16-07-2025
New off-grid adventure for stag and hen celebrations launched in Perthshire
The new offering is for brides and grooms-to-be that want to do things a bit differently
A unique new take on stag and hen celebrations has launched in Highland Perthshire. Brides and grooms-to-be are being offered the chance to do things a bit differently with their closest friends.
Singletrack to the Aisle, the latest offering from Comrie Croft Journeys, gives nearlyweds the chance to swap late nights for wild trails and campfire chats. Bar crawls are swapped for bikepacking adventures across some of Scotland's most scenic landscapes.
Based just 90 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh, the experience offers a relaxed, off-grid celebration in nature, complete with mountain bikes, e-bikes, and plenty of fresh air.
'We wanted to create something that felt genuinely special, an alternative to the usual stag and hen formula that's all about fresh air, freedom and fun,' said Emily Greaves, mountain biking coach and trip leader at Comrie Croft.
Packages are tailored for all abilities and can be chilled or challenging, from wild camping under the stars to cosy bunkhouse stays. Riders can choose a self-guided route using a GPX file or opt for a fully guided journey through Perthshire's glens and hills.
Add-ons include picnics, wild swimming stops, pub lunches, and whisky tastings by the fire - so it's not like it's a completely booze-free experience. And groups can even enjoy a sauna to end the trip on a high.
Greaves said: 'It's a chance to do something memorable together: maybe it's riding, maybe it's cooking over a fire, or maybe it's just waking up somewhere wild."
Each trip includes route planning, bike and luggage hire, overnight kit and accommodation. Guests can bring their own gear or use what's provided, and take home a personalised route map and trip name as a keepsake.
To add a playful touch, each guest receives a 'stag or hen survival kit' filled with locally roasted coffee, a dram of local whisky, a stargazing chart and classic campfire games.
The launch comes as younger generations move away from alcohol-fuelled celebrations. A recent study by the Night-Time Industries Association and CGA by NIQ found that 54 per cent of hospitality leaders had seen a year-on-year drop in trade from stag and hen groups.
Meanwhile, YouGov data shows a decline in alcohol consumption, with just 72 per cent of UK adults saying they drink, down from 78 per cent in August 2024. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, 39 per cent now abstain altogether.
Greaves has noticed the shift too, saying: 'More people are looking to make memories that aren't centred around alcohol.
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"While there's still the option to stop by a pub or distillery, the real focus is on being outdoors, having an adventure, and spending proper time with the people who matter most.'
Prices start from £195 per person for a one-night wild weekend, with a two-night bunkhouse option from £265. Optional extras such as guiding, whisky experiences and skills sessions can be added depending on the group's preferences.
Bookings for summer and autumn 2025 are now open. The adventure begins at Comrie Croft, with easy access from the A9 and nearby Gleneagles for those arriving by train from London.
