Extreme tour of islands whisky distilleries by foot, kayak and bike unveiled

Race to ten distilleries could be Scotland’s most demanding ‘pub crawl’, writes Sean Murphy

Awhisky tour dubbed Scotland’s most demanding “pub crawl” is set to see competitors take on a 60-mile multi-sport contest which hops between the islands of Jura and Islay via kayak, bicycle and trekking.

The event, called ‘Project: Tour of 10 Malts’, is being organised by UK firm Rat Race Adventure Sports and is due to take place for the first time on 13-15 July this year.

The race, which also takes in all of the distilleries on the islands, is part of Rat Race’s new year-long Project: Explore (ratrace.com/projectexplore), a series of monthly challenges in stunning locations.

Rat Race founder Jim Mee said: “Project: Tour of 10 Malts is all about covering distance and joining the dots on the world’s most famous whisky islands. This exceptional package mixes trips to these historic landmarks with short trekking stages and serene sea kayaking in some of the most stunning landscapes Britain has to offer. Most of the distilleries are on the shores, which means seas stages are necessary to get to our destinations on these wonderful inner Hebridean islands.

“Depending on the currents, we may even inter-island ‘hop’ from Islay to Jura twice. Of course, I would hope that these amazing outdoor activities provide the real challenge for those who sign up to Project: Tour of 10 Malts.

“But, undoubtedly, visiting the distilleries is an obvious attraction and one which may inspire people to dig deep when faced with the more physically demanding elements.

Starting at the hamlet of Kennacraig on the Friday, participants will cycle, kayak, camp and walk on both islands, taking in distilleries like Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Isle of Jura and Bowmore before returning to the mainland on the Sunday.

Mr Mee added: “This isn’t about getting sozzled. You’ll struggle to complete the journey if you’re nursing a hangover from the night before. But by utilising the distilleryto-distillery format you can make your way through one of the most picturesque and challenging landscapes the UK has to offer.

“That sense of camaraderie and community is part of the entire Rat Race ethos. And there’s no better way to share your experiences at the end of an exhausting day than with a wee dram in your hand.”

0 The tour will feature Bunnahabhain