5th Feb 2010
BBC Radio Scotland’s Fred MacAulay and TV presenter Dougie Vipond will be rising to the challenge for Sport Relief by tackling a gruelling, three-day kayak trip along the Caledonian Canal.
This extraordinary feat, dubbed ‘Up a Long Creek’, will see the dynamic duo battling against the elements in the tough February conditions, paddling through icy waters and camping out in harsh terrain from Fort William to Inverness over three days, all to raise money for this year’s Sport Relief campaign.
The challenge begins at Banavie, and will take in Loch Ness and Loch Lochy along the way.
While the challenge route includes Scotland’s most spectacular unspoilt scenery, it certainly won’t be plain sailing - the pair will regularly have to dock and carry their kayaks, negotiating a number of canal locks along the way.
They will also have to carry all of their own food, drink and equipment required for the duration of the challenge, as well as camping out under the stars and cooking their own meals.
With less than three weeks to go until the challenge, Dougie Vipond said: “When Sport Relief asked me if I was up for a challenge, I had no idea that I would end up in the Highlands in February paddling my way through freezing cold waters with Fred MacAulay, then having to share a tent with him - but I am ready to rise to the challenge!”
Fred MacAulay added: “This will certainly be one of my greatest challenges yet, let’s just hope we don’t end up the creek without a paddle!”
The pair’s waterborne adventures will be aired in an Up a Long Creek hour-long documentary special for Sport Relief on BBC Scotland in March.
If, like Fred and Dougie, you want to rise to the challenge for Sport Relief, the best way to take part is to enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on 21st March. With Mile events across the length and breadth of the UK, there’s bound to be one that’s right up your street!
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