23 locks in one go?! Windlasses at the ready in Wigan | Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Vlog 7: Wigan - it might not feature on most people's tourist destinations, but if you're a boater or just interested in industrial heritage then it's one of the most interesting and attractive places to visit.
Thanks to Jason and Judith for helping me get through the locks - when they aren't on their boat they run the fantastic Yorkshire Trike Tours: www.yorkshiretriketours.co.uk Trikes you say? Yep, check it out you might be surprised!
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Twitter: @robbiecumming
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[@donison-xu3qf]

What a great video. I used to live in Ince and we would walk to the Kirkless Arms on a sunday for lunch and a pint. Lots of memories from the Alberta Oil patch!

[@borderreiver3288]

what a glorious sunset....

[@redsky8509]

I am watching from the Southern California Desert, very much enjoy your channel. Thank you.

[@tjahlers4174]

I do like the Coors sign in Robbie's cabin.

[@ade9685]

Weh Hay! love it great vid Rob. Good sounds good edit and plenty of CRANK IT, perfect!

[@davidbutler4363]

Loved. It👏😁👍

[@Shevanigans]

Great video, keep them coming

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers!

[@tylerturner4335]

I’m watching from Wigan and I’ve been on some parts of the canal but only from the DW up to Haigh Hall

[@clairereid6974]

Hey Robbie, love your vids! Only experience I've ever had on boats was as a child when our parents took us to the Norfolk Broads, watching your vlogs brings back happy memories and makes me feel peaceful and calm ❤️ Loved your show on the telly back along too x

[@davidife597]

Classic video Rob, most enjoyable and looking forward to the next episode.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah cheers David, thank you!

[@JPinFuerteventura]

Great video again Robbie with some nice shots and editing. Going through with the other boat certainly made things easier for you.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you JP, v kind and yes it was a real bonus!

[@nilodrallub7812]

Another great Vid ! Keep on truckin Robbie !

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Nilo!!

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

Just found you, its good to find a canal vlogger with a personality, i have been binge watching, keep it up, i envy you!!!

[@michaelpilling9659]

Very exciting but I'm glad I don't have to work that hard every day! Excellent video - thanks to your buddy for his help and assistance. Wigan Pier - a name that will go down in canal history. Thanks for taking me along

[@traceandtulu6130]

Crank it!...... Great vlog Robbie

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Trace 8^D

[@davidduckworth963]

Wonderful!

[@MikeKeelty69]

Hey Robbie, I just took another view of this particular video. I surely did appreciate it more the second time around. It had a lot to offer. First of all I appreciate that you are in focus when you are speaking to us. But also its stuff in between (b-roll) is beautifully composed and placed appropriately. Can't wait till you get to Blackburn. Mike

[@hardlines2635]

Did a bike ride along the canal from Liverpool to Leeds for MacMillan Fund, The only time we ran into trouble was in Wigan, two separate incidents involving young people shouting abuse and throwing stones at us, some of them looked about 10yrs old, We couldn’t get through there quick enough, other than that everybody was kind and supportive.

[@sonic3333]

Another great vlog.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks dude 8^)

[@robprideaux3279]

Great vlog again Robbie , soundtrack once again first team

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Rob!!

[@tonyhalsall3170]

The John Bull has the best juke box in the world, let alone the NW lol

[@divebomber100]

Great sound track again

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Stuart really appreciate that

[@mjallenuk]

Brilliant ... great content and a good laugh... lucky to find a friend to share the work load I bet you'd have been passing out tired without it! !! KeEp Em CoMiNg FeLlA !!

[@RobbieCumming]

I'm so buff I could do twice that, no problem!?! Ha ha no it is great when others get involved - in fact it's damn near impossible to film otherwise!

[@PaulHadley1965]

We're thinking of moving onto a boat so we're really enjoying the videos. BTW, I regularly cycle along the tow path from Chorley to Blackburn. Surprisingly scenic in parts and some lovely people. The odd looney too! #CrankIt

[@RobbieCumming]

Excellent! Well give us a wave if you see me cranking it through this weekend Paul!

[@ccooper8785]

Fantastic video. Look forward to your visit through Blackburn.My Grandparents lived in Accrington from 1977 to 82. My memories of the canal through there was that it looked terrible. Never saw a canal boat using it. Hopefully things have improved and you have a good trip.

[@RobbieCumming]

Interesting! I'm sure it's gotten much better - we'll have to see though!

[@arightpest3367]

I did that flight in 2010 when there was a water shortage we was only allowed to start the flight at ten o'clock and the locks were padlock together to stop water being lost. We did get lots of help from the lock keepers and we also tied them together because the lady we traveled together was also solo. She asked me how many times had I done it this way my reply was once first time for everything lol. It worked a treat.

[@adelestevens]

yayy! Up the locks from Wigan to white bear (I know that feeling lol) , my hubby and I did this only a week after buying our first ever boat in May 2016 (he did the steering into the locks bit & I did the running around like a loon winding and pushing gates like mad bit!). Nice video, the flight looks great in sunshine!(it rained like noah was coming when we did it).

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Adele! That's interesting, in that case I hope this literally showed it in an entirely new light 8^)

[@danieltaku2526]

You just put Wigan on the map!

[@odfhs]

Really interesting, especially because you get such a good sense of what it was like to travel by barge, and get some insight into the canal's heritage.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks for dropping by, and for your comment - I'm guessing you haven't seen many canal vlogs before? Hope you enjoy 8^D

[@odfhs]

No, actually; just happened to come across it because our group has been doing a lot on the families of canal boatmen in Lancashire, and your video came up as a suggestion!

[@RobbieCumming]

How interesting! Thanks for watching 8^)

[@wendyflanagan5738]

My children were born in Blackburn. We are not all bad. The shopping centre is interesting and the cathedral quite amazing.

[@garyreynolds5733]

New here: I spotted Winter Hill transmitter towards the end and the hills behind Rivington where I grew up. Looks like 'The Pike' is directly in line, the Pigeon Tower to the left. I like your style, Robbie.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks, and welcome! 8^)

[@nigeldance9603]

Really enjoyed this vid. Filming and music were great (Hamilton, Ontario)

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Nigel that's awesome

[@thomasharnesk8866]

Hi We are a Swedish couple that always looking forward to your, vlog we love them

[@RobbieCumming]

Hej Thomas thank you so much!

[@stephenmundane]

Bonus fuel-saving on some of those locks ;-)? Great stuff Robbie -- love the music btw.

[@RobbieCumming]

Yes - although my engine doesn't need much it's always nice to bot have it chugging away all day! Thanks again for watching!

[@ianinvancouverbc]

you picked the right pub - the John Bull is the best in Wigan

[@nickcaunt750]

If in Adlington another time go and find the 'Bottom'* Spinners pub. Great locals and great ale. It's 5 minutes walk from the place you moored. Adlington was and still is a cotton spinning town (big village?) and there are two Spinners pubs. I've not walked up to Top Spinners but I've heard it's also good. Almost opposite Bottom Spinners is a micro pub that looks good as well.

[@darrenharlow3016]

So glad you found wigan enjoyable it is a good place to visit

[@earthwizz]

Thanks for your vids they are excellent. Looking forward to the next one, my first look at Blackburn since I left there for Australia in 1962. It was a shithole then and it sounds like not much has changed.

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Robin! I've got two videos coming up featuring Blackburn... think you might be surprised!

[@hideawaysailing9078]

I'm slowly catching up watching as many as I can In between being busy on my boat getting it ready for summer. Robbie do you enjoy the traveling adventure alone ? I myself am a very happy solo sailor because its more peaceful and less hassle

[@CruisingTheCut]

I very much enjoyed the "pub of the week" jingle and hope there will be more such musical moments.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha! Thank you! Well considering I make most of the music featured you may be in for some more of that!!

[@johncraske]

Robbie Cumming I am clearly showing my advanced years, because all the pubs you claim are great look dire to me. Next to a pub with Sky Sports, a juke box would make me avoid said establishment like the proverbial plague. Heavy metal should be restricted to scrapyards. And I'm not much into dingy lighting either. No, give me an ancient hostelry with a wide selection of real ales, a roaring fire in winter, stone flags for flooring, a dog or two sleeeping by their masters feet, shove-halfpenny game in progress plus a settle or two. Now THAT'S what I call a pub. Do buck up, young man...

[@RobbieCumming]

John, that’s fine, you can stick to your 5 star vintage pubs, at least you’ll never bump into anyone with such awful taste as me. In the meantime, I’ll be here in the real world, seeking out unique, colourful, welcoming, community pubs. Pubs that might not be perfect, but they’ve damn well got one thing you didn’t mention - and that’s soul.

[@johncraske]

Robbie Cumming I laughed. Although I agree your taste in pubs is indeed awful, I forgive you. Maybe with a few more decades under your belt - ie. when you reach old fartdom - you'll eventually see the light...

[@jamesfoster4645]

Fantastic Vlog, who needs a Gym membership with 23 locks to do, it would have been very tough on your own Robbie

[@ShelterHelperDogs]

I'm loving your videos :o) Exactly what I've been looking for. I like following the adventure rather that just talking about the boat itself. I have had a dream of narrowboat living for a few years now and took one out for a 2 week holiday to satisfy my craving for now but it's just made the craving stronger. I have a house and work from home, so I'm considering maybe getting a cheap 20ft boat at some point but the mooring costs are what's killing the idea at the moment.

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Shelter Helper so glad you're finding these useful, sounds like you are almost there with your dream, but yes sounds like mooring fees would be problem. Could continuously cruise in summer and take a winter mooring Oct/Nov-March? You'll find a way I'm sure - let me know it happens!

[@olivethrush7450]

Hi Robbie, I am slowly catching up on some of your earlier ones for a bit of nostalgia. I have done the Wigan flight several times and you actually went by my last house on the way to Chorley. A couple of things for you and your fans. Tying two boats together is normal on a 'wide' canal. It is called "breasting up" for obvious reasons! More usual with two boats the same length but with odd ones it is 'better' to tie the two stems level, T stud to T stud as this gives the steerer better control with the two stems less prone to move apart although it is not always possible. 2nd point. A bit of history. Peter from Wigan was nearly right, or maybe you misheard, but the white mark on the bridgehole is not the deepest part of the channel but simply the halfway mark of the channel between the towpath and the other side. Putting your stem under there automatically gave you clearance both sides whatever the beam of your boat which was normally 14 foot on L&L. They never cottoned on to that on the GU where of course most boats were narrow beam in pairs. Great videos and well presented. Thanks for all the work involved.

[@RobbieCumming]

How interesting, thanks for letting us know Olive 8^)

[@bonnybank12233]

crafty Robbie! saved a few quid on diesel, by being towed all the way.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha shhh don’t tell them!! 8^)

[@johnbrookes2196]

Another good video Robbie. Its a pity that their seems to be a security problem with soom areas in which you would like to moor near. Keep safe Buddy dont let them grind you down.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks John, yeah to be honest you have to be careful wherever you go really but my rule is safety in numbers so always good just to be near others if you feel like it's a dangerous area.

[@ddoubletap3815]

Another good video m8, I liked the look of the lock flight but am sure they look a lot better when your not single handed. Will you be doing any video covering your solar set up & how it's installed & also running through all the essential equipment you use on the Narrowboat as no one else seems to be covering this type of topics on there channels. Also coming in to winter your prep for the boat. Just a few ideas. Keep em coming m8 & happy travels :)

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi mate, thanks and yes I might try to do that, I'm not great at explaining solar power etc but will cover the basics at least!

[@ddoubletap3815]

nice one look forward to seeing them as I like the maintainace side of boat life myself.

[@rubbberrobbie]

A shame you could discover more of Wigan. Great vlog again fella - well worth a overheating the laptop!

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha cheers Robbie well at least now it's winter I can just crack open the windows to cool it down quicker! Or just get a new computer...

[@jpaulrice]

Hello from Daytona Beach, FL You have a loyal follower here. How I would love to hire one of the boats some day. So I'll watch carefully and learn.

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi John, great to hear from you. I'm sure you'd love it - but I'd also love to visit Florida so maybe we should do a swap sometime;) Ha ha!

[@dickvarga6908]

Lucky man, you have got a job, a home, an interesting sideline as a vlogger, (minor) celebrity status, opportunities to see new surroundings whenever you choose to move your home, access to a new pub almost daily. What more could you want? Forget it! Too much trouble. Get a dog.It will always be glad to see you, keep your feet warm at night, never nag and will always be willing to give you a big kiss. ( best not think where that tongue has been). OK, no more comments on your personal life, I shall await more pub/canal/city reviews. Great old buildings. Thanks.

[@tim040]

Excellent, could you possibly discuss the dimensions of your boat, against the locks, and where is best to moor in places you go to. Cheers

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Tim, if you watch my other videos you’ll see I make regular mentions of mooring with other boaters as a general rule, but everyone has their own preferences. My boat is 6’11” by 42’ with a draft of approximately 2ft - and each lock is different. Hope that helps

[@flumpaustin1994]

The white line doesn't line up with the centre of the bridge because the towpath underneath the bridge makes the canal offset. I wish we had them around Cheshire, I am rubberish at bridges :( Have you had "Wehey" lessons off Heidi on The Pirate Boat? That's her catchphrase and she's obsessed with lock number 69!

[@RobbieCumming]

No but sounds like a laugh, cheers for the comment Ben! 8^)

[@johnevans6685]

Great video order tribute to Peter as well

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks John, yep that guy is a proper legend.

[@craigroberts9021]

Loving the videos. Your boat looked tiny besides Emma ( no reflection on your manliness ) But not seen a vid doing that before, is it normal practice i.e. tying boats together and not frowned on.

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Craig, yeah ha ha well my boat is female too so the only loss of manliness was seeing her under the (expert) helmsmanship of a Yorkshireman ha ha! Not normal practice but it should be! Saved me so much time jumping on and off the boat and actually wouldn't have been able to make the video as long as it is either!

[@neilhampson2843]

The Wigan flight are under maintenance at the moment 10/03/2021. it looks as though its not before time.

[@kevinmoore4122]

Watching this video today and your piggy backing of the other barge. my question is do you wish you had a bigger barge to live in?

[@lwolter4605]

You have a knack for putting these together. Your videos are evolving, first-rate. Now, let’s get your Subs up, so you can quit your day job.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha thanks Lori - it has taken 10 years practice to get to this stage, so glad you (and the other lovely people here) appreciate my efforts! Have already have more subs than I've had for anything, but it would be great to be able to afford to do more 8^)

[@domdavie7624]

Is it quicker this way to horbury from wigan or the rochdale? I have a river cruiser 9ft wide so huddersfield narrow is out of the question. I'm travelling back Saturday just want the fastest route. Cheers

[@RobbieCumming]

Not sure. Probably not much in it. Anyone else know?

[@markesparkie]

"The cruising season is over". For the sake of clarity Robbie will be cruising all winter.

[@RobbieCumming]

Oh yeahhhh

[@jimbo4375]

One of these locks is currently being repaired, I suspect its the one that was leaking. Would you be allowed to moor between these locks? The flight is so long it would be tempting

[@RobbieCumming]

Don't think you can moor between any of the locks but i could be wrong

[@gazj4421]

Hey Robbie. If you want any advice about staying in blackburn give me a shout. Im moored near the boat hire place in Adlington so I shall give you a wave if I see you passing.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah cheers Gaz - no worries though, am now moored next to a nice lady at Eanam wharf. Permanent moorings really but they took pity on me!!

[@gazj4421]

Eanam wharf is pretty nice.

[@jpaulrice]

Lets not rule out a swap. My little condo overlooks a marina.

[@RobbieCumming]

Sounds good! Will have a think!

[@darryljames0111]

Hey, are you going to give youtube a tour of your boat?

[@RobbieCumming]

Soon as I've done the washing up mate I will get onto it X^D Actually I think what I'm going to do is keep travelogging until we get iced in - and then we'll do a proper MTV cribs how about that??!

[@darryljames0111]

Robbie Cumming Haha, that would be cool!

[@stephencrowther524]

Didn't visit Wigan Pier then ? :)

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Stephen! Did you see it in the video? I passed by - not much left to be honest!

[@nate8551]

What’s the relevance of 69?

[@RobbieCumming]

Google it I can’t be the one to explain it to you 😂

[@peterwilding4012]

better music please