Bikepacking The Scottish Highlands - An Adventure On The Highland Trial 550 Innerloop

[@charlied1675]

Hats off to you for smiling through the rain and bogs and providing me with a wonderful video. Incredibly beautiful scenery.

[@AllenBoardman]

You’re most welcome indeed! It was certainly a very damp trip that one!!

[@jamesherd9132]

I watched This again and it was even Better Than the first time . The rivers were even fuller of water and the music really suited the situation in the video. Thanks Again .I do like you guys riding together.

[@AllenBoardman]

@@jamesherd9132I get what you mean about the rivers! Thanks for revisiting and watching again. Still have very fond memories of this trip.

[@MrThedatastream]

Tough ride for tough lads, great film thanks!

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for the watching! ☺️

[@andreasdahl717]

Woow! what a rainy adventure. And the clips that took you from bike-push to bike-Swim. Damn!

[@AllenBoardman]

@@andreasdahl717 it was a very very wet trip indeed. I had flashbacks to this when I rode the HT550 this year 🤣

[@tomaburque]

The scenery is like something out of a dream!

[@AllenBoardman]

Scotland is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to! Thanks for watching.

[@jamesherd9132]

thanks for another brilliant video .sorry about all the water.glad you got back in one peace

[@mattabro]

Awesome man 💯 👌 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😍

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you!! So glad you liked it. 🥳

[@wilfwilliams]

Swimming, bog snorkelling , raining, wet, with some incidental cycling. Bloody heroes !

[@AllenBoardman]

😂 pretty much sums it up eh! Except the hero’s bit. Silly people maybe! Thanks for watching.

[@KevinFindlater]

Came to this after watching the short version and loved it. Despite the obvious weather adversities your enthusiasm and humour shone through. Thanks for sharing.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you so very much for watching. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it as much as you did. Thanks for watching both the long and the short version, it’s a real compliment 🚴‍♂️⛰️

[@robertfriederichs1398]

Thanks guys! This had to be one of the best, if not the best, Scottish Highlands bikepacking videos I’ve ever seen. Great fun, beautiful scenery, thanks again!

[@AllenBoardman]

Hi Robert! That is such an incredible compliment, thank you! So happy you enjoyed it!

[@robertleuty]

Amazing boys plenty of river crossings lovely filming great to see you both having fun 🚴🚴🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😁😁

[@AllenBoardman]

Cheers mate! Yeah we went swimpacking for this one 😂

[@laurentchanut6643]

Just crazy and so beautifulllllllllll !!!!!! Thanks for video

[@AllenBoardman]

You’re most welcome! Thanks for watching it, so happy that you enjoyed it! 🎉

[@StefanBikepacking]

Thank you - absolutely brilliant. Will be in Scotland by bike in June.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for watching Stefan. Enjoy it when you go up!

[@thielaut]

Awesome! You guys make the best pair!! 🙂

[@AllenBoardman]

Ah thank you!! 🤩

[@bennyraskin]

The river/lake/ocean crossing at 26:34 was bonkers. Very cool how you filmed it. Very well made documentary. I enjoyed it very much. Best wishes.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks Benjamin! We didn’t expect not to get across to be fair. We both now know the route across the river and will be back. Thanks for watching!

[@frontiersenior5345]

Wonderful adventure! Thanks, guys. 💪🏼💪🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you for watching! So happy you enjoyed it! :)

[@strollersofthecodyscarp7557]

I love your videos. You guys look to be good friends and have allot of fun riding.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you! Yeah we have a great time no matter what the trip throws at us. It never usually goes to plan either. Thanks for watching!

[@pungarehu]

Lucky me. Ive driven over most of those roads, cycled over them and walked them (for work). And in horrible weather like that too. At least I can hide in the cab of a can-am on a horrible day. Looked like a great trip though.

[@AllenBoardman]

It was a wonderful trip! You are very lucky indeed! Thank you for watching.

[@Velobetty]

Epic adventure and loved this film, thanks for sharing!

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks so much for watching. I'm so happy you liked it this much! Allen

[@jedimattie]

And to think that on most of my bikepacking trips we are worried about where our next bit of water is going to come from. Looks like an amazing area and trip. Very nicely captured in your film. Thanks for sharing.

[@AllenBoardman]

Yeah, there was certainly a lot of water to deal with on this ride! Scotland is a spectacular place to adventure in. Thank you for watching.

[@googlemcshoogle1376]

Crackingly well shot video this ! This lirerlly sums up all that Scottish Highlands can offer. Loved the attitude of You boys. So posotive. Only way that'll get anyone through a Highand bike adventure !

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you! Scotland almost got us didn’t it? Some serious mountains there isn’t there. Being positive really helps out when the going gets tough!

[@domquigley7890]

A great film of a brave/mad outing 👍

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@AndresBikeTour]

Very nice impressions of the trails and the landscape of the Scottish Highlands! Many thanks for that! Best regards André

[@AllenBoardman]

Hi! Thanks so much, Scotland is easy to impress because it’s so beautiful. Thanks for watching!

[@kennyness8881]

Wow! Just wow! Thanks for posting. Kenny in Arkansas, USA.

[@AllenBoardman]

Hey Kenny! Thanks for watching! So pleased you enjoyed it.

[@greghart6310]

Most beautiful countryside imaginable, the sh_ttest weather imaginable. Dont forget a wetsuit. Great adventure and very cool video - cheers lads!

[@AllenBoardman]

Isn’t she just beautiful?! The weather was a serious test, but as you said - it was a great adventure! Thank you very much for watching, really pleased you enjoyed it.

[@stevecordingley6422]

Brilliant, guys. 👍🏻

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for watching! It was an incredible adventure.

[@rogereheadbyrne4790]

Great Video Fantastic adventure guys

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. 😄

[@phantomracer1050]

Looked like an amazing adventure guys.

[@AllenBoardman]

It truly was. Thanks for watching!

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Amazing adventure. Considering the harshness of the trip, you guys looked like you had a great time. Well done 👍

[@AllenBoardman]

Hey! Thanks so much for watching, we had a brilliant time. It was a little testing but it made for great memories.

[@007bigrob]

Well done guys 👍

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you for watching!

[@silentrabbit247]

Great bikepacking adventure guys. Know the route / areas well. I always have my bike on the downstream side for river crossings - seems easiest way to me and the bike will not be forced into you ! look forward to your next trip.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for watching! I now do this myself after this 😂 so pleased you enjoyed it!

[@jameswong391]

Just did the Fisherfield section 3 days ago - I managed to cross the river as it's warm May conditions, but god that section broke me anyway - thigh high bog multiple times, picking detritus off my spokes. Then the section to Kinlochewe was 12km of soul destroying off camber narrow track (mistakenly took the old route north side of Loch Maree instead of via Poolewe, had multiple trees fallen into a ravine crossing too) Mentally broke me but opened my eyes to some next level wilderness in Scotland and will definitely revisit on 2 feet though!

[@AllenBoardman]

Ah that sounds epic! It’s a certain type of fun bike packing isn’t it. Type 2 in most instances 😅 With the plans of returning, that means that you’re past thinking about the bad parts of the adventure, only the good parts.

[@jimbarrow5326]

Nice one Allen, looks like an awesome trip, some mad water crossings there!!

[@AllenBoardman]

You’re not wrong Jim, I’ve never been so damp haha 😅

[@glendaandthepinkwarrig]

Grand film there.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for watching. Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@steve230870]

That looked epic!

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for watching!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thanks Allen another great video from yourself & Barry. You just complement each other in your videos. Ant & Dec of Bike Packing I'd say 😅Ted

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks buddy! We always have fun when we are out. Thank you so much for watching! Really appreciate it.

[@theogre57]

Nice one Al - You two are like the Whitehouse and Mortimer of bikepacking.

[@AllenBoardman]

Ah, thank you! I’m chuffed you like it!

[@edzeppelin933]

You two always look like you have so much fun! Nice video mate. My partner and I watch from Australia.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks! We do have a lot of fun out there. Thank you so much for watching!

[@honda0105]

Thanks for another epic video gentlemen, albeit a rather soggy one! Great cinematography as always and keep ‘em coming. Cheers!

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you so much for watching!! This is still a trip I frequent in my mind. It was so special, regardless of weather. Thanks buddy!!

[@honda0105]

@@AllenBoardman You’re welcome! I’ve done quite a bit of walking in Scotland and that too was very soggy! 🤣☔️

[@AllenBoardman]

@@honda0105 yeah, liquid sunshine isn’t it hehe.

[@honda0105]

@@AllenBoardman 🤣

[@TaborKelly]

I love Barry.

[@AllenBoardman]

🤩

[@MrLjbikes]

Fantastic again..the scenery,the footage,would swear you have a camera crew with you

[@AllenBoardman]

😊 thank you so much! I wish I had a crew with me. It would make for a lighter set up! Thanks for watching.

[@cleggycyclist]

Proper adventure!

[@AllenBoardman]

It was incredible!! Thanks for watching!

[@-ewen]

Excellently shot video in those conditions Shame you couldn't cross at Shenavall, notoriously difficult at the best of times let alone with that water coming off the hills. Hope you can make it back in drier conditions

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you very much indeed. I don’t think we were destined to cross, it all happened for a reason. I’m hoping next time I’m back there I can just cycle across! Thanks for watching.

[@-ewen]

Actually very informative for other viewers contemplating the trail through from Dundonnell to Poolewe to see how the rivers can end up after rain.

[@ChasingAdventure247]

Amazing video as always mate.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks Roelof!! 🤩🤩

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Bloody hell Allen, you must have trench foot. Have you dried out yet? Great video and the waterfall at the end is nutz. Nice one boys👍🤟🤟

[@AllenBoardman]

Haha almost Graham! Thanks for stopping by to watch!😊

[@stuartantrobus7924]

So did you go in June then Al, great film made my lunch time. Nearly said hour then ha ha. Keep on rolling.

[@AllenBoardman]

Haha, oops! Hope you still watched it all anyway! 🥳 thanks for watching! Iceland is out too BTW. Have a little look, it’s a few films back.

[@stevecordingley6422]

You need to get a mini funnel for filling the hip flask. 🥃

[@AllenBoardman]

I’ve actually just used one tonight! I got it mostly in too. Luckily!

[@AScottishOdyssey]

It looks like you had an amazing time, even though you got drookit.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you for watching. We had a crazy amount of fun! Even though swimming is a drier sport if based on our trip!

[@br5380]

Cracking vids guys

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks for watching! Pleased it entertained you!🎉

[@Maffpalmer]

Lovely video thank you! Out of interest how did the GORE jackets perform, I am looking for Goretex jacket and am curious as to how good the Gore ones are? Many thanks

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you! They’re that good that I wish I was sponsored by them in some capacity!

[@cathrobinson2422]

Surprised you didn’t end up with trenchfoot! That river crossing was scary stuff…

[@AllenBoardman]

Haha, yeah I escaped with healthy feet. This time! The river crossing was a bit 🙀 😂

[@wadirunner]

Superb video there showcasing the best of the Highlands. Do you have a link to your route? I'm a walker rather than a mountain biker but some of the scenery (especially in the 2nd half) around Shenavall was familiar to me from my Cape Wrath Trail walk in May 2022. What and where was the hut at 06.00? Your bikes looked like they took some serious punishment on that terrain, what models were they? A he'll of an adventure, beautifully shot. Regards Wadi.

[@AllenBoardman]

Hey! Thank you so much for watching. The link for the route is on the bikepacking.com website. bikepacking.com/routes/highland-trail-550/ I mentioned to another viewer that the route has some issues with bridges being out and could be rather challenging. I'm not sure of the name of that hut, maybe the Badger Hut? - though I think it's locked now sadly. The bikes really did take a beating. Barry was on a Genesis and I ride a Hunt huntbikes.com years old now, but I still love it.Thanks again.

[@bambangsuseno8764]

What an awesome bikepacking journey you have. By the way, I am wondering if you're the late Mr Peter Boardman's cousin? Mr Peter Boardman was one of the mountaineers who joined in Mr Chris Bonington's Everest Expedition. Warm greetings from The Special Territory of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Happy bikepacking.

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you so much! This is one that my mind often wonders back to. No relation I’m afraid, just coincidence. Incredible to hear my film was watched so far away from here 😌

[@bikepackingconexoes]

Parabéns, pura diversão 😁😁

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you! 🤩

[@pablog80]

Great video! Last summer I bikepacked Finland and Norway for 30 days and I definitely felt in your shoes while watching this. Can you please tell what time of the year was your trip made? I am considering following your steps...

[@AllenBoardman]

Hi! Thank you very much for watching. I can only imagine how amazing 30 days in Finland and Norway would have been! This was filmed in October, though Scottish weather may be unkind at any time of year. Thanks again!

[@oot-n-aboot]

Wonderful! I'll be bikepacking in the Highlands in August. Can't wait to be back. Question: what is your the front bag that sits on top of your handlebar bag?

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you! Im so jealous you’ll be there. Such an amazing place. It’s called an Acepac Bar Bag. It clips into the harness that holds your dry bag. Thanks for watching :)

[@oot-n-aboot]

@@AllenBoardman Thanks so much! Have been looking for a front pouch. And yes, can’t wait to be back to the Highlands. I’m actually starting my mtb bikepacking trip in Swanage and linking a number of routes (including the Ridgeway) to Middleton Top to then ride the Great North Trail to Cape Wrath (and if I have time, the Pictish trail back to Edinburgh). Excited for the adventure.

[@AllenBoardman]

@@oot-n-aboot oh my, you know how to make me jealous! That sounds like an incredible trip!! Let me know how you get on :)

[@oot-n-aboot]

@@AllenBoardman Ha! Not my goal. But it does say how special such trips to such amazing places are. And will do, mate. :)

[@weeringjohnny]

Definitely not gravel biking but a load of type 2 fun.

[@AllenBoardman]

Certainly not eh?! But yep. 100% fun, almost all types! Thanks for watching.

[@Ey_up]

You are both far more intrepid than I but this film reminded me of those instances of being caught by the weather walking or cycling in Scotland. Your best film to date IMHO. (Was your life-saver an Endura synthetic fleece jacket?)

[@AllenBoardman]

Thanks so much! Scotland can catch you by surprise, it is just in its nature! We did have a great time, albeit rather wet. My jacket is a Gore hooded jacket. Love it! Even better when I reproof it! Underneath that is a primaloft insulated Endura vest. Another decent piece of kit. Thanks for watching and the wonderful feedback :)

[@Ey_up]

Thanks for the info. Going to get North in May, hopefully.

[@AllenBoardman]

@@Ey_up brilliant, you’ll have a blast!!

[@jackbrown2325]

Good ould bonny Scotland .

[@AllenBoardman]

What a wonderful place eh?!

[@jackbrown2325]

@@AllenBoardman 100% Allen .

[@Bowhabdle1000]

Nice one Barry 👌🏻✅👌🏻✅

[@AllenBoardman]

Glad you enjoyed our film!

[@donaldross2686]

Making it look easier than it actually is. Was this October?

[@AllenBoardman]

Yeah, though I thought we made it looked harder haha.

[@donaldross2686]

Anyone that underestimates how hard the highlands can be does so at their peril..... even on a good day, its hard.

[@Grandadgreyhair]

Great video could you please share gpx files

[@AllenBoardman]

Thank you! Absolutely. Bikepacking.com have the GPX available for this route. The only difference was that we started in Contin and cut the northern loop and the southern loop out and focused on the middle bit, turning left before getting to Oykel Bridge. bikepacking.com/routes/highland-trail-550/ just check with locals as some bridges are out and as such the next years edition is due to take a different out route. Thanks for watching.

[@kennyness8881]

How long do your bearings, bottom brackets, etc., last in such wet conditions? I’m surprised you don’t carry the bikes through deep water when possible.

[@AllenBoardman]

I used to carry the bike, but it quickly descends into just pushing through, especially when fatigue starts setting in. Bearings do last a lot longer these days, but it depends on the bearings the brand source for their products. DT Swiss and Wheels MFG spec great bearings as do Hope in their headsets 👍🏼