195. Narrowboat trip from Froghall up to the end of the Leek branch (Caldon canal)

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
Please click "View More" and read this whole video description. Please, I beg of you. Go on. Do it.
Having stopped overnight at the end of the Froghall arm, I turned the narrowboat and headed back the way I'd come, up to the junction where the Caldon canal had split into two. One very sharp left turn later and I was going down the Leek branch through heavily wooded sections and a very narrow tunnel indeed, emerging at the navigable end of that part of the canal.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@brianhall4182]

I have no idea how I got here. But this is such a neat and oddly peaceful thing to watch. The scenery is just lovely. Thanks KZbin algorithm.

[@user-fz3sz2dj4r]

Found your channel a week ago and have watched probably 50 vids to wind down in the evening. Awesome production quality!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@yourselfdotcomlol]

Same with me a few days ago. I had never heard of or seen a boat like this. Kinda fascinating actually as we have nothing of this sort in Canada. We have rivers. Lol

[@niky7197]

Thank you J.

[@NazarovVv]

Now there's nothing that can persuade me that England isn't a fairy tale land covered up by the government so the rest of the worlds doesn't find out how magical it is! I jest, excellent video, sir! Watching this you really do get the atmosphere of traversing the canals yourself. A welcome feeling during the self-isolation.

[@bnadvornik]

Your video narrative comments are the best. This series is by far one of the best shot and edited on You Tube. The subject is interesting because I love history. Do more antique engines. Please.

[@warrenb8228]

I have severe ptsd related depression, I have no idea how I found these videos, but they’re the only way I get some relaxation and rest at night. I hope you continue. If not I’ll be rewatching for some time, thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello. I'm glad the videos are helping and hope your depression will ease over time. Best wishes.

[@samringwald]

This is the most British thing I have ever seen. It's absolutely fantastic and brings me great joy. Thank you!

[@petersimonsen9278]

Showing your "steering mishaps" is what makes your journey real for us spectators and a bit of bad muffled language only maker it so human, such a lovely voyage 😎

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

What steering mishap?

[@t1n4444]

@@gilbertfranklin1537 😂 I shared an arm moorings with David ages ago. It started off a narrow stretch of waterway ... when David left it was like a lake ... turns out there was a ground wasp nest not far away with loads of the crazed insects who had OD on some nearby caster sugar bushes. We tried to count them one afternoon and gave up at about 58 million ... it turned out we were counting them more than once because they all looked the same! Then we put tippex on them. Turned out there were only 43. Seriously, you couldn't make it up.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Back the way we came. A minor mishap in the brambles. Never mind. What a sharp turn - well driven. What I don't understand is why 45 viewers didn't like what they saw. Superb journey. Brilliant reversing to berth against the towpath. Another wonderful video. Thank you David.

[@andrewrevell9099]

We’ve taken the paddle boards out from Froghall many times and never yet seen a boat in the basin. Thanks for the explanation as to why this is. The Caldon and Leek Arms are really worth a visit

[@CruisingTheCut]

👍

[@markattardo]

Excellent as always! I sometimes think about moving into an RV and traveling the states at a leisurely pace. If narrowboating were an option, I would have done it a long time ago.

[@dennisporter753]

Wouldn't that be cool to have narrowboating in the States?... I would in a heartbeat!... I could sell my home to buy one and live on it..

[@2LaneTraveler]

There are some canals in the United States. On the Erie Canal in New York, you can even rent a (wide beam) narrowboat in 1-week increments and cruise up and down the canal. Alas, most American canals are in the same state as the C&O Canal (aka "The Grand Old Ditch"), filled in and built over, after having been irreparably damaged by flooding.

[@markattardo]

@@2LaneTraveler I did learn there were a few canals but have not dug into the particulars. I had no idea there were canalboat rentals....SWEET! Thanks for the info!

[@britanysmith4401]

Your absurd sign telling pedestrians where the road is reminds me of the absurd sign on my local walking path thats tells me where the pavement ends right at the end of the pavement. Ever so helpful.

[@Przykominku]

I love how you grew in confidence from "I was lucky enough not to hit anything..." to "you really don't need bow thrusters..."

[@barrycarlisle8206]

Hello from Texas! Have binge watched all your video's. Thank you for posting!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for watching!

[@MouseToes]

This was just lovely to watch! In some bridges it was like threading a needle.

[@christopherestrada8576]

Standing another fire watch, watching Cruzing the Cut, cold drink in hand... Life is good.

[@twob850]

David, i have to say, i so envy your lifestyle. The many opportunities for gorgeous scenery...relaxing travel....all while living aboard a boat.

[@evantighe696]

I live about 5 minutes from Froghall and cannot praise Hetty's tea rooms highly enough; lovely and quaint

[@user-hn8vy1rd9j]

Adore this. You have been a real friend during lockdown. Back to work next week and the new "normal" but I'll remain a steadfast subscriber. You've become my happy place 💕

[@pecahperiuk]

In Isolation because of Covid 19 in Malaysia.. its really refreshing to go about with you... Your a lifesaver

[@kitt1905]

Another dose of pure Zen. Thank you.

[@andys722]

a great place i've spent so much time at, cycling, bbq'ing, fishing and wild camping - I used to ride with my friend from home at Smallthorne (Newford), to join the canal at Endon and ride to Froghall or even to Dovedale and back almost every night (26 to 48 miles dependant on the route) - it's good to see it from the perspective of a boat. Above loch (48) is our favourite wild camping spot. It's peaceful and safe and we always leave no trace, keeping the place tidy and unspoilt for everyone else to enjoy it.

[@Loribyn]

Ohhh my... That is something I'll never forget about England: how lush it is, and how green it is -- and of a shade that most of Australia just can't produce (and where I live certainly cannot!). I love your videos; this one particularly so (thus far).

[@swamprat69er]

Thank you for taking me along on your journey.

[@kilt2024]

David you make the best vlogs Thanks

[@danielsmith7105]

really enjoyed the wild nature of the last couple of canal branches.

[@patriciarull-wild5629]

Hello, that was a wonderful cruise, the episodes with the wasps made me laugh!!! Lovely filming and countryside. Thank you very much 🍧🍨☕️

[@jerrymiller276]

Those damn prepostrophe's' are the bane of literate people everywhere.

[@onefunnyoldman]

Thank you for another lovely vlog David. The wasp saga reminded me of my own right muck up when I was showing my wife some trees opposite the tow path where I had seen a kingfisher fly into whilst steering the boat. Instead of letting her look for it as we passed, I clearly decided it was okay for me to continue looking also! The boat went ploughing into the bank below the said tree and I had to reverse out to the sound of giggles coming from? You guessed it, the only two people on the tow path we had seen in ages! I smiled back, mumbled something and 'sped off', at 2 miles an hour. Such is life on the canal.

[@ianbuchanan2461]

Thank you for this very interesting view, and description, of the Caldon Canal. Something like 50 years ago a colleague, newly married, left a safe job with London Underground, to set up business at Froghall Wharf, it included horse drawn boat trips in Butty Birdswood. I have visited but have never seen things from the Canal, wonderful to see that, they have moved on but good to see Hetty there.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alexblizzard9113]

Great to see you are still keeping the quality up even after 195 videos. Still enjoying them as much as ever. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Andy .

[@fisticuffs6767]

you going into the brambles was a good laugh. dont be embarrassed. we are all human man haha

[@teaandchat1]

Years ago my wife and I enjoyed a lovely ride along the Rideau Canal from Ottawa (Canada) to Kingston. Nowadays we always enjoy watching your excellent videos and brilliant commentary. Bravo!

[@worngimimajosplaynholmes6907]

I love how excited you get about the heron's. These videos are so chill... Thanks for helping us get through the corona pandemic 👊

[@hellenicadvantage7439]

So chill its frosty. Love the vlog.

[@duncanmccloud5012]

Quite possibly the best scenery you have shown, despite the overcast. As for that old mill, I want one.

[@navigator902]

Lovely, second time around ... wish I could give you more than a thumbs up like a peaceful heart.

[@ireneirene7527]

This is my favourite episode. You sir bring sanity and equilibrium to the world. Just wanted you to know

[@InsidetheCasino]

Just found your channel and have found myself addicted! I had no idea this was even a thing in the UK. This looks so fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. And I must say, your narration is quite entertaining and fitting. Well done!

[@angels814ever]

THE BEST CHANNEL ON THE INTER-WEB... ESPECIALLY FOR TWISTY BITS!... JUST SAYIN'... =)

[@nixtax3526]

I’m sure that wasp incident will make Kath & Annemarie’s day lol It is interesting the way the two arms of the canal cross over each other

[@daveburns36]

"I tip toe'd round with a toot..." What a lovely way to turn that phrase.

[@lonestarlil]

Hi David, thanks for finally giving us an onscreen glimpse of our Little Edna! A whole 20feet and 6inches of fabulous and we love her! You're absolutely right, tiny boats are awesome! If we'd known you were about we'd have shown you around, it takes about 67 seconds for the full tour but I'm sure you'd have loved it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Seriously?! That's yours?!! I'm very keen to do a mini series on tiny boats - what chance of me coming over to film it (and you, explaining how lovely it is) sometime?

[@lonestarlil]

@@CruisingTheCut absolutely! Would love to

[@rh2577]

@@CruisingTheCut I rented a small day boat at Skipton a few years ago, it was great fun , had everything we needed but was a bit wobbly compared to the 62' boat I'm more used to :)

[@paulwilliams-ob1py]

as an ex stoke boy, and having lived in Tasmania for over 50 years, is fabulous to see the canal and travel with you, many thanks and keep up the great work with your vlogs..

[@louisebastard2091]

I do wish when you use your horn to go round a tight bend that the other boat would blow their horn also don't you find when you hit the most narrow part of the canal there is always a boat coming the other way never at the widest part of the canal great video keep filming

[@andrewpoloni4197]

The English Midlands are truly a treasure. It must be a true delight to get to explore them at canal speed along with all the local sites and establishments. I can see how one could get quite used to canal life. :)

[@nickbutland2797]

Worst stretch on the canals for triffids is to the north of Chester out towards the Wirral. No doubt all those chemical firms out there interfering with breeding patterns. Nice to see you at Wedgwood recently, so there must be some more episodes in the can!

[@jamesdavis5096]

It's a jungle out there. I would love to see the interior of some of these pubs...come on 200 years old? Fascinating David. You are a very good host. BBC quality for sure.

[@windsorlad1000]

Lazy days... Isn't there a couple of ladies with a similar named boat, without the apostrophes? Love the Vlog.

[@mikenelson8786]

Great Vlog, thanks once again.

[@christineallen7170]

3m45s bad captain! It's no coincidence 3.45 is Jin o'clock! Sweets think not!... Relaxing vlog as always

[@stephenburke1878]

Would love to see more gongozzlers ,food,people when u shop for food love to see

[@MartyRabbit]

Thank you for the charming cruise David.

[@crazydougthewolf]

"The way was blocked by a drowned Triffid...", that gave me a good laugh. I'm not sure how many people would even get that reference.

[@marklandgraf7667]

I didn't know, until just now, that the word came from a book. I thought it came from RHPS!

[@benrodir2]

You are an amazing narrator sir, thank you for the video. I wish we had these kinds of things in the US

[@kevinhammond9864]

Only watched 4 mins and had to hit the like would be so easy to edit out the c@#k ups but love your honesty 😁

[@jiloute22]

beautiful views, beautiful mastery of your boat, no need for bow thrusters, and it's expensive

[@patricktrainer9715]

Hi CruisingTheCut! I found your channel by searching for the Forth & Clyde canal which I frequently cycle along but wasn't looking for this type of content. I am now hooked on your channel! Thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@stilcrazychris]

Thank you for showing us your daily trip. Have a nice Sunday day. Chris from Missouri

[@anitablades6033]

Oklahoma here!!

[@cjeam9199]

_Five_ miles per hour! Madman.

[@ncrailfan2528]

it's like when james may got a ticket for going 37mph on his bike

[@Richardj410]

It's nice to see you include your mistakes. Helping me learn what to expect. I've working on seeing your videos since #1 and I'm finally getting close to real time. I'm hoping for a narrowboat vacation next year but will will see how things go with the world and our health.

[@TruckingVideos]

I reckon you would have got through Froghall Tunnel, that loading gauge is over-cautious by around 3", Froghall Basin is a lovely spot to spend a few nights. Have to say the Caldon is my favourite canal. Agree that it was a shame the railway wasn't operating, if you moor just before the bridge at the Black Lion you can get a photo with a pub, a narrowboat and a steam train all in the same shot and who could ask for more than that!

[@TruckingVideos]

If you ever do the Caldon again and want to try to get to the basin, I'd suggest the following. Make sure your water tank is full (water point at Black Lion) and transfer as much weight forward as you can, e.g. bags of coal on the gas locker. Nose into the tunnel, stop, put engine into tick-over forward, go through the boat, stand on the bow deck (this will help with weight transfer too) and use your hands to push against the tunnel roof and keep the boat on course. If you do foul the tunnel you will easily be able to reverse out. Unlike the terminus on the Leek Arm, Froghall Basin is a special place in its own right.

[@AOMCI2009Tomahawk]

I really enjoyed this video. Your pacing, and the fact you video the interesting land, plants, cottages and so forth that you motor by, lets me be snoopy in a relaxed way.

[@randyw2539]

That so many blatantly misplaced apostrophes end up in such permanent places. Boggles the mind! Oh, and the flotsam in front of the Leek tunnel looked like an alligator at first glance. Then I thought, this is Staffordshire, not almost anywhere in Florida! No large lizard-y things in England!

[@craigleemehan]

Excellent job backing, at the end of the video.

[@for.tax.reasons]

Is it just me or are the houses on this particular canal really nice

[@Cheeseslice55]

I don’t know why KZbin suggested these videos but I’m so glad it did. If I am ever allowed to go to England after Covid I would love to try these boats out

[@ferky123]

So is there a Froghall Rock? And I'm so sorry you were bothered by WASPs. They usually stick to the upper class of the US.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Froghall Rock!! Love it.

[@jamesrussels2126]

Glad you mentioned the moored up boat at 14:18. In your last video when you were using the drone footage and I saw it I was thinking to myself "how does that boat not get hit." Seeing it from ground and your comments were helpful. Thank you.

[@2LaneTraveler]

I also noticed that the owner had tires (tyres? (I'm American)) hung over the side, presumably because the boat has been bashed from time to time by other boats trying to negotiate the turn.

[@goawaygoawaynow]

All single-engine boats have a tendency to turn when going in reverse. It's called prop walk and depends on the direction the prop turns. The prop imparts a spin to the water as it turns, and in reverse, that spinning water hits the hull on one side and pushes the stern sideways. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propeller_walk

[@bobjoe-bv2vc]

This is probably part of the reason why narrowboats have great big rudders. On our old inboard ski boat, the was no way to back up straight. Reverse = turning left.

[@tutekohe1361]

Twin counter-rotating screws would be the cure for that, but I guess a little overkill!

[@t1n4444]

Certainly prop wash can be an issue, depending on design of prop that is. Axiom props supposedly better for reversing, but, if you read some of the informed (?) opinion in the forums it depends on what "vintage" the Axiom prop might be. Some folks crack on about the length of swim, some about how deep the prop was. There are so many variables relating to diameter, pitch, symmetry, asymmetry, gearing, rudder balance, etc, etc, that prop wash may affect some boats more than others. Deciding the "best" prop for any given boat is probably best described as an "art", and your actual "science" has little to do with it.

[@marklandgraf7667]

I'm really glad you show as much winding and reversing as you do. It gives me a good bit of vicarious practice for if and when I get to do it myself. Thanks!

[@bettymason5787]

Hi, David. My husband and I watch you in the north Georgia mountains, USA, and enjoy your vlogs. In this episode you passed a grassy bit in the middle of the canal and commented on a "brown triffy" or "drowned triffy". Could you please tell me what you were referring to? I can usually find help online for British terms. That is clearly not the case here. :/ I hope this isn't a hopeless request. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Drowned Triffid! A reference to the John Wyndham book, The Day of the Triffids.

[@sj9331]

It's a lovely stretch of canal, you can't beat a summer's evening moored up at tunnel pool, a drink in hand, enjoying the sunset.

[@bigredinfinity3126]

there are 2 types of cut cruisers ones who hit the side and ones who lie

[@d4v3tm]

I just wanted to say that i really enjoyed watching you take a leek for 20 minutes!

[@KenMabie]

is Froghall the rival fraternity to Toadhall .. ? what do Mr. Badger and Mr. Mole say about that? (ha! Wind and the Willows references for the win)

[@bobbofuggetaboutit639]

So relaxing watching these videos. I wish we had more of this in the US. I do have access to the Erie Canal a bit north of me but I have to traverse Lake Erie to get there. Lake Erie can get a bit ugly, very fast. A long boat would not be a good idea for the lake. But the idea of running the canal.....Well, it sounds like a gloriously slow trip. From what I've learned a decent Marinette would be great way to run the canal. They don't exactly sip fuel though. I suppose you can mount a decent out rigger to cruise the cut. I love these vids. It's RV travel with little BS. Very envious.

[@JohnLinge]

Compare the deftness and self-confidence which David shows in maneuvering the boat with his hesitation and trepidation in his earliest vlogs.

[@silverdon55]

Another enjoyable tour of a quiet bit of the UK. Between your vlog and the other narrowboaters you've introduced me to I feel like I'm taking a very pleasant, leasurely tour of a wonderful world. Thanks for all your work.

[@Bigwaterboi]

here I am, a pizza maker from new york watching narrowboat videos at 2 AM...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Mmmm pizza :-)

[@mosstd]

Mike S I am going to go and watch videos of new york pizzas :) I am hungry now I am thinking about pizza lol

[@MrWackozacko]

Electrician from Australia doing the same thing at the same time here

[@PigPudding413]

I love watching your vlogs, very easy on ears when headphones are one 👍 I do have to say I just wished most of these canals was looked after properly with all the overgrown grass and brambles etc etc and the worse thing is nothing can be done about it

[@migranthawker2952]

Im with' you on th'e misu'se of apostrophe's 😀

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

I really appreciate, and enjoy how you show the buildings. It almost looks as if your boat is a massive ore freighter or oil tanker from where you control it. Thank you Christian

[@yvindascanius6061]

Narrow boater hits a bramble bush, creates a jam!

[@millomweb]

.........Preserved in video.

[@paisleyjane9606]

@@millomweb raspberry or blackberry?

[@cliffp.8396]

The canal experience is truly serene.

[@arte96]

You remind me of George Carlin the comedian, he was also some what introverted and very intelligent. His bit called stupid people is a classic. Love your videos but always felt something was missing! Have you ever thought about a dog

[@CruisingTheCut]

I like dogs but it would not be sensible for me to have a pet at present, I don't know what the future holds plus they're expensive etc

[@arte96]

@@CruisingTheCut Not that expensive and the ROI is considerable. The amount of trouble is negligible. And something happens and it happens on the inside. It's a good thing. CHEERS

[@RicochetRichard]

I enjoy watching your videos. It's glimpse in to a world to which I am completely unfamiliar. Here in the USA, there are virtually no canals.

[@Cyverion]

I wish we had stuff like this in the US

[@allisonball8791]

I’m in the USA man I’ve dreamed of going to England it’s so beautiful I would love. To boat down a canal there everything here is fast paced and not as peaceful lovely just lovely

[@bntravelin2]

I just dont what to do with you...taking a leek... you are so clever

[@paisleyjane9606]

Shouldn't that happen in Wales?

[@ericdrews5050]

This sure is an appealing lifestyle. It’s so leisurely and scenic I can see why there are so many narrow boaters.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No, you're not.

[@ArcticProxy]

Yes, I am.

[@MaggieKeizai]

I woulda been.

[@daved4547]

Don't care 😝😝

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Is it Sunday already?

[@michaelmoney9445]

As always, most enjoyable vlog.

[@GoingtoHecq]

I've seen that boat Candi in another of your videos

[@morningwood727]

amazing scenery, something out of a fantasy

[@GregHartSk8er]

Life in the fast lane! How do you handle the stress?

[@CruisingTheCut]

I know! Somestimes I just have to have a lie down for days to get over it.

[@americaspastortravels7536]

Another great video Sir☺️. Wow, that tunnel was really tight ! And don't be concerned about your tirade earlier in the video, around hear we call that having a "senior moment." Thanks for sharing, keep the videos coming and safe travels 🙏.

[@gogs1468]

Yip your boat would definitely fitted through, just the tunnel may not have fitted round the boat.

[@capt.eissaeissa2769]

Fantastic vlog. Well done. Nice part of the canals.

[@stevenhietikko3269]

I like looking at the buildings along the canal

[@buss8009]

This was one of the most relaxing videos ever! Very nice. I felt my shoulders got lower. Now, back to my wife!

[@spammerwhammer5526]

“The idea that pedestrians need a sign … to tell them there’s a road”. From my days as a product manager, writing user instructions: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE STUPIDITY OF PEOPLE.

[@Tevildo]

Spammer Whammer - I think someone who can't notice a road immediately in front of their feet is unlikely to read a warning sign. :)

[@2LaneTraveler]

Yeah, basically. I'm willing to bet that sign is there as a result of a lawsuit.

[@anitablades6033]

Some one must of stumbled in front of a car to get them to put the sign up?

[@trevorford8332]

Aye, people are not the smartest. 😂

[@SheplerStudios]

Great vlog as usual, David. Thanks for a view of canal life the majority of us will never experience.