Highland Trail 550: bikepacking plan & riding days
A 550-mile self-supported mountain bike loop from Tyndrum through the remote Scottish Highlands, mixing singletrack, dirt roads and quiet tarmac, with plenty of hike-a-bike. It's one of the toughest bikepacking routes in the UK.
Estimate from BikepackPilot's model: base pace 110 km/day on asphalt, adjusted per 50 km segment for surface, climbing, wind and rain. Rest days not included. Your own numbers will differ – that's what the app is for.
Key facts
| Distance | about 550 miles (885 km); recent GPX versions run roughly 890–912 km |
|---|---|
| Start | Tyndrum, Scotland |
| Finish | Tyndrum, Scotland |
| Countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface | 20% asphalt, 55% gravel, 25% technical gravel (estimated mix for this plan) |
| Total climbing | about 16,000 m |
| Typical duration (sources) | 4-8 days for fast riders; 11-14 days as a touring trip |
About the route
- The Highland Trail is a self-supported mountain bike route of 550 miles (885 km) with over 16,000 m of climbing, starting from Tyndrum.
- Alan Goldsmith first conceived it as a training route for the Colorado Trail Race, and it grew into one of the toughest self-supported off-road time trials in the world.
- Most riders in the mass start or time-trial format finish in 4-8 days. The 'summer version' touring route suggests 40-50 miles a day over 11-14 days.
- The majority of the route is on good trails and quiet roads, but it includes some boggy and very technical sections.
Planning notes
- Expect hike-a-bike on the most spectacular sections, notably the Fisherfield crossing and the Achnashellach/Torridon area. Weather is changeable, so carry proper wet and cold gear.
- Tyndrum is reachable by train from Glasgow, which takes a few hours. Bike space is limited, so reserve ahead.
Plan your own Highland Trail 550 plan in minutes
Enter your real distance, set surface, heat, wind and rain for each 50 km segment and get realistic riding days – plus a gear list that adapts to your conditions, water and food nearby and a safety check-in. Works offline, in English, Polish, German and Spanish.
The route in 50 km segments
Show all 18 segments
| Segment | Surface | Climbing | Days (good) | Days (tough) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–50 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 50–100 km | Technical gravel | 904 m | 0.75 | 1.47 |
| 100–150 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 150–200 km | Asphalt | 904 m | 0.50 | 0.75 |
| 200–250 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 250–300 km | Technical gravel | 904 m | 0.75 | 1.47 |
| 300–350 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 350–400 km | Asphalt | 904 m | 0.50 | 0.75 |
| 400–450 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 450–500 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 500–550 km | Technical gravel | 904 m | 0.75 | 1.47 |
| 550–600 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 600–650 km | Asphalt | 904 m | 0.50 | 0.75 |
| 650–700 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 700–750 km | Technical gravel | 904 m | 0.75 | 1.47 |
| 750–800 km | Gravel | 904 m | 0.62 | 1.05 |
| 800–850 km | Asphalt | 904 m | 0.50 | 0.75 |
| 850–885 km | Gravel | 633 m | 0.43 | 0.73 |
FAQ
How many days does it take to bikepack Highland Trail 550?
With BikepackPilot's default pace of 110 km per day on asphalt, the 885 km route takes about 11.0 riding days in good conditions and about 19.0 days with moderate headwind and light rain, using the surface mix shown on this page. Rest days are not included.
How long is Highland Trail 550?
about 550 miles (885 km); recent GPX versions run roughly 890–912 km, from Tyndrum, Scotland to Tyndrum, Scotland.
What surface is Highland Trail 550?
For this plan we assume 20% asphalt, 55% gravel, 25% technical gravel (estimated mix for this plan). In BikepackPilot you set the surface for each 50 km segment yourself.
Sources
- The Highland Trail 550, Scotland - BIKEPACKING.com
- 2024 Highland Trail 550 - BIKEPACKING.com
- 2026 Highland Trail 550 (HT550) - BIKEPACKING.com
- Highland 550 Trail - Rough Ride Guide
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