Meet Your Skipper - Mark Wilson

Stepping aboard a narrowboat should feel like slipping into a slower, calmer rhythm of life — and that’s exactly what Mark aims to share with every guest who joins him on the water.

Mark first began skippering narrowboats back in 1985, long before CanalScapes existed. Those early days on the canals sparked a lifelong love of boating, adventure, and the unique community spirit found along the towpaths. His journey then took him into the British Army, where he served as a helicopter technician — a role that sharpened his technical skills, attention to detail, and calm‑under‑pressure approach that now reassures guests on every trip.

In 2020, during lockdown, Mark and his family bought their own narrowboat. What started as a way to escape the four walls quickly became a rediscovery of everything they loved about canal life. Days were spent cruising, exploring, and — in true canal tradition — chatting to strangers at locks. It wasn’t long before Mark began inviting curious onlookers aboard for a short ride. Ten minutes later, they’d step off smiling, surprised by how peaceful and enjoyable the experience was.

Those spontaneous moments revealed something important:
many people would love the canals… if only someone made it easy for them to try.

That realisation became the seed of CanalScapes.

Mark created a skippered narrowboat experience designed especially for people who might not feel confident hiring a boat on their own — or who simply want to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of steering. What makes CanalScapes unique is the balance it offers:
a fully skippered experience during the day, and complete privacy in the evening.

To Mark’s knowledge, no other narrowboat business offers this blend of support and independence.

Today, Mark brings together decades of boating experience, a warm and welcoming personality, and a genuine passion for helping people discover the magic of the canals. Whether you’re trying narrowboating for the first time, celebrating a special occasion, or exploring the waterways at your own pace, you’ll be in safe, knowledgeable, and friendly hands.

Step aboard, slow down, and let Mark show you the waterways the way they’re meant to be enjoyed.

Our Narrowboat

Pendelvin Gypsy

Pendelvin Gypsy is a fabulous 2004 Orion narrowboat with traditional Boatman's cabin and engine room housing a classic Gardner engine. She has a timeless traditional feel and is perfect for guests that want to experience the true feeling of living onboard a boat. There is no compromise with comfort as Pendelvin offers:

An oversized deck at the front which can sit up to 6 people. The deck has a water proof cover which can be rolled up, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter what the weather
240v AC plugs throughout the boat
Unlimited tea / coffee during your trip
Unlimited free WiFi.
ROKU Freeview TV system with access to numerous channels including NETFLIX, PRIME and YouTube.

Guests enter via the bow (front) of the boat, entering the main living area with large sofa, TV and cupboard spaces. Passing then into the galley (kitchen) with gas oven, hob, and plenty of cupboard space. From the galley you will enter a passageway with a double bed on the right side. A doorway then leads you into the open plan walk through bathroom with cassette toilet, full size shower and corner sink. Its then time to enter the classic features of Pendelvin, the engine room and boatman’s cabin.

Classic Features

Engine Room

We take great pride in providing guests with the unique experience of cruising aboard Pendelvin, featuring a 1952 Gardner 3LW engine. Opening the hatches on either side of the engine room allows for a captivating view of passers-by admiring the delightful sounds emitted by the engine. The Gardner engine serves as a noteworthy conversation piece and an experience that we believe will be both enjoyable and memorable for our guests.

Boatman's Cabin

CanalScapes Skippered Narrowboat Gardner Engine 3LW

During the 1700s and 1800s, the Boatman's cabin served as living quarters for the boatman and his family. As narrowboats became a staple on the canals, a standardized and efficient cabin design emerged. Most back cabins share this layout, irrespective of the boat's carrying company. To the left of the entrance, there's a cooking range, strategically placed to warm the steerer on chilly days. Ahead lies the table cupboard, featuring a vertical door that also functions as a table when lowered. Beneath it, the 'knife drawer'—often called the 'crumb drawer' due to crumbs falling into it as the table is stowed away—provides storage. Beyond this setup is the second double bed, with a bench to the right for seating while cruising.