2017 Highland Trail 550

UPDATE (Race Recap): This year Neil Beltchenko set a new course record by finishing in 3 days, 10 hours, 22 minutes. He was followed closely by Chris Hope and Rich Rothwell, who finished in 3 days, 14 hours, 24 minutes and 3 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, respectively. The women’s record was set by Jenny Graham who finished in 5 days, 2 hours, 38 minutes. The Highland Trail also saw some incredibly young participants complete the route – Ben Farrar (19 years old, unaccompanied) finished in 6 days, 11 hours, 35 minutes and Tom Seipp (12 years old, accompanied) finished in 7 days, 20 hours, 25 minutes, way to go guys! For some photos from the 2017 event and a detailed write up, check out second place finisher Chris Hope’s report. 

The Highland Trail is the pinnacle of UK bikepacking routes. It takes in 550 miles and 50,000 feet of Scotland at its most rugged and beautiful. It features some seriously remote terrain including world renowned single track, rough dirt roads, hidden glens, and lochs, not to mention a few testing hike-a-bike sections. The 550 is a self-supported Individual Time Trial Race in which even the best climbers and technical descenders will find some terrain beyond their ability.

Read more about the Highland Trail 550 route in our routes section.

Watch this year’s race on Trackleaders here.