Congratulations to Annie Le, who just became the first bikepacker to finish Scotland’s Highland Trail 550 in winter. Find details and a few extraordinary photos from the wintry Highlands here…

Photos by Huw Oliver

Our friend and regular contributor Annie Le (@a_girl_outside) just become the first known person to ride the length of Scotland’s Highland Trail 550 bikepacking route in winter. Riding in 7 days and 16 hours, she also raised around £2,000 ($2,650) for Scotland-based cycling charity Bike for Good Glasgow (@bikeforgoodglasgow).

Annie Le, HT550

Here’s what she had to say in a post-ride update on Instagram:

“Back in Tyndrum after a week of immersion in some of Scotland’s best places. Shame most of it was in the dark! Snow, rain, gale-force winds, freezing fog, ice-chocked trails, snowdrifts, sunshine, and big moony nights.

  • Annie Le, HT550
  • Annie Le, HT550

This gave me everything I could have asked and more. It also took way more than I expected. I didn’t really believe I would finish until over the stupid locked gate right before Tyndrum. I had so many moments of self-doubt, feeling stupid for trying, thinking I’d never finish, discovering fears I never knew I had and the long dark hours made it so much harder.

But, I also spent most of the time grateful to be out, happy to ride my bike, and enjoyed problem-solving through the difficulties.”

Congrats from all of us, Annie!

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