5 x 550: Rich Rothwell's Epic 5th HT550 completion

The Highland Trail 550 is widely regarded as one of the toughest bikepacking races out there and this years weather made it even more challenging. Our ambassador, Rich Rothwell is no stranger to the race and rode to another completion, despite the weather and the occasional drama, like breaking his GPS device. Here he reflects back on some of the highlights. 

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This was the seventh time I have lined up on the start line of The Highland Trail 550. It resulted in my 5th completion of this incredible route. A completion is never easy or guaranteed and the 2025 edition proved itself to be the toughest so far.

The weather is always a factor on HT550 (yes, even the rare occasions when it's been hot and dry!) but this year the Highlands threw its worst at us. Unbelievable to say that this was the first year in the history of the event that it rained on the startline! And then it stopped raining. And then it started raining. And then it stopped raining. And then it HAMMERED it down.... Then there was a hail storm.

You get the theme.

Using the new Restrap Rolltop Hydration Vest [keep your eyes peeled for this later in the summer] was a joy because the easy access took the pain away from the frequent clothing changes! My new Race Bar Bag also worked a treat as my sleeping bag and primaloft clothing remained dry throughout.

They say the Highland Trail starts in the north and it most definitely did this year! As we turned west and south west, the gale force wind, torrential rain and heavy hail storms dragged the speed down and made every mile hard fought.

In to the big stuff now and of course Fisherfield is the big crux move of the route. Waterfalls erupted out of the rocky gullies and river crossings became adrenaline fuelled and demanded full focus. As unnerving as this was, it was pure magic to be in this incredible place, witnessing conditions we would never be in unless in a race. As the last rider through that section at the end of that particular day, I pointlessly glanced over my shoulder on occasion, just to remind myself I was here, essentially alone and I had really best not mess up...

Mechanical issues in Torridon held me up but all in all, I was making consistent, if not quick progress. Resupplies didn't quite match up and by the time I reached Fort William, there was nothing else for it: the easy calorie injection of a MacDonalds (a place I'd only ever eat at during an ultra!).

The West Highland Way run in back to Fort William, despite the difficulty, is as good as natural trail riding gets. Every time I've completed this route, sleep deprived and wobbly, I've told myself to 'go easy' 'maybe get off' on sections of the Kinloch and Devil's Staircase descent to stay safe. Every time, this gets thrown out of the window within seconds! I get spat out on the road, heart pumping, adrenaline coursing through my veins, loving the sketchiness and the ragged line choices that the boulder strewn trails encourage. 

I winched myself back up to the finish at Tyndrum just as evening drew in for a top ten finish. Not my fastest ride. Not my highest finish. But definitely one of my most fulfilling completions. Getting round the Highland Trail 550 always feels like an accomplishment and a completion in those conditions is all the more satisfying. 

Congratulations to everyone who made the huge  commitment to line up at Tyndrum. It was a vintage year.

Photo credits: Hannah Shaw, Rich Rothwell and finish photo, Manu Cattrysse