Graham Leadbitter and Caroline MacFarlane, cousins from Linlithgow, West Lothian, will be appearing this week in the current series of Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes.
The programme follows their journey along the Caledonian Canal through the Scottish Highlands via narrowboat, before climbing aboard a Le Boat cruiser and setting sail on the iconic Loch Ness. Graham and Caroline appear in the final three episodes of the series, to be broadcast on 24, 25 and 26 June.
Graham, a former sailor, and Caroline, a water novice, travel aboard Horizon 2. This 2-cabin, 2-bathroom boat hosts up to five people (plus pets) and is available for hire from Le Boat’s base, located in the small and peaceful village of Laggan. As is the case with all Le Boat’s fleet, there is no need for a licence or previous experience to hire the boat, with the helpful team at the departure base showing beginner boaters everything they need to know before setting off
Graham and Caroline’s journey along the Caledonian Canal begins in Fort William and takes them all the way to Loch Ness, passing through the scenic Fort Augustus.
Graham Leadbitter, Narrow Escapes cast member, said: “It was a truly extraordinary experience to set sail on the Caledonian Canal and onto the iconic waters of Loch Ness. Having been a boater almost all my life, I’ve done some amazing journeys, but swapping my narrowboat, Tiger, for a Le Boat cruiser and having the opportunity to see the beauty of the Scottish Highlands (and the traditional Scotch mist!) via the waterways was really special”
Caroline MacFarlane, Narrow Escapes cast member, says: “I had never previously driven a boat before this trip, but it was surprisingly easy to pick up. We were expertly briefed and my confidence on the water grew quickly, learning as we went along.
“Cruising in Scotland was like nothing I’d done before, one minute we were in peaceful canals and the next we were crossing enormous lochs surrounded by mountains. The journey felt adventurous and relaxing at the same time. I had previously visited Loch Ness, but nothing compares to experiencing it from the water – it was my favourite moment of the trip!”
The third series of Narrow Escapes premiered on 1 June and airs on weekdays at 4pm, with episodes also available to stream on Channel 4’s online streaming service.
This series marks a major milestone for the programme, journeying beyond England and Wales for the first time to explore Scotland’s waterways. Among the highlights is the legendary Loch Ness, the setting for the episodes featuring Graham and Caroline onboard a Le Boat cruiser.
Cheryl Brown, inland waterway expert and Le Boat MD, said: “Exploring Scotland by boat is something every visitor should get to experience and it’s wonderful to see Narrow Escapes revealing the beauty of the country’s waterways to UK audiences. Scotland offers dramatic landscapes, rich history and unique wildlife, whilst boating allows travellers to holiday in a different way, at a slower pace, and encourages connection with both loved ones and the natural world.
“As a rising number of Brits choose to stay closer to home this summer, boating on the Caledonian Canal could be the perfect staycation option, especially since cruising with Le Boat requires no licence or previous experience. From history and heritage to wildlife or even a spot of golf, this region is ideal for those looking to discover Scotland from a whole different perspective.”
For more information on self-drive boating holidays, visit www.leboat.com/en
