Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
As the riders of the 2026 Highland Trail 550 in Scotland enter their third day of riding, Donnie and Richie, better known as The Whisky Trail Angels, share a detailed update on how the race shaped up over the weekend. Find that and a stunning gallery of photos from Gavin Kaps here…
Words by The Whisky Trail Angels (Donnie and Richie), photos by Gavin Kaps
The second day of the Highland Trail dawned under near-perfect conditions, with the landscape putting on a rare and spectacular display. Clear blue skies stretched across the mountains, offering riders sweeping views over some of Scotland’s most remote terrain. Overnight temperatures had dropped sharply, however, and the cold lingered into the early hours, adding another layer to the challenge.
As expected, the pace at the front of the race was relentless from the moment riders left Tyndrum. Justinas Leveika wasted little time stamping his authority on the field, quickly opening a gap and laying down an early marker as the rider everyone else would be chasing. By the time we caught up with him at the Corrieyairack Pass, he looked remarkably composed, stopping briefly for a quick chat. There was little sign of fatigue as he climbed steadily away over the pass.
Behind him, the women’s race had taken an early and dramatic turn. Molly Weaver had produced one of the standout rides of the opening day, moving strongly out of Tyndrum and through Ben Alder with impressive speed. By all accounts, she appeared to be managing the terrain superbly and had established a healthy advantage at the head of the women’s field.
Unfortunately, the Highland Trail has a habit of punishing even the strongest riders, and disaster struck on one descent when Molly suffered a catastrophic wheel failure, cracking the rim beyond repair. In a race where riders are often many miles from assistance or easy escape routes, it brought her race to an abrupt end, leaving her to face the long walk out of the hills. It was a cruel reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.
Molly’s misfortune opened the door for Kerry MacPhee to move into the lead of the women’s race. When we met Kerry at the Corrieyairack, she appeared calm, upbeat, and very much in control of her effort. She was still smiling and chatting freely—exuding the positive spirit she is known for.
By mid-morning on Sunday, the leading riders started entering the northern loop of the route, marking the next major phase of the event. Speeds during the opening sections had been predictably high, aided by the favourable weather and fast early pacing, but the character of the Highland Trail changes significantly further north. The terrain becomes rougher, more technical, and considerably more demanding, with several notorious hike-a-bike sections waiting to sap both energy and morale.
From our position at the Corrieyairack Pass, we were struck by the contrast in approaches. Some riders paused only briefly before continuing, desperate to maintain momentum, while others took a few extra minutes to eat, regroup, and mentally prepare for what lay ahead.
Our attention now shifts further north towards Oykel Bridge, one of the key vantage points on the northern loop. It offers a rare opportunity to see riders both entering and leaving the remote northern sections of the course.
Weather, too, may yet play a decisive role. While the Highlands have so far offered riders unusually kind conditions, forecasts suggest rain may begin to move into the area over the coming hours. After such a dry and fast start, changing conditions could have a major impact on the race as it unfolds deeper into the week.
For now, though, morale among riders remains remarkably high. The combination of fast trails, clear skies, and spectacular scenery has created an atmosphere that many veterans are already describing as one of the most enjoyable starts to a Highland Trail in recent memory. But with so much still ahead, nobody will be getting carried away just yet.
As the riders continue north into the vastness of the Highlands, the real test is only just beginning.
Check out the 2026 HT550 Tracker page to follow along on the live tracking map, find our Rigs of the HT550 roundup, and stay tuned in for more event coverage. Find it here.
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