Part of my job as “Overlord of The Leftovers” at Singletrack is to bravely search the Kingdom for the finest quality product offers to present to you our glorious Singletrack members. This is by no means an easy task. Yeah sure, for some member offers I simply think “That’s nice, let’s email them for a code”, whereas other products are much harder to discover. For example, North Uist Gin.
Back in the summer an opportunity presented itself. Mark mentioned that going to Scotland was Ok again. A quick check of the weather forecast revealed a westerly swell, light winds, and sunshine was to be found in the Outer Hebrides. Far out, really far out, about as far as we could get. So, I quickly borrowed a dog, grabbed a few curious surfboards, and made the long crusade north.
After a couple of days of driving, sailing, negotiating with the terrifying wild ponies, and slaying a million blood sucking flying monsters, we pulled off the main road (which is only 10 foot wide and has a car every half hour) and drove up into the dunes, and then pretty much stayed put for 4 days. The sea was crystal clear, the sun shone every day, the dog ran around, seals and dolphins checked us out, and I bumped into Johnny out in the surf. As luck would have it, it was not only his wife’s birthday, but they also recently started a gin distillery, and they invited us to join their small party around a campfire in the dunes. Talk about landing on your feet.
North Uist Gin
Kate and Johnny make two variations of gin. There is the regular “Downpour”, which apparently refers to the weather, but I saw ten days of sunshine, warm seas and barefoot living. I now believe they just tell people the islands get bad weather to discourage people like me moving in. Anyway, it’s a very nice gin, with a big hint of island heather. Mine was served with good tonic, a slice, and a sprig of rosemary.
The “Sloe & Bramble” made me really happy. It is made from local berries and is aged in bourbon casks. I mail ordered some for one of my daughters who soon messaged me “Thanks for the turbo Ribena Dad”.
Singletrack Forum Member Slackboy has commented “According to my partner this gin is the “best she’s ever tasted”. We discovered when we cycled the Hebridean way in July 2019 and stayed next to the shed where they make this. Ordered a couple of bottle since and delivery is always quick.”
Singletrack Member Gin Offer
They are offering Singletrack members a free mini bottle when you buy a big bottle. The smart move here is to keep one and give one as a Christmas gift. Kate and Johnny are pretty slick on the despatch front. The bottles I have ordered have travelled across the island to the post office (open every other day), sailed across the sea, and arrived in southern England within a few days. Click the button below to see the Singletrack member offer details.
Island Cycling Life
The outer Hebrides is an amazing location and should really be on your list of places to explore. I really cannot think of a better place to visit for food, beaches, wildlife, fishing, wild camping and solitude. There is now a very tempting cycle route through the Outer Hebrides. It’s 185 back road miles (they don’t have big roads) over ten islands. You will see signs for the Hebridean Food Trail too, so fine food is assured. Throw in the easy wild camping and its looking like an excellent cycling adventure. Have a look at the route here, and Komoot have have a great write up of the route here.
The big list of other member discounts.
- Inov-8 footwear – click through for the details
- Cotswold Outdoor 15% off online and instore.
- Freewheel 20% off in November.
- 5% off Sixth Element Wheels.
- 10% Off At Sports Pursuit
- 10% off Yellow Jersey Cycle Insurance.
- Polaris Clothing 15% off
- Showerpass Clothing 15% off
- 10% off Asgard security sheds
- £5.00 off Bum Butter in the Singletrack shop. We literally have your arse covered.
- 15% Off the entire Tonic CBD range
- 15% Off CraftyAF alcohol free beer
- Komoot, Free map region bundle worth £8.99
- Singletrack Gift Subscriptions. £10.00 off and one less present to sort for Xmas.
- 10% Off Guy Martin’s Proper Job Cleaning products.
- Free Miniature At North Uist Gin Distillery
- £10.00 Off Singletrack Gift Subscriptions.
Join us, help Singletrack and save.
You know it’s only £20 a year for a digital Singletrack membership, and £39 for the full on print and digital membership. Being a member gives you access to loads of exclusive discounts, so you can more than break even and cover the membership fee in no time. For example, Freewheel are offering 20% off in November. Get yourself a new waterproof jacket or some components and Singletrack can be effectively free.
Comments (2)
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Thanks, Charlie. I’ve just ordered a bottle for the Doris for Xmas. 🙂
According to my partner this gin is the “best she’s ever tasted”. We discovered when we cycled the hebridean way in July 2019 and stayed next to the shed where they make this. Ordered a couple of bottle since and delivery is always quick. In fact only got a new bottle last week so will need to wait a while before I can make use of this offer.