’s Path has been replaced by a wicked singletrack descent to Poolewe and then a hoof over the eroded Tollie Path for a road smash along the shores of Loch Maree to Torridon. This is good news for any rider tired of pushing their bike by this point but bad news for those of us who love that desolate, off-camber, overgrown singletrack along the side of Loch Maree.

![DSCF7991](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1Dby1c9yWrvjbDpp6Dle9s/fd8e94c1e1cacfed66f335ff8ed1de1c/DSCF7991.JPG)

*Liam effortlessly pedalling through Fisherfield in terrible weather in 2021*

Resupply options abound in Poolewe and Kinlochewe before possibly the most technical riding on the route takes place. It’s possible to squash into the tiny Tea Hut for a midge free breather at the bottom of the climb up into Coire Lair to gather enough beans to be able to enjoy what has to be the finest downhill section on the route to Achnashellach Station* (*request stop only and very infrequent so you might as well keep going). 

Riders at this stage have fully broken the back of this ride. Resupply and shelter in Lochcarron and Dornie make getting back into Glen Affric much more pleasurable and following the Affric Way past Camban Bothy, riding gets easier and easier. It’s still a horrible shock having to climb back over the hill from Tomich to Fort Augustus again but a rider that’s made it this far would have to be suffering badly to escape east along the road to Inverness at this stage. 

It’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief in Fort Augustus and give a little whoop of celebration. After all, the inches of ground covered since leaving Ullapool have been mostly hard won and the spin along the Great Glen to Fort William promises flat and easy terrain. But it’s this stage I’ve always found the hardest to stay awake through. Sleep deprivation may have built considerably by now and canal towpaths are notoriously boring. But falling asleep and riding into one is a sure way to wake up again. Apparently. 

Riders can enjoy a midge free moment in a charming compost toilet along the shores of Loch Lochy before Fort WIlliam reveals itself. It’s a detour to go into town so doing so will really depend on an individual’s level of addiction to McDonalds. Corpach on the outskirts offers broken bodies and bikes everything they might need to finish the ride on the West Highland Way but there’s Kinlochleven village too just a few miles further south too.

A note of caution on descending the loose, switchbacking Devils Staircase into Glencoe after Kinlochleven. It’s the last real test before returning to Tyndrum and it’s where I lost forty minutes in 2018 after crashing and deciding I couldn’t be arsed getting up so just rolled over and had a wee sleep instead. No regrets.

![DSCF8216](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5eWFNsmYmRHccJluSdMwcx/36f31bc310f486406d6bcab7abca12aa/DSCF8216.JPG)

*The view looking back down the route from the top of the Devil's Staircase, with a snowy Ben Nevis in the background*

If finishing riders are lucky enough to catch Rannoch Moor at sunset or at sunrise then they’ve just earned themselves the most perfect full stop to their impressive ride. All that remains is easy double track back through Bridge of Orchy, if you ignore the two km sting in the tail over `Mam Carraigh which can be easily missed if you’re already thinking about your first pint. 

I hope that’s been a helpful overview for dotwatchers. If you’re riding The Highland Trail this year but you’ve learned nothing new or I’ve freaked you out entirely then let me offer some wise words from fellow veteran Jenny Graham instead:

“It’s only as shit as you make it”

I hope everyone has a wonderful ride.

===

Philippa Battye

Alice Lemkes

Highland Trail 2024 HT550 Commentary + Tracking : One of the original European bikepacking races and notoriously one of the hardest on the calendar, the HT550 is back for another year of hike-a-bike, bad weather and all that the Scottish Highlands can throw at the hardy souls.

Highland Trail 550 HT550 2024 Tracking and Commentary

One of the original European bikepacking races and notoriously one of the hardest on the calendar, the HT550 is back for another year of hike-a-bike and a wee bit of bike riding, changeable weather and all that the Scottish Highlands can throw at the hardy souls.

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Highland Trail 550 2024

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