The Highland Trail 550 (HT550) is a self-supported mountain bike race covering 550 miles (approximately 880 kilometers) with over 16,000 meters of elevation gain through the Scottish Highlands. The 2026 edition commenced on May 9, 2026, at 8:30 AM local time in Tyndrum, Scotland. (racemappr.com)
This year’s event attracted over 60 riders, with half of them being women—a notable milestone for the race. (bikepacking.com)
Participants are required to be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary gear, including a sleeping bag, tent or bivvy, waterproof clothing, insulation layers, walking-capable shoes, front and rear lights, and a helmet. (racemappr.com)
For a detailed look at the bikes and gear used by nearly 40 participants, you can refer to the “Rigs of the 2026 Highland Trail 550” feature on BIKEPACKING.com. (bikepacking.com)
To follow the progress of the riders, live tracking is available on the official HT550 Tracker page. (bikepacking.com)
The HT550 is renowned for its challenging terrain, technical trails, and unpredictable Scottish weather, making it a premier event for endurance mountain bikers. (granfondoguide.com)