Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes: Scotland trip with Le Boat on the Caledonian Canal
Before Graham Leadbitter and Caroline MacFarlane’s Scotland trip with Le Boat airs on Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes on 25th and 26th June, get a closer look at the route for yourself.
Experience front-row scenery across the Highlands, Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal. No ticking things off. No flying past the good bits. Just Scotland, unfolding at its own pace.
From our base at Laggan, right in the heart of the canal, you’re in control. Cruise past quiet stretches, out onto vast lochs and into landscapes that make you stop scrolling and just look.
In this article
Graham and Caroline’s Narrow Escapes trip on the Caledonian Canal
To bring the Channel 4 trip to life, we spoke to cousins Graham Leadbitter and Caroline MacFarlane from Linlithgow, who spent four days cruising Scotland with Le Boat on the Caledonian Canal. Graham, a former sailor, has been aboard his narrowboat for almost 10 years, while Caroline came to the trip as a complete beginner on the water.
”It was truly extraordinary to experience the Caledonian Canal and 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” – Graham
From first timer to seasoned boater: their Scotland experience
One seasoned boater, one first-timer, and four days on the Caledonian Canal — here’s how it all unfolded.
What was your favourite moment during the trip?
Caroline: “The moment we came out of the lock onto Loch Ness was incredible. I’ve visited the Loch from the land, but nothing compares to actually being out on the water itself. And of course, we were keeping our eyes peeled for Nessie the whole time!”
Graham: “I’ve spent years boating on canals, so suddenly being on this vast, open stretch of water in the middle of the Highlands felt really special. The scenery was spectacular and constantly changing, and there was something lovely about being out there with just the boat and the mountains around us.”
What surprised you the most about cruising in Scotland?
Caroline: “I was surprised by how varied the experience was. One minute you’re in peaceful canal stretches, and the next you’re out on these enormous lochs surrounded by mountains. It felt adventurous but still really relaxing at the same time.”
Graham: “The biggest surprise for me was the lock system on the Caledonian Canal. I live on the Union Canal where everything is much more traditional and manual, so seeing the electronic lock system in action was fascinating. It interesting to experience a completely different way of operating the waterways and chat to the brilliant canal workers who are so knowledgeable.”
How was it to drive a Le Boat cruiser for the first time?
Caroline: “Having never driven a boat before, I expected it to feel intimidating, but it was surprisingly easy to pick up. The briefing at the start was really helpful, and after a little practice I felt much more confident. It was actually really fun learning as we went along!”
Graham: “As someone who’s lived on a narrowboat for almost a decade, and before that worked aboard ships, driving the Le Boat cruiser was definitely a different experience from handling a narrowboat! It was an interesting experience getting to try something new and felt well suited to cruising the wide lochs.”
What would you say to someone considering a boating holiday?
Caroline: “I’d absolutely say go for it! Before this trip I had never properly experienced boating, but everyone we met was so welcoming and helpful. The canal workers were brilliant at teaching us about the waterways and helping us feel comfortable. It gave me a real taste for boating life and now I completely understand why people love it so much.”
Graham: “It’s an amazing way to experience Scotland. Seeing the countryside and wildlife from the water gives you a completely different perspective, and the scenery was stunning throughout the trip.”
What made this experience different from other trips you’ve taken?
Caroline: “It was great to have so much freedom, we could move at our own pace, stop in different places along the way, and experience areas you just wouldn’t be able to reach by car.”
Graham: “Boating holidays give you a completely different connection to a place. You’re travelling through the landscape rather than just passing by it and it felt immersive in a way that other trips often don’t.”
Any memorable encounters or unexpected highlights?
Caroline: “We happened to be there during Storm Amy, which definitely added a bit of drama to the trip! But honestly, we felt very safe and comfortable on the Le Boat throughout.”
Graham: “On the days when the weather was nice though, being able to steer out on the top deck was incredible. I’ll definitely have to come back again and finish the Caledonian Canal to Inverness!”
Boating Scotland: advice from our Laggan expert
If anyone knows Scotland by boat, it’s Sheila, our Base Manager at Laggan. She’s shared a few essentials before you take the helm, from the best bits along the route to why it works so well for first-timers.
What is it about Scotland that just works so well by boat?
Sheila: “Holidaying on a boat you move at a slower pace and avoid the traffic and see everything from a different angle compared to being on the road, often you will come across some hidden gems which are not visible from the road.”
What does Scotland by boat give you that other holidays don’t? What makes this feel more than just a sightseeing holiday?
Sheila: “A sense of achievement and adventure as it is more an activity holiday, you will see more wildlife on the Caledonian Canal Waterway such as Sea Eagles, Ospreys, Black Throated Divers and loads of other bird life as well as Red, Roe and Sika Deer, Wild Goats, Otters, Pine-Martens, Red Squirrels and the list goes on – this is all possible as you are going at a much slower pace than travelling by road.”
For first timers, what part of the trip don’t they see coming?
Sheila: “All of the above and also the fact that they make some life-long friends as there is a great sense of camaraderie on the Waterways”
Why does the Caledonian Canal leave such a big impression on people?
Sheila: “Whether they are on holiday thrilling or chilling they are impressed by the great feat of engineering that the canal is, great staff and fellow boaters, scenery and wildlife.”
What’s something people always end up talking about after they get back?
Sheila: “The fantastic scenery, friendly lock-keepers and Le Boat staff, the weather, wildlife, good food etc.”
Who is this kind of trip perfect for?
Sheila: “Families, novices, thrill seekers, chill seekers, stags and hens.”
Can a complete beginner actually do this?
Sheila: “Most novices have no problems and become lifelong fans of boating but obviously there is the odd time that a customer does not get it and it is not for them, in which case we will advise them to use the boat for a base, but this is very rare.”
Why cruise Scotland by boat?
This is Scotland on your terms. One moment you’re cruising the Great Glen, the next you’re out on Loch Ness, pulling up at castle ruins, waterside towns or a trail worth stretching your legs for.
Golf, wildlife, whisky stops. See everything you can do on and off the boat, without the rush.
The Caledonian Canal ties it all together, running from Fort William to Inverness through lochs, canals and ever-changing scenery. Every day feels different. The pace stays yours.
Insider tips: our team’s favourite moments on the Caledonian Canal
A few local secrets can turn a great cruise into an unforgettable one. This insider tip from our team will help you find the most atmospheric stops, on and off the water.
“Walk to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis for one of the Highlands’ most dramatic waterfall hikes. For something quieter, seek out the hidden Lady Falls near Fort Augustus — a local secret tucked in the forest, often all to yourself.” – Kay, Assistant Manager, Laggan
Frequently asked questions about Graham and Caroline’s Narrow Escapes trip
Graham and Caroline’s Scotland trip followed Le Boat’s Caledonian Canal boating region, based from Laggan and taking in highlights of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. Their journey took them to Fort William and all the way across Loch Lochy, up the canal to Fort Augustus. You can discover all these places, as well as Loch Ness on a 7-night Scottish itinerary.
Graham and Caroline travelled with Le Boat on the Caledonian Canal in Scotland for their Narrow Escapes trip on the Horizon 2, one of our Premier boats. It features two en-suite cabins, a generous saloon and a great sundeck space complete with barbecue.
Graham and Caroline travelled with Le Boat for his Scotland trip on Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes, cruising the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness boating region from Le Boat’s Laggan base.
Ready to follow Graham and Caroline’s Narrow Escapes route?
If Narrow Escapes has sparked the idea, the Caledonian Canal is a perfect place to start. Short break or longer trip, it’s Scotland. Just slower, freer and far more memorable.
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