WHY WE RIDE 🧡 | Àban Outdoor
Next in our Why We Ride series, we're shining a spotlight on Àban Outdoor – and what better way to introduce their work than to show you exactly what they do. ▶️
Àban Outdoor is a Highland outdoor education charity based at Merkinch Welfare Hall, with a strong local focus on Merkinch, South Kessock and Dalneigh, helping local children and young people access healthy outdoor adventures and the opportunities that come with them.
In 2025, 281 young people took part in 724 Àban experiences – spending a combined 11,077 hours outdoors. 🚴🥾🏕️🧗
This video gives you a glimpse of that work in action through Àban's Adventure Weeks – getting young people outdoors, trying new activities, taking on challenges and spending time together in nature.
But what does Bridge to Bridge support mean to Àban?
We caught up with Johannes Petersen, Chief Officer at Àban Outdoor, who explained that one of the biggest barriers to getting local young people outdoors is something many of us probably take for granted: transport.
Not every young person can easily get out into nature with friends or family. While Àban uses public transport and walking wherever possible, its outdoor clubs rely on vehicles to help make these experiences accessible.
Àban's first vehicle was donated by Highland Cross in 2023, but as the charity has grown, it now needs a second. Bridge to Bridge fundraising will help towards that goal – getting even more local young people outdoors to take on healthy challenges and enjoy time in nature.
And the impact could reach even further. Having recently joined the Community Transport Association, Àban can also make its vehicles available to other local charities, extending the benefit across the community.
For Àban, though, Bridge to Bridge is about more than funding. Johannes explained that, as a relatively young charity, seeing more riders learn about their work and what they do is helping Àban build a growing community of support around its staff and volunteers.
And he had this message for everyone currently training and fundraising:
“When you're out enjoying the training miles, getting out in fresh air and feeling the burn – take heart from the fact that your fundraising will make that same buzz of healthy outdoor exercise possible for a generation of local Highland kids who wouldn't get the chance otherwise.”
So, with 77 miles ahead on 12 September, keep going and keep sharing those fundraising pages. 💪🚴
Àban will be out there giving you a big cheer on the course!
Every mile makes a difference. 🧡
Find out more: https://aban.scot/
Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle
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A 77 mile cycle from the Skye Bridge to the North Kessock Bridge to raise funds for local charities. 2026 event takes place Saturday 12th September.
Registration now CLOSED!
WHY WE RIDE 💙 | This Is Me Highland
With Bridge to Bridge now just around the corner, we're continuing to shine a light on the local charities at the heart of every mile ridden and every pound raised.
One of our three principal charities for 2026 is This Is Me Highland (TIM), a volunteer-run charity supporting neurodivergent children and young people and their families across the Highlands.
Founded in 2018 by a group of proactive and caring parents, TIM helps families break down barriers by offering advice and support, alongside arranging fun-filled events and activities across the Highlands. Today, more than 400 families hold membership.
From exclusive soft-play sessions and bouncy castles to woodland experiences and day trips, TIM aims to create a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment where families can experience moments of joy and connection, without the stress of crowds or overstimulation. Siblings are welcome too, helping families enjoy activities together.
In 2024 alone, more than 4,000 event spaces were filled.
That's why every Bridge to Bridge fundraising page matters. ❤️
The money raised by our riders will help charities like This Is Me Highland continue supporting families here in the Highlands – creating opportunities to come together, connect and enjoy experiences as a family.
So, to all our riders with just 9 days to go: keep sharing those JustGiving pages and keep reminding your friends, families and colleagues why you're taking on 77 miles.
Every mile makes a difference. 💙
Find out more about This Is Me Highland: thisismehighland.co.uk
02/09/2026
🚴 RIDER UPDATE – CHECK YOUR INBOX!
We’re officially into the final countdown to Bridge to Bridge 2026! 🙌
Participant instructions were emailed to all registered riders last night, with the important information you’ll need ahead of Saturday 12 September.
📩 Please check your inbox (and your junk/spam folder). If you haven’t received them, email [email protected] and we’ll make sure they get to you.
If your plans have changed and you’re no longer able to take part, please let us know as soon as possible too – it really helps the team with the final event preparations.
Over the next few days, we’ll also be introducing you to some of the brilliant charities, volunteers and local businesses that make Bridge to Bridge possible – and reminding ourselves why we’re all taking on those 77 miles. ❤️
And riders, there’s still time to give your fundraising a final push! Share those JustGiving pages with friends, family and colleagues and help us raise as much as we can for our local Highland charities.
Not long now! 🚴⛰️
This Is Me Highland Àban Outdoor Highland Action For Little Ones - Halo
02/09/2026
WHY WE RIDE ❤️ | Meet HALO
With Bridge to Bridge getting closer, we want to put the spotlight back on what the event is really all about – raising vital funds for incredible local charities.
One of the charities your miles and fundraising will support this year is Highland Action For Little Ones - Halo.
Founded in 2023, Halo supports children and families facing hardship across the Highlands, working closely with schools, healthcare professionals, social services and other referral partners to get essential items to families when they need them most.
And the scale of that support is incredible. In 2025 alone:
❤️ 1,169 children supported
👕 10,488 items of clothing provided
🍼 2,301 packs of nappies & wipes
🛏️ 1,530 items of bedding and blankets
🎁 2,232 Christmas gifts
🙌 4,200+ volunteer hours
Their work goes beyond care packages too. Halo's Bright Futures programme provides regular support for young mums under 25 in Inverness and Alness, while the charity also works with Highland Council to respond to emergency situations where babies under 12 months have no access to formula milk.
And this is exactly why your Bridge to Bridge fundraising matters!
Halo founder Mel Thomson shared this message for everyone involved in Bridge to Bridge:
“On behalf of Halo I want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Willie Gray and all the volunteers and local businesses that make Bridge to Bridge possible. It’s kept growing every year without losing what makes the event special. We are so proud to be part of this event again and grateful to every single rider who takes part!”
🚴 To everyone training, riding and fundraising this year – keep going. Every pound you raise can help charities like Halo continue making a very real difference here in the Highlands.
Want to support Halo further?
As we head towards the colder months, Halo particularly welcomes essentials such as warm pyjamas, cosy socks, winter jackets and boots.
You can also support their work by donating, volunteering, purchasing an essential item from their Amazon Wishlist, or donating new and pre-loved items.
Visit Halo to find out more and see the different ways you can help: https://halohighlands.co.uk/
01/09/2026
SUPPORTING THE RIDE ❤️🩹
There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make Bridge to Bridge happen – and we want to introduce you to some of the brilliant people and organisations giving their time and expertise to our riders.
First up, a huge thank you to H**e Highland First Aid, who will be volunteering as our first aid responders for this year’s event. ❤️
H**E is led by registered nurses, bringing their clinical skills, knowledge and experience to the event – giving our riders confidence that they’ll be in safe hands should they need assistance on the day.
H**E will form an important part of the wider Bridge to Bridge team, helping us look after riders throughout the 77-mile journey from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge.
You might be doing the pedalling, but you’re certainly not doing it alone. 🚴💙
A massive thank you to the H**E team for volunteering their time, skills and expertise to help make Bridge to Bridge possible.
**EHighlandFirstAid
30/08/2026
🚨 FINAL CALL FOR RIDERS! 🚴
There’s still time to join us for Bridge to Bridge 2026 – but not for long!
Registration closes at midnight tomorrow, Monday 31st August.
If you’ve been thinking about taking on 77 unforgettable miles from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge, this is your last chance to secure your place. 💙
🚴 77 miles
⛰️ Incredible Highland scenery
🍰 Legendary feed stations
❤️ All while raising funds for fantastic local charities
Don’t miss it. Entries close tomorrow!
👉 https://www.entrycentral.com/bridgetobridge
29/08/2026
🚴 Only two weeks until Bridge to Bridge!
It's a great time to start focusing on arriving at the start line feeling fresh, fuelled and ready to enjoy the day.
Make time for:
💧 Staying hydrated
🥗 Eating well
😴 Getting plenty of rest
🚴 Keeping the legs turning over with some shorter, comfortable rides
Most importantly... start getting excited!
In just two weeks, you’ll be ready to take on 77 unforgettable miles from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge, through some of the most spectacular scenery the Highlands has to offer. ⛰️
❤️ It’s also the perfect time for one final fundraising push. Share your JustGiving page with friends, family and colleagues and help us raise as much as possible for the fantastic local charities at the heart of Bridge to Bridge.
Every donation makes those 77 miles mean even more.
Two weeks to go. The countdown is well and truly on! 🚴
26/08/2026
🚴 LAST CHANCE TO JOIN US IN 2026!
We’re absolutely delighted with the response to this year’s Bridge to Bridge and are now approaching capacity for the event. 💙
If you’ve been thinking about taking on the 77-mile journey from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge, there’s still time to secure your place...
Registration remains open until midnight on Monday 31st August.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of the Highlands’ most unforgettable charity cycling events while helping raise vital funds for incredible local causes. ❤️
⛰️ Epic Highland scenery
🚴 77 unforgettable miles
🍰 Famous feed stations & home baking
🤝 An incredible community of riders and volunteers
Ready to ride? Register now before entries close at midnight on 31st August.
👉 https://www.entrycentral.com/bridgetobridge
26/08/2026
🚴 From the office to the open road!
Four colleagues from Shepherd and Wedderburn are coming together to take on the 77-mile Bridge to Bridge challenge – stepping away from their desks, outside their comfort zones and onto the road from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge.
Along the way, they’ll be raising vital funds for charities supporting communities across the Highlands and Islands, while sharing what promises to be a memorable team experience.
Take a look at our latest Corporate Team Spotlight to find out more about the team and why they’re taking part. 👇
Could your team be next?
📩 To enter a corporate team or find out more, contact [email protected]
24/08/2026
🚴 What’s fuelling your Bridge to Bridge?
With less than three weeks to go, now’s the time to get your event-day fuelling plan sorted. 🍌💧
Use your remaining training rides to work out what keeps you going – whether that’s gels, bars, bananas, energy drinks or something else entirely.
Our golden rule? Nothing new on event day! Test your favourites now so you know what works for you over a longer ride.
And remember, you don’t need to carry everything but the kitchen sink...
We’ll have well-stocked feed stations along the route, with plenty of opportunities to refuel, refill your bottles and enjoy some of that famous Bridge to Bridge home baking. 🍰❤️
So pack your favourites, but leave a little room for cake and get ready for 77 miles through the Highlands!
💬 Experienced riders – what’s the one snack you wouldn’t tackle a long ride without? Share your recommendations below!
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