111. Narrowboat trip up the River Avon from Tewkesbury to Comberton Quay

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
This is the start of my trip up the River Avon from Tewkesbury to Stratford-upon-Avon. In this episode I leave Tewkesbury and go past three sailing clubs as well as the mooring our family used to use at Bredon, before tackling two ferocious locks and mooring for the night in a tranquil corner of the countryside at Comberton Quay.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@guitarkidification]

haha, I'm a Lorry driver and drove up the M5 today and glanced over to that river and thought to myself "i wonder if cruising the cut has been down that"... came home and clicked the very first randomly recommended vlog and here you are!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

I know I’m late with my reaction, but wow, how amazing was that ❤🐿

[@stevenhj3124]

"Wide, peaceful, tranquil and sunny" and also "flat calm" as we say in Alaska. Absolutely beautiful scenery. Another wonderful episode.

[@kevintynan796]

Lovely to pass your Dads morning spot as Captain of your own vessel all these years later.

[@williamjordan811]

I felt like an honored guest, thank you for sharing your precious childhood memories with me.... I rather like that.... beautiful area.... very nice. Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers William

[@barrycarlisle8206]

Since stumbling across your video's ive been binge watching ever since. Good work!!

[@McRambro]

Hearing your stories of spending time with your dad cruising over 40 years ago brought a little tear to my eye, thanks.

[@cousinjack2841]

That was nostalgic for me too. At the start of the video just before you went under King John's bridge, there was a pub on your right called the Black Bear. I used to run it during the nineties; it was built in 1308 if memory serves, (second pub on the site after the first one burned down), and had a leather ceiling in the top bar that was made by Italian craftsmen who were over working on the abbey. (Had a behind the scenes tour of the abbey as well, including up on the roof of the tower). What a magic little town Tewkesbury is; I'd move back there in a heartbeat. Thanks for the video.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I love it when you attain mighty speeds of 4 mph or more and wind streaming through your hair. It must be overwhelming. Makes me want a cheese sandwich.

[@jimderksen1653]

G Henrickson bugs in his teeth....

[@lsd-25ayahuascadmt7]

The way that you narrate each scene is just awesome.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@ProjectFierce]

never been on a narrowboat, seen a canal a handful of times, i watch these videos only because i really like the way you commentate and explain things

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@Lee117five0]

I've just realised why I like your videos so much! You remind me quite a lot of Adam Hart-Davies. I used to love watching him as a kid. The way you narrate your videos is very similar to the way he narrates the documentaries he's worked on.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, that’s a compliment indeed.

[@adrianheywood9234]

Absolutely love this David. Typically, now having watched about a millionty of your vlogs, I’ve found that I like the ones where you’re ‘doing’ something; diy, special guests, making or mending something (although I drew the line at the toilet/marigold affair), but this one was particularly beautiful. And I loved hearing you talk about your childhood memories. Special stuff.

[@mentaldavethefirst]

How excited was the doggy as you were battling the tight turn out of the lock the lock where the boat had gone over the weir!!

[@FrazzledPup]

That was so nice taking us down memory lane/canal. Enjoyed hearing about the past and I agree, those cows of color were pretty sweet

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@rebeccamackey4878]

"Ditch dwellers"....OMG best sci-fi tag ever!!!!!!!

[@annettefournier9655]

Very serene. I could feel my blood pressure dropping, my breathing getting deep and slow and then Seven swans a swimming, six cows a drinking, five golden memories! Four calling birds, three calm weirs, two barking dogs, and David cruising on his na a arrow boat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Must be nearly Christmas... :-)

[@smartazz61]

I am so jealous I can't stand it. That is some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. Never lose sight of your great fortune sir. You have it made!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@jeffebdy]

The sweet taste of nostalgia, like a fine wine only improves with age... I like the "ditch-dweller" remark!

[@ginat.8064]

This was such a beatiful journey! I love the way you narrate your videos, they provide an edutational and relaxing break. Actually laughed out loud at your top gun joke.

[@ben31tube]

For most, it is enjoyable to go back and visit areas, which hold nice memories. Thank you for taking us with you.

[@pootle2768]

The River Avon is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Mandy

[@Britishperson131]

It really hasnt changed. I too use to play under the club house and along the long stretches of "land moored" dingys too with my brothers just over 20 years ago now! My uncle at the ripe old age of 60 even had his wedding reception there which is also where the two met. That was only a few weeks if that before you steamed past here! Its a bizarre place, truly untouched by time, some odd fellows and nice old ladys but its quaint place, and one where I take my nephews sometimes just to pass on the future memories. Thank you for sharing this. Made my lockdown a little less boring!

[@mteman22]

Your journey down memory lane where you grew up, was just as entertaining for your viewers as it was for you David. Keep on chugging. ~Eric

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good, thank you

[@Zzzzzzzzz216]

Watching this from Comberton Quay, what a lovely mooring, especially with dogs!

[@magdakaniewski]

Wow, Cornish crabber...great boat...so that's where you got the taste for seafaring

[@donkeller1235]

I do like it when you let the video run as the boat fully passes thru bridges, etc. Makes me feel more a part of the journeys.

[@ccooper8785]

Thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable video. It was good to hear that this leg of your journey has brought back happy childhood memories. Best wishes.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@cornishviewnorth8994]

Delightful; loved the nostalgia, weather, views. Thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@markdennis930]

I work in Qatar, and this was a real treat for me, to see Worcestershire my home County. Thank you.

[@sarahaugustine4185]

Loved the trip..........Thanks for taking me along. It was that mini vacation I had been needing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good :-)

[@joannehart9624]

As someone in the later years of life, I quite enjoyed your tales of childhood sailing. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@steve5975]

👍 for the Top Gun reference; it's my favorite movie.

[@nitehawk86]

Every time I see a goose while walking along the river trail, I say to it "Talk to me, Goose."

[@petkusj]

I really love these river videos. We're still new enough at this that we avoid rivers for now.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm getting slowly more confident on them but only if levels are low so the flow is calm.

[@petkusj]

What would really scare me are the locks on the tunnel on the Droitwich Canals from Hanbury Wharf. All those indicators about water level or coming to the tunnel under the M5 and realizing you can't go through. What would you do? Back up through the lock until you can turn around?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Presumably yes but you wouln't get that far before measuring your air draft very carefully and checking the likely level of the canal at that point.

[@petkusj]

I suspected as much. You probably are always checking clearances after your Harecastle Tunnel experience.

[@kenlynch6332]

Beautiful countryside

[@Drobium77]

that sunken narrowboat was ever such a sad sight, I felt my heart sink seeing it, knowing it could have been someone's home at one time :-(

[@CruisingTheCut]

Agreed :-(

[@michaelpilling9659]

We all love a bit of nostalgia - bet it brought a tear to your eye. A lovely video. Again, peaceful, beautiful scenery and wildlife. Thanks David, I enjoyed that

[@paulteirney3587]

Enjoyed the trip down memory lane. A motor in the boat at the speed that you travel is what I call watching the world go by and the way it should be not in a hurry as you miss the beauty of the countryside.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it

[@maxboonkittypoison]

oooh my boat is on the the dry (warf) and i am working my @ss off to get her ready to swim. welding, painting and carpenting also i restore an old VW 1900 AEF diesel engine and an old gearbox. but next year i wil move in and i newer have to get jealous (kinda) again on other boaters. i am almost jumping as i write this. this is the biggest job i have ever done turning this peace of junk into a gem. always watch your videos to boost my own morale, I thank you for that :)). i love the real sound of the boat and nature and the real time boating with all its glory. one time not long ago you shared some paint with the lock lol. i have donated a big peace of paint with an walk bridge for gargoschips (dont know the exact name for them) and i almost broke my foot. could not wear my shoe and i just laughed it off because that is wat boating is all about the adventure and the unknown and to enjoy nature. Hope to see you soon and i also want to update my channel so i can share my adventure. P.S. I would like to have an coffee mug some day with "CruisingTheCut" on it (not in red, i hate that color) My favorite color is orange LOL. Because aldo my boat is only 7.4 meters long i wil cruise the cut and live on my boat next year. Greetings from Holland,, Kitty.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I only have one design of mug available, sorry. Glad you enjoy the videos. Good luck with your boat!

[@maxboonkittypoison]

ooh thanks :D

[@stilcrazychris]

So peaceful on the river. This is one of your all time greatest vlogs. Now this is like Missouri lakes, but without the locks. Thank you for the nice video, Chris from Missouri

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Chris

[@Galerak1]

Trawling my way through this whole playlist and fully aware that, at the time of writing this, there are another 79 videos to watch, my heart was in my mouth when you started heading towards that weir. I dread to think what was going through your mind at the time (I imagine it was something along the lines of "OhPoopOhPoopOhPoopOhPoopOhPoop" or phrases to that effect lol) Glad it all worked out ok

[@VoklstWestie]

What you & your book call a 'weir' ..... here Stateside we call a 'spillway'. After I saw it in your book, I finally figured out what it was you were saying! Lol! Another great vid! Just Bellisemo!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you got that sorted and liked the video. Cheers

[@davidhovell4791]

"Ditch Dwellers" ...love it :)

[@UglyFireMedic]

Just started watching your videos a couple weeks ago and I am enjoying them very much. I may not enjoy gin and tonics, but I do have a rum and diet Coke while watching and tip my glass when you mention gin and tonics. Now I know what I will do when I win the lottery. This video, at least to me, has some of the prettiest scenery I can remember. I also got very worried when you got so close to that weir and even held my breath. Glad it worked out. I'd make a comment about bow thrusters, but I've been to your web page and have read the FAQs. :) Thank you so much for these videos. I work in a somewhat high stress profession and I find them to be calming and relaxing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for reading the FAQ! No-one else seems to.... haha

[@HardWayFarms]

Enjoyed the trip down memory lane, most folks who watch YT enjoy the lives of the channels they watch. The cows were cool too! Very healthy herd!! Fine looking little charolais bull calf! Have a great evening!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked the cows!

[@jsgould5392]

I really enjoyed that David, thank you.

[@drtydawg73]

aah you do make me chuckle david. :-)

[@ABusAndBeyond]

That looked like Bentley mocking you!! It’s the kind of thing he’d do too! The Avon looks lovely.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was gorgeous, helped by the weather. Probably one of Bentley's relatives :-)

[@schoentje62]

Always a pleasure to watch!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks

[@lornajaneadventures]

I really loved this one and found the nostalgia very sweet and interesting. And top marks for all the animals. Can't wait for the next one

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@candacedarden4018]

Yikes! That lock was quite unnerving! Glad to see you got through unscathed. Another great video, David. Thanks for taking us along.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@colh5910]

Hi David, glad you enjoyed your nostalgic trip, the older you get the more time time you spend enjoying an reliving past memories and experiences, all good fun ! The river looked beautiful. Keep up the good work and thanks for taking us along with you. I've really enjoyed the trip starting with the very first one. Regards Colin

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Colin

[@kairon156]

With colder weather fastly approaching I hope you have a few of those longer boat ride videos lined up for the next few months. I really enjoy watching these.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not cruising videos (although I have a few more left before I run out) but there will be other stuff, DIY bits and so on.

[@for.tax.reasons]

Aww I see why the Avon is your favorite river :) it is so nice to hear you wax nostalgic

[@mikeshipp2580]

The title suggested we were going to hear about computer problems but you actually ended up bring back memories of my youth as well. My uncle, Pete Bond, used to sail Fireballs at Tewkesbury Cruising and Sailing Club and I actually crewed for him once. This was probably 1968 but I think he made a trophy called The Tewksbury Transom that is still used as a dingy trophy today.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I hadn't even thought of computer memory when I wrote that!

[@doyle201206]

Your most entertaining Vlog yet. Ever more creating the desire to float along in life, not that wifey will ever leave bricks and mortar when the offspring depart. Cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@ryanexsus]

Goose, Maverick and Iceman love a good Top Gun reference.

[@bex82uk]

Beautiful scenery, I'm speechless for once..

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@Chrisdotnorthwich]

Thanks for another lovely vlog. I do like the way you confess your sins and offer thoughts on how to do better next time. Really feels like I’m with you as a friend and confidant rather than a viewer. And what’s this? Trailing the next vlog at the end?? Get you and your professionalism haha 👍👍

[@barniestormer6698]

I went to bredon School, spent many hours walking to tewkesbury for a sneaky 4 pack of beers at weekends. Lovely spot.

[@sylviapage8572]

It was lovely to share your memories. I get really emotional about such things especially as my parents are getting older. It often feels like yesterday and supports my father's favourite saying which is "life is just a long weekend so make the most of it". My narrowboat was surveyed on Monday and I get the keys on Saturday at 11am. I'm staying aboard for the weekend and I've watched your TV and Ariel video today. This is critical because it's Strictly on Saturday night 😀 I don't want to bore you with my ramblings but when I told my father I was getting the keys for the boat this week he said "you'll live a long life because we all know the story of the tortoise and the hare and a tortoise can live well over a 100 years.". My boat is called Seneca after the Roman philosopher but maybe it should be called William after my father.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Congratulations and I do so hope you have a fantastic move-in day and many more happy ones on the cut :-)

[@OhioticketswithRobert]

2nd cup of tea and enjoying the vlogs while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.

[@sarahmartella3381]

Morning David, Looked a lovely cruise,The scenery was beautiful. What a lovely day it was to cruise. The lock looks very interesting for next Vlog. It is nice you have some good memories of sailing with your dad. It is certainly different cruising the river, than the canal.Look forward to next episode..Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Yes, I very much enjoyed going up the Avon, helped by the lovely weather.

[@CoVianna]

Lovely dogs! The Golden Retriever is my favourite breed. Notice how he was barking and wagging his tail at the same time. He was just saying hello, pleased to meet you :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm not convinced, I think he was laughing!!

[@keithhunt3940]

Well worth going up the Bredon hills. I umpire cricket at Bredon cricket club with the lovely views towards them

[@darlenecarman303]

Another beautiful vlog. Nice to see the places you used to go with your family. Glad you got your boat squared away too. Can't wait for the next vlog......

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@capt.eissaeissa2769]

Lovely part of the river, the sailing clubs do speak history. Well done. Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@sheilaknight5370]

Lovely video. thank you . The Avon is so beautiful. It really is a restful start to the day. ( My , a half of lager shandy , you really know how to live ! )

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, oh yes, crazy wild times :-)

[@maryanngriffin6428]

Thanks for sharing! your memories.

[@kenpage1107]

Nice one Dave, what a pretty river.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was glorious!

[@petercalthorpe7966]

I always enjoy your Vlogs David , lovely bit of nostalgia for you. 👍 beautiful country side and a beautiful pub

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good, thank you!

[@winfredstacy5843]

Love the video....enjoyed the Avon and your cruise down memory lane.....It brings back memories of growing up on the banks of the Ohio and scads of boating clubs and pleasure boaters up and down my back yard all weekend.....Best!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

It sounds marvellous :-)

[@paolaraquel6564]

I didn't want to cry but I couldn't help myself. Good memories of your old man. I also cherish many memories of mine.

[@GarryI449]

Lovely stuff David.

[@MK-rr7cg]

The dogs though 😂😂😂

[@0HARE]

What a completely lovely trip! Thanks for taking us along.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was lovely, absolutely.

[@christopherlussenden3021]

thank you CTC! another easy watching vlog; very tranquil

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@Januszntb]

I can see that this trip is way more nicer of a trip than that move around the city. Nothing better than the open space, the country side.TH

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was rather lovely.

[@robinengland5799]

Very nice video, just have been great going sailing with your Dad!

[@nbflyingfox4672]

Thanks David for another excellent vlog and also a memorable one you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@martinjames9250]

SO beautiful. SO peaceful. Think I might have to try this one day......

[@CruisingTheCut]

Do!

[@HonkyTonkDarlin]

You are so funny, I'm still getting over the "Swanvoy" comment when I get hit by the Goose allusion!!

[@TheVirginiaStew]

Beautiful float.....absolutely loved it...awesome stone arch

[@triciapjs1]

I so enjoy your travels. Thanks for posting!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@julesstone7990]

lovely seeing all the animals. Thank you x

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@ProcreateDigitalArt]

I really do envy you. Your living the dream, so to speak. I would love to live on the canal. Weird really, because I’ve never been on a canal boat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's a very pleasant, tranquil life!

[@terrystephens1102]

Well done on the second lock navigation David. 👍👏👍👏👏

[@waltherr.diemel2347]

Awesome!! I enjoyed it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good!

[@rickgreene4258]

I have just finished watching all your videos and I sincerely hope I’ve missed a few so I can keep watching. The views of the English canals and countryside are wonderful. Here in northern Pennsylvania we had never heard of a narrow boat and I hadn’t seen a canal till a few years ago. But if anyone wants to know anything about cornfields I have them here aplenty! Along with cows, deer, black bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and lots of other co-inhabiters of this wonderful mountainous place. I’m amazed at how similar England and Pennsylvania appear. Thanks again for the great videos and glimpse into your life! Clear sailing! Rick

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy them. There'll be a new vlog along shortly, I've been a bit busy in the last couple of weeks but stay tuned :-)

[@AntPDC]

+ rick You live in a beautiful State. Although I'm now back in England, when I lived in New England, I had a few happy trips to Lancaster County and Gettysburg PA.

[@stuffntack7956]

The Flybridge @ Defford Quay Marina is worth a visit next time you go past. Cracking video as always btw, lovely to see my stomping ground from someone else's perspective :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@davedavis8535]

Great stuff again David. What a magic bit of river sailing, Keep this sort of gear coming mate. Cheers..

[@CruisingTheCut]

A few more to come from the Avon, fear not.

[@dulciebarnes6228]

What a pretty river. I did it 35 years ago on my parents' boat but only remember Evesham and arriving in Stratford. I probably spent the whole journey on the front of the boat playing with my Rubicks Cube! I must do this river again and show more of an interest next time! The dog bit made me chuckle 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, do the Avon (when it's sunny) :-)

[@davidbell2056]

Great volg thanks

[@TerryWinchcombe]

It's amazing to me that sailing is so big on a river, very challenging I imagine. I am a sailor who enjoys open waters with plenty of freeboard. I remember that the saying "touch and go" comes from the fact that river sailors had to tack every time they were headed for the bank

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not many other options if you're in the middle of the country with no water reservoir to sail on, I suppose! Yes, I think they tack a lot :-)

[@GavinY]

My favourite escape from a long day at work

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@cpl4]

Another excellent vlog! Thanks David!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@goodmuzikfan]

Nice to see a new vid on a dull Wednesday, love the top gun reference.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Quite a few people spotted that, it's nice when they're noticed :-)

[@thehappychannel1905]

Thumbs up! Wonderful as always.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@tomdallas1211]

Awesome!! I do enjoy your video David . Beautiful countryside you are living the life .

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Tom

[@horsleys1]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@5tinykitties]

You did it again! So very lovely.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good! Ta