Linlithgow cousins to appear in upcoming episodes of Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes
June 22nd, 2026. Graham Leadbitter and Caroline MacFarlane, two 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 24th, 25th and 26th 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, says: “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 Monday 1 June and currently 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, comments: “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
About Le Boat
With over 55 years of experience, leading inland waterways holiday operator, Le Boat, offers self-drive boating holidays that require no licence, 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 isManaging 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.