Running and whisky are the perfect partners for a series of weekend breaks with new holiday company, Skedaddle North. Launched by Sally Bruce in the north-east of Scotland, which is home to many of the country’s best whisky distilleries, the three-night trips are based on the premise that: “The cocktail of life requires three things: Long runs, laughter and whisky.”
The concept seems very agreeable. Head to Speyside, meet a group of enthusiastic runners, stay in a luxury farmhouse, eat delicious food cooked by a dedicated chef, run beautiful trails amid fabulous countryside, visit whisky distilleries and other attractions, enjoy a dram or two, sleep, repeat.
Who is Skedaddle North’s founder?
Sally started running in 2011 in a bid to “keep fit”. After joining a local club, Moray Road Runners, she progressed from 5ks to ultra-distance events and then from road to trails.
Sally says: “I had no idea how much I would love running and where it would take me. I have run all over the UK and overseas and it’s now a huge part of my life. I love the freedom of running, the new friendships and the accomplishment of completing a run or a race.
“Now I am keen to show other people all the wonderful places to run off-road in my area of Scotland. The holidays are a get-away for like-minded people to enjoy a running retreat in a beautiful landscape and with the added bonus of our amazing whisky.”
Three-night running breaks
The small group Skedaddle North running breaks are based at the beautifully refurbished Old Duffus Farmhouse. With sole occupancy of the large accommodation, which sleeps up to eight people in a choice of twin or double rooms, guests can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
The farmhouse is situated on a family-owned estate on Speyside and overlooking the ruins of Duffus Castle.
Sally says: “The property offers a warm welcome, with comfortable and spacious surroundings set in a tranquil location. It’s the perfect base for a small group of runners.”
Catering for the weekend is in-house and provided by a dedicated chef, Alistair Fowlie. Sally says: “I have chosen Alistair because of his skills in the kitchen, creating nutritious, filling meals. Using only the best fresh and local produce, we’ll ensure runners are properly fuelled whatever their dietary requirements.”
There will be three guided runs over the weekend, from coast to hills and along historic trails and sandy beaches. Sally knows her home territory like the back of her hand and has chosen routes to showcase the landscape, as well as to reach whisky distilleries and other attractions.
Sally says: “The routes are tailored to suit runners of all abilities, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, and the aim is to run at an enjoyable pace with plenty of stops. We can shorten and lengthen runs to suit different guests by making use of transport.”
As a general overview, there will be a short “warm up” run on the Friday “somewhere coastal” and including a visit to Windswept Brewery; a longer trail run taking in the Speyside Way and one or two distilleries on the Saturday; and a hill run, dependant on the weather, on the Sunday.
Why book a Skedaddle North running holiday?
If you are keen to run in a new location, to fin new trails to run or simply to meet new like-minded people on a healthy holiday, Skedaddle North will be a great choice. Adding in the whisky ingredient and an enthusiastic local running guide, will only enhance the experience.
The holidays are still new and I haven’t yet tried one but I hope to do so this year. In the meantime, why not check out Skedaddle North Scottish Running Tours to find out more? There are still spaces for the March 6 to 9 weekend.