Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
The iconic 2025 Highland Trail 550 (HT550) takes off tomorrow in Scotland with 60 riders registered for the grand depart. Find an introduction to this year’s event, some riders worth keeping an eye on, and some insight into this year’s route and conditions here…
Photos by John Summerton from the 2024 Highland Trail
The 2025 Highland Trail 550 is arguably one of the toughest bikepacking races around. If the technical singletrack, boggy meadows, and rough roads aren’t enough, riders must overcome classic Scottish weather, midges, and find a way to keep moving forward. There are nearly 60 riders signed up for the grand depart that begins tomorrow morning. If you haven’t checked it out already, we shared details on nearly 40 riders and rigs that will be setting out. It’s no surprise to see a field full of full-suspension mountain bikes, and it will be interesting to see the difference between those packing just the essentials and the folks preparing for the expected wet weather with extra clothes and proper shelters. It’s hard to say what’s more efficient in 550 miles of wet weather!
At last year’s event, Alex McCormack set a new fastest known time of 3 days, 5 hours, and 27 minutes, besting the previous record set by Angus Young in 2023 by an impressive 2 hours and 14 minutes. A good chunk of the riders usually finish within four or five days, but some take seven or more days to enjoy the ride in a different way. No matter their speed, completing the Highland Trail 550 is no easy task, and this year’s forecast looks like it’s going to live up to Scotland’s reputation.
There are a number of familiar names lining up for Saturday’s grand depart. The roster includes Manu Cattrysse (finished second to Angus Young in 2023), Dicky Hibbert (second at the Dales Divide), and Donnie Campbell (GBDuro winner). At 19 years old, Bryn Appleton is the youngest rider in the event. Bryn climbed all the Welsh 3,000-foot summits in one ride last year.
In the women’s field, Kerry MacPhee is back after winning last year’s HT550, the 2025 Dales Divide, and is setting herself up for the newly announced UK Triple Crown. Other riders to watch out for include Philippa Battye, Annie Le, Emma Bateup, and Liz Carrington.
2025 Highland Trail Intro
Words by Alan Goldsmith
The HT550 route has seen one major change this year. The iconic and hike-a-bike heavy section over the Bealach Horn has been replaced by the easier Bealach na Feithe, which should be up to two hours faster. The change was made to prevent further damage to the delicate peat lands before the Bealach Horn. This change means an FKT should be achievable but I don’t think it can really be a valid comparison given the route this year is easier and 7 miles shorter than in 2024.
It has been the driest and sunniest springs since records began and right now the trails are probably as good as they have ever been. However, right on cue, it is due to start raining on Saturday and stick around for the whole week. Hopefully the trails won’t turn to mush overnight! Rain is actually badly needed as river levels are low and the fire risk very high. There is nothing extreme in the forecast at this stage, just standard Scottish weather, with temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees centigrade. Good weather for midges, when the rain stops they will be sure to make an appearance!
Check out the 2025 HT550 Tracker page to follow along on the live tracking map, watch for ongoing race updates, and tune in for more event coverage. Find it here.
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