I was taking part in the Strathpuffer this year for the first time since 2016, and what a year I chose to give it another go! I was part of a quad team that completed 14 laps over the 24 hours – with my personal tally being 3. That’s the benefit of opting to start fourth, I guess!
When you look at some of the competitive riders at this event, from the Dingwall Academy team that did 23 laps between the eight youngsters, to the solo stalwarts like solo men’s winner Kyle Beattie, who smashed out 23 laps himself, it doesn’t seem like a lot.
But one of the brilliant things about the Puffer is that everyone is so supportive. There was always a grateful “thanks” when us snail-pacers got out of the way to let the speedy guys n gals past, and there is mutual respect for anybody and everybody who takes part, no matter how many times they get round or how fast they go.
In between my laps, I managed to spend a bit of time with various cameras getting some shots around the course – which gave me an excuse to march up the hill and warm my toes up from the sub-zero temperatures! It was seriously cold, especially camping at Contin in -12C on the Friday night…
Below is a selection of my photos, which I hope you enjoy. If you see any of yourself that you’d like for your own use, feel free to use them on your social media etc – a link back to this page and/or my social profiles would be appreciated.
Read more in Active Outdoors: Winter wonderland makes 2025 Strathpuffer one to remember
Ace Weekend, and Ace Pictures