A pair of intrepid Perth adventurers are set to take on a mammoth challenge to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), which is based at Perth Airport.
Louis Ford and Liam Doris will jump, cycle, swim, abseil and kayak through the canyon section of the Bruar Falls as part of their journey, which will cover an estimated 70 miles.
They are due to begin their challenge today at around 4am at the top of Glen Bruar, near Pitlochry. Louis and Liam will mountain bike downstream prior to reaching the Bruar Falls.
The pair will then don wetsuits as they jump, cycle, swim and abseil through the canyon section of the trip and then kayak through River Garry, River Tilt and River Tummel before joining the River Tay where they hope to return to Perth before sunset.
Louis said he had always wanted to undertake a challenge like this since he started working as a canyon guide at 18.
“The journey we have planned to do is not a source to sea of the River Tay in its entirety it’s a more complex route we have chosen,” he said.
“It is a route that will test us in every way using three different disciplines. We felt we needed more of an edge to this type of challenge and we feel like by incorporating three different disciplines and racing against the clock, it gives us this.”
He continued: “I also believe that this is a journey that no one has completed before.
“Over the last few months we have been tackling different stretches of the rivers to give us an opportunity to identify any potential problem areas.
“This has also let us see how the fatigue and exhaustion affects us.
“I am very familiar with most of the rivers we are tackling through this event but have only ever done short journeys on these stretches.
“I am very confident that myself and Liam are capable of undertaking such a big challenge we have put a lot of training and effort into our preparation.”
Louis and Liam hope to raise around £1,000 for the SCAA.
“I feel that they are a worthwhile and much needed charity,” Louis added.
“This is a much needed resource that will save many lives. They are also a local charity that need local help.”