194. Narrowboating the Caldon canal: a 180 year old aqueduct!

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
Having stocked up with provisions at Endon I carried on down the Caldon canal, stopping briefly to empty the loo and top up the boat's water tank then going to Denford where the canal splits into two branches. I took the Froghall branch which soon after runs underneath the Leek branch. It gets very dense, there are deep locks, a heritage railway and I bumped into Aussie Boater as well as going past a historic mill.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@davidflkdavidflk3196]

I've probably mentioned this before and probably will again, but I have to say how much I love the way that you present your vlogs - just the hypnotic sound of the diesel purring along, all the natural sounds one would expect on the cut and a humourous, informative dialogue with no un-necessary selfies. The addition of a drone is only going to increase the professionalism of said vlogs. Great work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@TheLookingOne]

@@CruisingTheCut David is the 'Bob Ross' of narrow boating - but even more personable.

[@benrodir2]

narrowboating and public drinking are two things I wish the US would start doing. Great stuff

[@hsdsaunders]

Not at the same time I hope

[@user-ew7nz3yw2i]

The U.S. allready has public drinking, its called "drunk driving". Your freedoms are anothers nightmare.

[@user-sq1nc5ot8m]

Max Um What does this even mean?

[@sammavacaist]

@DefinitelyNotDan You can boat though the Champlain Canal between the Hudson to Lake Champlain, but it's short. And we don't have boats like these designed expressly for canal travel. I wish they'd try sprucing up the Erie Canal.

[@FonicsSuck]

Can do the Trent/Severn/Rideau in Ontario. It's likely the most analogous to the UK system we have on this side of the pond.

[@christopherestrada8576]

Even though this canal seems to be one of the most “challenging” or stressful you’ve done to date, it is one of my favorites to date. Aside from the one that had all that beautiful rock that made up part of the canal walls. I love how “wild” and curvy this canal is, so full of character with a touch of mystery. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you and doing all the work required to allow us these glimpses into this other world. Stay safe and carry on!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@ncplantdoctor]

A relaxing video with your unique brand of humor. A couple of drone shots, too. Very nice.

[@demandred1957]

I don't even live in the UK, nor do I boat, so why can't I stop watching this content?!?

[@jimchurchill5651]

It is commendable to the British that they keep old ancient buildings and such in use and in good shape. Here in Omaha, Nebraska most of the historic buildings in the town have been torn down to build parking lots or whatever. It is a waste. Also the drone video was excellent...!

[@TLF43]

As a fellow Nebraskan I can attest to that!

[@Argondo]

Think it is a general european thing.. also do to most buildings beeing made of stone...

[@pepechen]

Came here by accident, enjoyed every minute, felt like buying every house seen by the canal and a boat too, this is like 'tame-adventure', pretty neat...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it!

[@jamesgorman5692]

What always amazes me about the canals is how lots of it predates things the combustion engine and so bulldozers and JCBs and had to be done by hand.

[@SteamCrane]

That's why they're so narrow, a lot less hand shoveling!

[@chiefbrody7506]

You have a very subtle yet interesting and calming way you narrate. I'm from the US and I felt as though I was watching something on PBS as a child such as Mr. rogers or Bob Ross. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to your adventure, well done.

[@CruisingTheCut]

A comparison to Bob Ross is high praise indeed, thank you. Love his stuff.

[@MesaperProductions]

@@CruisingTheCut Yeah, you know you're living your life right if someone says that.

[@Big_Gourdo]

Turdis, you're a gem sir.

[@jeffoldknow]

"Since I spent a fortune on the drone....here's another shot to get my money's worth". I love it.

[@kwnnosk2104]

Your narration is amazing. (You could do audio books for kids. Or even write one yourself). The professionalism in these videos is miles above the KZbin standards

[@reggiebillingsworth7779]

That's probably because he's a retired professional broadcaster....and is enjoying himself thoroughly.

[@nairbvel]

I liked the shot around 5:00... it's the drone over the footbridge over the aqueduct over the canal... :-) I also don't think I'll ever be able to stop laughing when I think of the T.U.R.D.I.S. in the woods!

[@aussiej2973]

Dr Poo

[@alanhall9114]

the old industrial buildings is where i used to work it was called thomas bolton ltd then bolton copper some of us would always have a walk around the canal at dinner time i finished there in 2003 it shut altogether in 2009/2010 spent 26 years working there at 13.46 they are the old lime klin's there are more at the froghall basin

[@lakelady57]

the Turdis, just about spat my tea :) Lovely area and enjoyable as always.

[@Zwia.]

I always end up back on this channel when im struck down with depression, it must be the nature and simplicity of it all.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm glad it helps 🙏

[@erepsekahs]

I find it rucking relaxing. No joke, I really do. I moved abroad...and I miss my days on the canals. Civilization and a deliberate ignorance of modernity and vulgarity.

[@kertmustapha2367]

That drone footage is terrific! That was Beautiful thanks for sharing.

[@CliveWebbAustralia]

The drone footage showing the two arms of the canal was fascinating...

[@DanielDenoted]

If it wasn’t for you, I’d never known about narrowboats. I’m so glad I get a glimpse into some beautiful history

[@LawrenceBroussard]

I am glad I keep finding gems of your old vlogs!

[@owenlindley8014]

Your drone footage is excellent. Thanks for the great views

[@bjw4859]

God those canal side houses are beautiful, they're like something out of a fable. As a semi retired landscape gardener those over grown banks were making the clean up part of my brain itch, or maybe it was just the Virgo in me, well done on another entertaining video.

[@timperley69]

This is very nice, never would i have thought i would be spending most of my free time watching these videos but i am fascinated by this. Good job and keep it up.

[@johnclark3697]

Yep its SOOTHING .🥰🥰

[@richardwalker3024]

loving the drone footage. A good angle. More please.

[@maxcaysey2844]

It's difficult to find anything more beautiful the the English countryside in late summer/ early fall! The drone shots are amazing! Well done!

[@Vortexdr]

Umm okay...go to Canada to see some real untouched nature...

[@lenniepage5502]

Watch your videos for 3 years now I'm sitting at the bottom of foxton locks on my way to Leicester and I've never been happier, huge thanks david

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent!

[@pieters542]

Drone was worth the money. Nice additional content.

[@lynnmurray4584]

The Drone was definitely worth it. Exceptional footage, breathtaking.

[@navigator902]

Your specific engine sound and "Hello, and welcome to the vlog", With steeped tea at the ready, it starts off a good day.

[@dodge33445]

Man.. I never have seen anything of this sort.. Thankfully I stumbled onto your video by accident on youtube... This looks SO peaceful and neat... Never do you see such beautiful countryside while being on a BOAT at the same time! This is so wonderful.!

[@jamesdavis5096]

Your show is so interesting that people passing by me on the street, when I'm sitting, will ask me what am I watching. So of course I tell them very proudly, and try to fill them in on the history of the canals. This has happened a few times were passerbys have overheard the show.

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

I do similar things- talked to a lady that is from the UK and was able to talk about places and locations and knew of them b/c of this show. It was amazing to her, and fun for me! :D

[@andyjohnson6548]

Your videos are absolutely awesome, and you are a great story teller. 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much 😀

[@JDallyn]

How did I get here? I was watching 4wd videos and live in rural US. More concerning is that I sat here and watched the whole damn thing. Oh well. Nice voice.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along 😀

[@FifaFrancesco]

Wow, KZbin recommendations came up with this out of nothing but I really enjoyed the watch. Very calming and beautiful countryside!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Great! Thanks

[@Andophonic]

That's it. I've found my favorite canal/river. I'd be a very happy trainspotter along this one.

[@sgoodz8463]

Canals are the hidden gems of England

[@pjb1986]

Great to see Bill's house at 7:32, and the private mooring at the end of Bill's garden where my late Dad had his narrowboat 'Andicy - Deep Hayes' moored from 2001 to 2008.

[@Space_Reptile]

thank you youtube, for reccomending me this beautiful channel

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for watching!

[@Space_Reptile]

@@CruisingTheCut thank you for uploading such wonderful and relaxing boating videos on youtube, im currently watching a whole stack of em and its some of the best calm content ive seen in years

[@suemeyer8989]

Thank you for the narrative of the old historic buildings and such on your way down and up the camels-it does add much interest. Sorry about the stuff that can get stuck in your propeller but glad for no damage.

[@t1n4444]

Good point David, are you planning to do the Dromedary or Bactrian canals at all? I could not resist, really, really I couldn't 😂.

[@Dinki-Di]

What glorious scenery. The Caldon is very picturesque, but I can see what a pain it must be to navigate for narrowboats. Great use of the drone!

[@danielsmith7105]

Bra in the prop is still the funniest :D

[@t1n4444]

A prop in the bra might be funnier still ... if Howard Hughes hadn't already invented one for Jane Russell in 1943. "Spruce Goose" might one of his triumphs (groan) but for me the bra wins ... I'd say there was two points in it ...

[@raymondrichards4888]

I must commend you on your "Blog. You are so informative it should be compulsory watching for every new canal user even bird watchers. Well done and keep it up.

[@carmencross3754]

I really enjoy the mini history lessons along with the wonderful footage!

[@handiman5001]

Unquestionably the most pleasant video you've made -- from the scenery along the tiny canal to the Beautiful Drone shots to the old unique tunnels and the river canal and railway sort of overhead --- I LOVED IT !!!!!!

[@michaelpilling9659]

What a brilliant section - narrow canal, underwater obstructions, flint mill, preserved railwat, aquaduct, river sailing, weirs, overhanging railway station.an extremely low tunnel. what an adventure and excellent video. Thank you David for being the guide.

[@andyhutch8262]

One of your best blogs, if not the best, enjoyed it end to end.

[@Kneichion]

A lovely way to start the day, Coffee, and watch interesting relaxing footage and narration. As soon as the 5-mile distance is lifted. I want to get out walking and taking some photography along the canals.

[@johannesmayerl7345]

Man that was a great video. Especially in times like these it is so nice to have something so soothing and relaxing to watch to escape the hectic place our world currently is. Thank you very much for sharing this, much appreciated

[@Honda-wing5811]

It’s so slow, I enjoyed your videos though .I’m glad KZbin found it for me.

[@boahneelassmal]

11:00 In German Spreewald this is very common, especially during school holidays. Kids will spend a few hours a day at the locks (which there are plenty of) and pass you through the lock. They all have a little tray where you can tip them which is pretty much done by everyone who isn't an impolite fool. Neat way to earn a little money and increase your allowance.

[@edfrawley4356]

Nice to see you finally broke down and bought a drone. It will make a nice addition to your vlogs.

[@bryanwatt9751]

Great drone shots of the aqueduct crossing- money well spent!

[@TheChipmunk2008]

The turdis, perhaps? ....Sir, some warning please, I spat my beer

[@kyleclark7947]

It was funny.

[@talesfromthetiller]

Really enjoyed this one David as it was a trip through my old stomping ground of 20 something years ago, my old mooring was just before the lift bridge that you showed, Willow Cottage. Among local boaters of my era, the Flit mill lock was renamed as knocking lock, the reason for this was the courting couple that were a little less than discreet in the bushes to the left! In other news, the survey on the boat that I am purchasing went very well so only a couple of week and I will be back on the cut and cruising back from Calcutt boats from where I have purchased her. After the survey, I was honoured to be given a lift back to the train station by non-other than Paul Smith. Keep up the good work :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oooerrr such saucy shenanigans at a lock

[@myk7295]

Another thumbs up for the drones point of view.I always look forward to your videos.Cheers from Indiana, U.S.

[@lnecbaal]

why did this come up as recommended to me? i watch video games and motorbike stuff. also glad it did! i'm hooked now

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha quite the contrast!

[@purdiesgamingchannel8118]

CruisingTheCut why are the rivers so brown/dirty? You wouldn’t want to swim in them!

[@vodkaisfun]

Jeah, me too. I'we just seen trough 193 vids! Love it!

[@CruisingTheCut]

@Purdies Please see my website FAQ page, cheers!

[@crazyduck1254]

i enjoy your presentations like watching a tv show

[@johnvititoe6051]

The drone was worth every penny!

[@scotthaskin1509]

Love the addition of the drone footage.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Thank you for taking me with you. This is now how I must travel, flat on my back watching a screen. I just found narrow boats.....facinating. thanks again and I am looking forward to many more videos.

[@rgarlinyc]

The many and varied bridges you come across - would make a wonderful photographic project for me... Thanks again for another wonderful video.👏🏻

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@doryman3]

I know that you put off buying a drone for a long time, and I supported your justification for doing so, but I’ve got to tell you... the drone shots add a TON (tonne?) of value for me as a viewer!

[@trafalgar22a8]

I enjoyed your video thank you very much. I lived aboard by 50' ocean yacht for 23 yrs and sold it when I turned 70 yo. My dad was UK born I am Australian born so I am dual citizen. I miss living in the water. Time for a new chapter in my life and this is it.

[@gaibutler3254]

Traversing this section of canal may have kept you on your toes, but I love the feeling of being out in the wilds, areas along the route just looked so old and uninhabited. Thank you for another extremely enjoyable trip. I'm now off to the next vlog to see if you had a walk up to the tunnel.

[@TrampMachine]

Hmm, not sure how this ended up on my feed but I'm glad it did. I live in western Oregon in the US and the countryside looks extremely similar. We don't have many canal systems though.

[@EricReynolds66]

Just found your channel yesterday. Very calming after yet another 97 degree day in Texas. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along!

[@japrods1]

Nice one. Love the Caldon. The drone paid its way with that illustration of the aqueduct. Thanks.

[@kitt1905]

Gorgeous, a fantastic soft running commentary and always pleasing to watch and listen to. Thank you.

[@TheTheirishlad]

Great video David, really enjoyed the drone footage was fab.

[@Bjornontour]

Another brilliant video,cheers!

[@greenspiritarts]

Love the wildness of this canal. The ‘under-over’ aqueduct is gorgeous! Thank goodness you have that very posh drone so we could really appreciate its sculptural qualities. Gorgeous episode ! Thank you for making it so we could come along for the ride.

[@greggendicott]

It's almost like being there. Drone shots are a bonus. The drone shots really complete the picture.

[@terencejay8845]

A nice way to spend a couple of sunny summer days - being an unofficial lock-operator, helping the boats along.

[@PeterT1981]

Nice drone work David! Aqueducts are remarkable structures.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

With most travel modes trying to be faster=better I like the slow ride of a narrowboat. You must absorb alot more of the passing scenery than, say, by car. I like the way you explain everything as you go along too.

[@johnclark3697]

Great stuff is this. Hope it keeps going. Keeps me sane during all this drama we are enduring at the moment. Respect all narrow boat folk.. keep the faith, John,

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

The Turdis? Really, too naughty Mr. J. LOL! Lovely ride, but very narrow, wow.

[@vjordan1709]

I do enjoy the drone shots. Please continue to get your money's worth! We shall enjoy those shots!

[@hsdsaunders]

Never once did I think I would be watching videos on canal boats but I'm loving them. I think it's the beautiful shots and chilled pace of the episodes. That drone footage looked awesome.

[@Aravzil]

I've been slowly watching every episode and I think this one is my favourite so far. Everything looks older and wilder on this part of the canal, it's really interesting visually albeit more stressful for you I assume!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@whereisrevell]

Not taking a canal cruise was the biggest regret I had from my three years at RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire. I did hang around the Lower Heyford and Banbury dock areas watching the boats go by, having chats with boat owners and even made an RC narrow boat. A cruise in summer would have been the ultimate chill experience.

[@petersimonsen9278]

This was almost à scary voyage, didn’t know you had jungles in the UK but what a pleasure being on bord Mr. explorer ☺️👏.

[@sarasmith5110]

Thank you so much for posting. The countryside is beautiful. I can not believe they built a bridge over an aqueduct over a canal. That aqueduct must have some serious support built in.

[@Dwumper]

This video is impossibly english. I love it!

[@woodenbeargaming5843]

Your narration is so good. It's like reading a novel.

[@andychumbley2196]

Hi..that was certainly a canal with some hazzards. Love the drone footage , helps with clarification of routes etc. Cheers Andy from Sydney. (Previously Reading).

[@philgray1023]

Very scenic. Thanks for a very nice video David.

[@taszio3751]

Thank you...very calming on a very agitating day. I always look forward to the next vlog.

[@0HARE]

It’s almost like you could have re-named your boat “The African Queen” while traveling this section. Glad to see you made it safely through, despite a couple of snags. Stay Safe

[@visconti24]

How wonderful to see all this beauty you bring to us, this Saturday morning!

[@romeoecolima]

It must be very pleasant to travel one season in a boat of those, the landscapes are very beautiful. good video, regards.

[@longrider42]

Yes, time to ring up the C&RT and file a complaint about that under water obstruction. Tell them to get off there arse and remove it :)

[@paca_bill4863]

How many props has that obstruction damaged? It's like the underwater ledge at the one bridge abutment (I can't remember where, but I remember the video)

[@firegirl441fromga6]

Great pics with the drone! Thank you for sharing them! That aqueduct is fascinating!

[@jackreeves3001]

Very entertaining in a laid back and relaxing way. Thanks for sharing from Kansas USA!

[@hermanvogt8595]

great drone part

[@hankstar56]

I'm just a poor 64 year old mechanic from tx.. but that would be #1 on my bucket list.. maybe some day I can afford to take a trip and ride one of those..

[@stoker20]

Rentals are available. You're the Capt. of the ship!!

[@jiloute22]

Very nice views, especially with the drone that brings a plus

[@Portmarnockpaul]

I love the addition of drone footage, gives a different perspective. Keep up the good work.

[@rochmel1409]

A most enjoyale vlog somewhat different from the others mainly due to the location and scenery which gives it a totally different feel. It also made me realise what a great job the CRT do in maintaining the majority of the system. Nice that there are still some more neglected sections around which have a charm all of their own. Totally coincidentally I was out canoeing yesterday and was musing to my self that there is very little reference to canoes and other water craft in the vlogs and then you mention them with in minutes of me watching today! :)

[@cdouglas1942]

drone footage adds a lot of interest, but know they are extra work to weave into narrative. Thanks. It would be interesting to have an entrie segment of soley drone footage. A lot of canal side vista gets somewhat monotous, and I know you vary the view.