An annual Highland bike race became a real test of endurance after unseasonably warm weather turned the surface into a “mix of porridge and cement”.
More than 800 people took part in the epic 24-hour Strathpuffer, with racers coming from all over the Highlands and beyond.
And, while entrants often face a wintry challenge of snow and ice, temperatures in double figures this year brought a challenge all of its own.
The seven-mile race took riders on a loop through the trees of Torrachilty Wood, with entrants competing through almost 17 hours of darkness.
The event started on Saturday morning – with the punishing effort only finishing yesterday.
The 2016 overall winner was Keith Forsyth who completed 28 laps, while the first woman was Naomi Freireich who finished with 21 laps.
Another notable entrant was motorcycle racer and TV presenter Guy Martin who finished in 16th with a creditable 15 laps – having ridden to Ross-shire from his home in Yorkshire on a fixed wheel bicycle.
In total, the event attracted a record entry of 815 cyclists taking part in team and individual races.
Event organiser Steve Macdonald praised the standard of racing, calling the entrants “unbelievable”.
He added: It was a great success again. It was a complete mud bath, but everyone seemed to come out of it smiling.
“It was very mild, which made it quite pleasant for cycling, but not so good for the surface.
“It was like a combination of porridge and quick setting cement.
“It was an absolute classic.”
The Strathpuffer was first run in 2005 and has become a well-established test on the mountain biking calendar.
Teams also raise thousands of pounds for charity during the race every year.