For decades, Ewan McGregor has been a familiar face in iconic films, from Trainspotting to the Star Wars saga. But beyond the big screen, his adventures alongside longtime friend Charley Boorman have captured audiences in a unique way — by motorcycle, exploring the world’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Now, 20 years after their groundbreaking journey in Long Way Round, the Scottish actor returns home for a deeply personal trip in their new Apple TV+ series Long Way Home.
The journey that started it all
The original Long Way Round debuted two decades ago, chronicling McGregor and Boorman’s epic motorcycle journey from London to New York City, crossing continents and forging a legacy of adventure travel storytelling. Since then, the duo has continued to push boundaries, with Long Way Down and Long Way Up, riding through countless countries and experiencing the world from a rider’s perspective. But Long Way Home takes things closer to heart.
This time, the journey is from McGregor’s house in Scotland to Boorman’s home in England, covering 15 European countries along the way. What seems like a simple trip on paper quickly becomes a rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and emotions. For McGregor, the trip stirs deep feelings of nostalgia and connection to his homeland. As Boorman recounts, his friend often pauses on the ride with a misty look, remarking, “This looks like a bit of Scotland.”
Friendship on and off the road
The heart of the Long Way series isn’t just the breathtaking scenery or daring routes — it’s the enduring friendship between McGregor and Boorman. Over the years, their bond has grown stronger, and their shared passion for adventure continues to drive the journeys. Boorman reflects on this special connection: “Seeing him in front of me or in the mirror, it’s a real delight knowing that we are going off doing something we have a real passion and love for. Doing that with your best mate is a nice feeling.” For McGregor, the experience was equally profound. “This trip was amazing. I watched the first two episodes and thought I’d like to go and do it again. It was a wonderful experience.”
Unlike their previous travels, which often involved long stretches of unchanging landscapes, Long Way Home features a rapid succession of cultural and geographical shifts, with the pair encountering local sports and traditions in each country. McGregor highlights some of the memorable moments: “In Holland we watched a pole vault-y thing over the canals, then we saw snowmobiles over water. It was nice. The whole idea of going from our house in Scotland to Charley’s house in England was a funny idea — but it made sense.”
A heartfelt send-off in perthshire
One of the most touching moments in the series is McGregor’s send-off from his home in Perthshire, Scotland. He shares a unique personal connection with the Morrison’s Academy Pipe Band, which performed for the occasion. Both McGregor’s father and uncle were members of the band, as was the actor himself, who was a side drummer in his youth.
“It meant a lot to me, meant a lot to my dad to get the band out,” McGregor said. He described the power of the bagpipes: “Wait until they crack off, it gets the hairs on the back of your neck.” This moment beautifully captures McGregor’s deep ties to his roots and the pride he feels about his Scottish heritage.
For McGregor, Scotland is more than just a backdrop — it’s home. “It will always have that unique feeling for me,” he says emotionally. Now that he owns a new house there, his love for the country is stronger than ever, and he’s eager to explore even more of its hidden gems.
Exploring Scotland: The journey continues
Despite his extensive travels, McGregor admits there are still many parts of Scotland he has yet to discover. “I will never feel like I have seen enough of Scotland. I love being there so much.” He speaks with enthusiasm about places he dreams of visiting: “There are whole swathes of it I’ve never been to. I’ve done some islands but not by any means all of them — Orkney and Shetland, I’ve never been to. There are loads of places I still want to explore.”
For McGregor, the Long Way series is not only a celebration of friendship and adventure but also a tribute to his homeland and the deep, personal connections that travel can inspire. As the latest installment shows, no matter how far the road takes him, there’s always something special about coming home.
