Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes to Visit Scotland for the First Time

Leading inland waterway operator Le Boat to feature in series filmed on the Caledonian Canal.

Le Boat self-drive boating holidays to feature in Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes series filmed on the Caledonian Canal.

Narrow Escapes is back for a third series, setting sail on its most ambitious journey yet, and for the first time crossing the border into Scotland’s spectacular waterways. Launching today, Monday 1 June, the new 20-part series airs on weekdays at 4pm and will also be available to stream weekly on Channel 4’s online streaming service.

This third series marks a major milestone for the programme, expanding beyond England and Wales to explore Scotland’s waterways, including the iconic Loch Ness, where the episodes featuring Le Boat will be taking place.

Alongside its Scottish adventures, Narrow Escapes continues to follow a diverse cast of people embracing life on the water across the UK, from solo explorers to families and entrepreneurs.

The series will feature Graham Leadbitter and Caroline MacFarlane, two cousins from Linlithgow travelling up 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, a former sailor, and Caroline, a water novice, travelled aboard Horizon 2. The vessel hosts up to five people as well as 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 operate the boat.

Graham and Caroline’s journey along the Caledonian Canal began in Fort William and took them all the way to Loch Ness passing through Fort Augustus.

Cheryl Brown, travel expert and Le Boat MD, comments: “It’s fantastic to see Narrow Escapes bringing the beauty of the Scottish waterways to its audience for the first time. Boating allows travellers to holiday in a different way, at a slower pace and encourages connection with their loved ones and the natural world.

“As a rising number of Brits seek to avoid international travel disruption and choose to stay closer to home this summer, boating on the Caledonian Canal is the perfect staycation option. From history and heritage to wildlife and 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

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For further press information, please contact:
Josie Waddington | Marta Malagon Mañas | Elsa Findlay | Julie Aguilera
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About Le Boat
With over 55 years of experience, leading inland waterways holiday operator, Le Boat, offers self-drive boating holidays that require no license, enabling access to the rivers, lakes and canals of the UK, Ireland, Europe & Canada.

Le Boat makes boating easy and accessible for all, guaranteeing confidence on the water for first timers and seasoned experts alike and offering peace of mind with daily assistance & technical support.

With Le Boat, travellers will discover a different way to holiday – A slow travel option that takes them off the beaten track to explore new places or experience much-loved destinations from a new perspective. Personalised itineraries and the freedom to go at your own pace provide an opportunity to slow down, unwind, (re)connect with loved ones, and create lasting memories.

Combining transport, accommodation, self-catering facilities, and allowing holidaymakers to explore multiple locations and sights in one trip, Le Boat holidays provide excellent value for money, whilst a choice of over 950 vessels, ranging from value to luxury, caters to all budgets.

The Le Boat fleet will grow by 400 boats over the next 10 years, with a focus on premium boats, Liberty & Horizon.

Le Boat holidays are available between March and October and are priced from £194pp (based on a 7-night Thames cruise in April in a Comfort (Caprice) boat, sleeping up to 6 people, priced at £1,169).

For more information or to book your self-drive river cruising holiday, visit www.leboat.com/en

About Cheryl Brown
Cheryl Brown is Managing Director for Le Boat, part of the Marine Division of Travelopia and owned by KKR.

Cheryl began her career in travel at just 16, rising quickly through the ranks to become Retail Trading Director in 2001 and Managing Director of the First Choice Retail Group in 2004.

In 2007 she joined Sunsail as Managing Director and later became COO for TUI Marine, which included The Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose and Le Boat, in Florida.

After four years in the sunshine, Cheryl returned to the UK to lead Le Boat, a role she continues to love and lead in with passion. Today, she also sits on the Board of Travelopia.

A passionate boater herself, Cheryl enjoys life on the Thames from her riverside home with her own dock and dayboat. She loves welcoming new customers and watching them grow in confidence on the water, as well as reconnecting with those who return year after year.

Under Cheryl’s leadership, Le Boat has expanded across the Atlantic, opening two bases and launching 32 boats in Ontario, Canada. She also introduced the Horizon fleet in 2016 and most recently unveiled Liberty in 2025, the company’s most luxurious boat to date.

Cheryl’s vision inspired the new creative platform We’re on Le Boat, which celebrates the boating community and invites newcomers to discover the freedom of the waterways.

Cheryl is proud to invite everyone to join the Le Boat community and discover the magic of boating.