should include a spare tyre as these trails are very rough.

Booking well ahead of Hotels, Bunkhouses and even places to eat, is highly recommended.

Bearbonesnorm wrote:

Yes & No; 'that' race, isn't a race. It just looks a lot like one...!

Really, it's called the Highland Trail Race.

stevew wrote:

Bearbonesnorm wrote:

Yes & No; 'that' race, isn't a race. It just looks a lot like one...!

Really, it's called the Highland Trail Race.

Hi. Apologies, just by way of note though, the 'R' word isn't used on the Highland Trail website or in communications. HT550, or just Highland Trail. (Though I note it appears once on the webpage in Colorado Trail Race)

It's doesn't crop up on Cairngorms Loop, Self-supported, Lakeland 200 or Pennine Bridleway either. The effort of the time was to try and influence the language around the style of riding to be more about the individual - route, self-supported, and time-trial.

(And what Alasdair said)

stevew wrote:Sorry for going off topic, but maybe history is relevant in discussing An Turas Mor, and possible futures. The development of the websites and routes (HT550, CL, SSUK, PBW, LL200, circa 2012) was organic rather than planned to an ultimate vision. At the time these terms were discussed at length, and the effort was to try and exert some influence through the use of terminology, recognising nothing can be controlled, but discourse can be a powerful influence.

I had experience of several US multi-day events, but this style of riding was new to the UK; I had no idea about liability as a group depart facilitator (Cairngorms Loop), or if a community could develop and internalise the values attributed to the self-supported philosophy (credit to Mike Curiak (GDR) for making that philosophy explicit, and Stuart for planting the UK seed, and supporting the contribution of others).

So in conceiving, communicating, and trying to organically grow self-supported events in the UK, through others stepping up, an attempt was made to avoid the 'R' word. Sure, it gets used from time to time, we all know the score, I wouldn't say that legitimises it though. Myself, I still try and stick to those original principles and language of Self-support and ITT, not dilute it; maybe not through concern for personal liability as a route director anymore, but more for simplicity, keeping a low profile, attempting to embed the values of ultimate responsibility being with the individual, not an 'organiser' (another word I avoid since it has meaning of a higher power and responsibility that yourself), in a community.

It's interesting to hear of dual meanings in route and r**e. We all make sense and bring meaning to things in different ways according to our development history. Thanks, guys. I'll go back to my cave now.

Your post clearly demonstrates a level of thoughtfulness and consideration which appears lacking in a number of more recent events and routes that have appeared more recently.

Moder-dye wrote:Anyone requested and got the GPX yet? I just had an email that omcc are on holiday until 27th and will get a response then.

Moder-dye wrote:Anyone requested and got the GPX yet? I just had an email that omcc are on holiday until 27th and will get a response then.

ScotRoutes wrote:

Moder-dye wrote:Anyone requested and got the GPX yet? I just had an email that omcc are on holiday until 27th and will get a response then.

Sit down with the maps and you'll soon have it. Let's face it - in most places there are few options.

I'm not sure who they/he/she is/are.

whitestone wrote:Not sure of the southern bit but the section from Bridge of Balgie in Glen Lyon as far as the head of Glen Golly above Strath Dionard it follows the HT550 route with the exception of a short bit of road from Tomich to just after Cannich. The section from Fort Augustus to Cannich is actually part of the return route of the HT550, the old drove road is now upgraded to a wind turbine road.

I'm not sure who they/he/she is/are.

It's Reg. He's a splinter faction from the Cyclist Mundo Obscura Club.

Richpips wrote:A few minutes on google suggests David Wilson of Fort Bill is involved.

FB Cape Wrath Trail Organisation

and this https://www.photoblog.com/ealdhain/2016 ... ike-trail/

whitestone wrote:Not sure of the southern bit but the section from Bridge of Balgie in Glen Lyon as far as the head of Glen Golly above Strath Dionard it follows the HT550 route with the exception of a short bit of road from Tomich to just after Cannich. The section from Fort Augustus to Cannich is actually part of the return route of the HT550, the old drove road is now upgraded to a wind turbine road.

AlasdairMc wrote:

whitestone wrote:Not sure of the southern bit but the section from Bridge of Balgie in Glen Lyon as far as the head of Glen Golly above Strath Dionard it follows the HT550 route with the exception of a short bit of road from Tomich to just after Cannich. The section from Fort Augustus to Cannich is actually part of the return route of the HT550, the old drove road is now upgraded to a wind turbine road.

I think it doesn't follow the current HT route via Ben Alder/Culra - there's a mention of Rannoch Station in the notes, and then the Road to the Isles, which would take you to Loch Ossian, from which Laggan is reached by the old HT route and Strath Ossian. The Loch Ericht bogfest is avoided!