300. Joining two countries - by canal

The Montgomery canal which runs from Shropshire into north Wales is absolutely beautiful but only parts of it are in water and useable by boats. Efforts are underway to connect the whole length and this video covers the latest developments.
#AD Visit ABC Leisure at www.abclg.com or call 0330 333 0590 for everything to do with canal boats.
My prior video about the Welshpool section: • 137. A bygone age: hor...
More information about the canal at themontgomerycanal.org.uk
Map locations
Crickheath: goo.gl/maps/ro1K1apfFXn4MZfY9
Schoolhouse Bridge: goo.gl/maps/u6VCDprKe2mKV6KT8
Llanmynech: goo.gl/maps/TpZchzeCjzNMahnw9
If you have enjoyed the video, a tip can be left via
www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
or / cruisingthecut
Canal and filming info
Q&A: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/
Filming Gear: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/gear/
Contact Me
Twitter: / cruisingthecut
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Facebook: / cruisingthecut
Web: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk
Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@CruisingTheCut]

#AD Visit ABC Leisure at www.abclg.com or call 0330 333 0590 for everything to do with canal boats. The Montgomery canal which runs from Shropshire into north Wales is absolutely beautiful but only parts of it are in water and useable by boats. Efforts are underway to connect the whole length and this video covers the latest developments. My prior video about the Welshpool section: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqDcqqR8p750ick For more information about the canal, see themontgomerycanal.org.uk Map locations Crickheath: goo.gl/maps/ro1K1apfFXn4MZfY9 Schoolhouse Bridge: goo.gl/maps/u6VCDprKe2mKV6KT8 Llanmynech: goo.gl/maps/TpZchzeCjzNMahnw9

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Its wonderful that you Brits are restoring your old canals! 👍Thank you for sharing.😊 In the eastern portion of the USA there are several closed canals. The canals that stayed open were those that were widened, dredged out (and in some cases) new channels dug or existing rivers dredged; in the first quarter of the 20th century for steam and (later) diesel-fueled barges. These existing canals run through areas that are not mountainous or even very hilly , but locks are required along the routes. In New York state, four working/currently in use canals exist. In many cases the orginal Erie canal and the "improved" Erie Canal beds are used as feeder canals for the existing canal. In New York state the towpaths of the second phase of the Erie Canal have been made into a National Heritage Canalway Trail. Also, additional bicycle, hiking walking trails were built along the route of the currently open Erie Canal that (it was built without a towpath), in some cases secondary roads are used. You may or may not be interested; but if you are, this site shows where the phases of the Erie Canal existed/exists *Erie Canal Mapping Project (Intro)* eriecanalmappingproject.com/

[@holnrew]

Great pronunciation of the Welsh names, appreciate the effort

[@CruisingTheCut]

I try!

[@richardgreening8164]

As a local, I can say this is a beautiful canal. The Welsh government has gifted £15m for the Welsh section to dredge the entire length to navigable depth and there have been plans submitted for bridges to restore the breaches where the A483 cuts the channel, with new bridges also west of Llanymynech and restoration of the aqueduct over the river vyrnwy. So things are moving nicely.

[@rogermac358]

I will forever miss your cruising videos, but I will also forever love your documentary videos!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@TomTremayne]

Excellent opening sequence David....good stuff...

[@sysbofh]

My (not) regular fix of Cruising the Cut. Besides the impeccable production, and great images, I think one of the best things here is the narration. Really, David has a talent to just... speak. It doesn't feel like someone is telling me the thing. It feels more like I'm hearing an old friend talking, telling his tales and whatnot. A true gem, as always.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You really are most kind, thank you 😊

[@petitebiogeek]

So cool! Love the priorities of gathering to support nature and people together

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀

[@vikeng21]

Good to see people showing interest in restoring something historic in your country. Alas the people of the country I live in have no interest in maintaining and restoring historic places. They are hell bent on destroying them and that the very sad part to see.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Yes, the UK is good at appreciating and restoring historic buildings, trains, planes.....and even canals!

[@alanhat5252]

@@robertp.wainman4094 also very good at destroying them.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

A wonderful and heartening restoration project, making the case for reopening many more of our abandoned waterways. These should be a vital part of a 'green economy', accessible to, and enjoyable by all.

[@trixierosco]

David, it’s great to see the continuity of your stories. The episode with the isolated section and the horse ride is one of my favorite stories.

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

I love to see these bits of history being restored and cherished.

[@chewyfoks1840]

A really nice, feel good story for your 300th video. Thanks for all your efforts in getting these to us in internet land.

[@davidsedlickas8222]

A jewel in the Crown of your vlogs David. Whenever you film a canal restoration project we watch guaranteed. We have now just said a must cruise onto the Llangollen canal to journey onto the Montgomery when we get back on board. Thanks for your time and effort to produce this vlog David. Take care whilst filming.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@raba1der]

Congratulations on the 300! Seeing the old canals coming back to life and the history around it is both interesting and enjoyable! Thank You!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@cbwilson2398]

Impressed with your pronunciation of Welsh!

[@thoughtsonnarrowboatingwit3882]

A brilliant pallet cleanser David, after the lackluster viewership of my latest narrowboat vlog… this is why we need you, a seasoned broadcaster. David, this is a fantastic contribution to a long line of videos, so beneficial, needed and absolutely necessary in keeping this life alive!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@TheWoodlandhoBo]

This brilliant. I’ve just moved to near Welshpool from Cambridgeshire and I walk this canal. I also walked the Llangollen the same day you released that vlog ironically. Great work thank you

[@seanjamescameron]

Congratulations on perfect welsh pronunciation.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha thanks; I consulted a Welsh friend 😀

[@davidlasoff8261]

Wonderful video, David. Congratulations on #300 mate! 🎉❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks so much!

[@davidlasoff8261]

@@CruisingTheCut You are very welcome!

[@terrycook8914]

I love your vlogs, but I have a problem...every time I watch one, I have to add to the list of the places I want to see when I visit the UK. lol Now the Monty is on my list too! Thanks for another great video! :0)

[@v1rotait23]

Ditto! - The same for me too, and my English heritage roots back in the 1700s are very near to this spot, just east over in Worthen, so would love to visit this area. Cheers, David.

[@obijuan42]

I just got back from a month in the UK, and many of the places I visited were selected because of this channel.

[@layalabi1667]

Thank you! Bravo to everyone connected with this project!!

[@SprocketN]

What a brilliant video. I live less than a mile from School House Bridge. There is a very big hole there now. With big cages full of stones. Next time you come within a mile of my house, let me know I’ll put the kettle on. You’ll have to bring your own cheese sandwich, I don’t like cheese sandwiches.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I will happily eat them all!

[@loki7441]

Any section of canal being reopened is an excellent piece of good news, David you probably know this, but for those that dont; The Ballinamore Ballyconnell canal on the border regions in Ireland reopened in 1994 after being derelict since 1869. It opened in 1860 linking the River Shannon with Lough Erne for commercial traffic. Steam was making inroads even in Ireland in those days and in its final year only nine boats are recorded as passing along the route. Its way busier now than the builders could have ever imagined. With private and hire cruisers in travelling both directions. Its hoped, I read recently to re open a section to join to Lough Neagh . I might be wrong about that. One big advantage was most of the lock structures were still in place. No gates of course and a distinct lack of water in a lot of places. So where there is a will, the canal will be reconnected.

[@DanielTheVapeMan]

I’m just grateful that you coulda let this channel die, but you didn’t. Thank you. Edit: oh yea congrats on 300!

[@JackNance22]

Cheers to all those dedicating their time to the restoration of the canal in order to raise other people's quality of life.

[@mattwruff]

Congrats on your #300 video!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!!

[@kleincamper]

This should be at least video #301, because there is the glorious episode #62a, which should not be missed! 😀

[@victorfebo2968]

I am very proud of you, British, for taking interest in maintaining and expanding your heritage! You are an example for the rest of the world. Thank you for sharing! Cheers from sunny Puerto Rico!

[@josecolon2717]

Took them long enough. Like no joke the British cut some serious historical artifacts from their budget. Stuff like warspite the single most decorated warship to ever exist and they scrap her. As much as I wish we would care for our heritage as well my island co inhabitant, we at least take care of el Morro

[@ralphwood5875]

Another jewel in the making and yet another feather in your cap David . Well done another superb bit of Canal history revealed, and quite beautiful too Congratulations to all the folks involved and the Lottery trust for their recognition. Cheers David from ex pat Ralph Wood in Canada

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@gordonchapman222]

I am so glad at 11:50 you asked, 'What's the point' Me, I understand, but for new viewers, some may not realise how big and how popular the canal network is used and not just by narrow boaters. Another great video, thanks for sharing, I always sigh in contentment when I see a fresh alert from you. Always a good watch 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@Vespanation]

Dude! 300 videos. What a massive amount of work. Thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@RaymondCore]

Congratulations on episode 300. I always enjoy your canal videos. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@rodkennedy9800]

Nice to see yet another canal being brought back to life… not an easy/quick task to achieve but well worth it in the long run. 😃😀😁

[@baxterschumacher9186]

I’m excited for the future to see this completed at some point

[@andrewjones-productions]

Good to see the canals being restored. Llanymynech is not just the border village, but also has an interesting fact. As many older people will remember, trying to get a drink or buy alcohol in Wales on a Sunday used to be very difficult if not nigh on impossible. In the days when pubs shut on Sundays in Wales, there used to be a pub in Llanymynech called 'The Lion'. The pub building straddled the Welsh-English border and had one bar in Wales and the other in England. On Sundays, the bar in Wales was closed, but the bar in England was open. David did a good job of pronouncing Llanymynech, although his second attempt was far better than the first in terms of where he placed the accents. Whilst written Llanymynech these days, it is actually composite of three words. Llan-y-mynech. The accent coming on the penultimate syllable. For those that are interested and to make travel easier, the Welsh language, like English has two 'th' sounds. However, unlike English, these are distinguished by two different letters. These are 'th' and 'dd'. 'Th' is always as the English 'th' in 'think', 'thought' and 'dd' (6th letter in the Welsh alphabet) is always as in 'there/their'. 'Llan' has two meanings. The original being an enclosed clearing of land. That can be by trees, rivers or walls. These clearings were likely gathering spots for ancient saints and churches were likely often built on those clearings and 'llan' became to also mean 'church' and many place names in Wales have Llan coupled with another word which often the name of a saint. There are also place names that are merely geographical such as 'Llangoed' (clearing in the trees) or Llangwm (clearing in a small valley/glen/combe). It is an ancient Celtic word and knowing the meaning, can be seen to be closer to the English word for 'land' than might first appear. If you travel to Wales, enjoy! Be it by barge, van or other means.

[@eleanorchapple8772]

That canal is going to be in a fresh verdant beautiful place with wonderful scenery.

[@BrassLock]

A few generations of my family were raised in Shropshire last century, and contributed to the Community through various Church building projects and school educational programs. They would've been very impressed with this wonderful restoration and video feature. Perhaps later generations will revisit the restored canal to enjoy the country life of yesteryear. Thanks David.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Love your videos David, but without doubt the best thing is how much your sponsor bit at the start sounds like a 70s era cinema ad for a local business. "Visit the Ming Wah Chinese Restaurant - just 5 minutes from this cinema."

[@CruisingTheCut]

And you know why they did that - because it worked! Useful, relevant information presented concisely and clearly to an appropriate audience. Same here 😀

[@jroar123]

Simply a wonderful idea to increase the canal system. The ecological benefits are obvious. Wherever there is water, there is wildlife. Thank you for this video!

[@BarneyLeith]

Definitely a canal to cruise once the restoration is complete. Thanks for a fascinating video!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chris-cole]

Now this is one worthwhile and wonderful project which will be amazing when finished!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Fingers crossed!

[@DawidKellerman]

@@CruisingTheCut Watching from very far away in Africa, my country relies on tourism a lot . This will happen with or without fingers as soon as the money flows in more and it will. Especially when they see your amazing videos! Thank you for that!

[@John_Smith__]

Great to see the Canal being Restored and re-opened. It's indeed part of British Culture and History, Has to be restored.

[@HYUKLDER1]

This sort of report by you on canals being restored is very interesting. Thank you.

[@donaldwoods8565]

Gratulations on your 300th episode! We've watched them all. You have a very unique channel, and it has evolved well over the years. Best wishes for at least another 300 from Clarendon, Vermont, USA!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 😊

[@NoOnionsUK]

Loved the video. I really enjoy hearing from the people actually doing the work and the explanations of what is happening.

[@davidpettitt4712]

David, another top notch documentary. I don't like to call your work a vlog as there is a lot of technical expertise in how you craft your films. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@ausnorman8050]

That was a great video for your 300th! Many thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you too!

[@stuartfeen9236]

David’s videos are always the very best. Thank you, David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated 😊

[@SalvationInChristAlone]

Would just like to say i thoroughly enjoyed this episode, my only gripe was it didnt go on for longer. Thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnlockhart5889]

I enjoyed the video on the Welshpool section with the horse-drawn boat, so this follow-up is very welcome. I’d love to see the new bridge being built and installed.

[@MsVanorak]

Cracker has retired now and they were advertising for a new volunteer horse and his owner.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Congratulations to all those volunteers who are making this possible.

[@matthewclark8721]

Congratulations on 300 vlogs!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!!

[@thomasrobinson4401]

I was on the Monty in my friends boat in May. We had to turn around just past Maesbury. Looking forward to a longer trip to Crickheath. Anyone who is planning a trip, the pubs are shut Monday and Tuesday. The two days we were there. 😢

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Hello from Detroit Michigan USA Great video Brother thank you for taking us on your adventure

[@TMStakeses93]

Amazing video. wold love to see mhemore pieces on all the restoration projects around the UK and the challenges facing them.

[@Lego6980]

Lovely vid. Humbling to see volunteers coming together over something like this - and lovely too, just to see the scenery

[@pburgvenom]

🇺🇸As am American, I LOVE your channel! I love your non-talking videos when I want peace and quiet.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you 😊

[@reaperkit]

Congratulations on your 300th Video! Well done :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@Bashfuldoc]

Very excited to see it finished! I love facts and bits of history. Wonderful to see so many people volunteering and happy to merge the canal to Welsh canals!

[@arthuralford]

300 episodes, and this one was an example of why you've been around so long. Telling the story of a project that brought a community together, the future of it, and the people who made it happen. I've been around since the 100's, and look forward seeing what's down the canal

[@jamminjami103]

Great informative video! Looking forward to updates ♥

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks so much!

[@randyw2539]

I'm glad you mentioned the ownership aspect of the canal bed. I was wondering if it had fallen into private ownership in places or, as you made clear, was still in the hands of the CRT. Another enjoyable and informative docuvlog.

[@Boating_David]

Great video David, i do love the Montgomery Canal. Im personally looking forward to it reaching Welshpool, lovely town id love to get to by boat fingers crossed i can one day !

[@CruisingTheCut]

Absolutely

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

It really is amazing to see people of all different backgrounds with various expertise coming together to make a project like move forward. Watching these old dried up canal beds come back to life is truly satisfying and really does enhance the quality of life in the area by promoting outdoor leisure and fun for everybody! So interesting to see how something like this is restored thanks for sharing David! Can’t wait until you document its completion sometime in the future!

[@PocketTalk916]

Excellent documentation! Thanks David! Lane and Larry in California

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@davidheap880]

Thank you for this restoration update. It is so long the project was first begun in the 70’s

[@shirleylynch7529]

That was really enjoyable. Looked so pretty. Thank you for showing us this amazing progress

[@CraigBedell]

Very well done piece - as one would expect! Cheers.

[@SirPrancelot1]

Great work being done by these people. Thanks for the report.

[@mitchellminer9597]

Always fascinating. Thanks for posting. Philip Parker was marvelous. Well explained, sir.

[@CruisingTheCut]

His explanation was great, wasn’t it? 😀😀

[@janisripple754]

Love the singers and the community efforts ❤🎉

[@grayfool]

So good to see the canals being so well looked after and restored. Thanks for showing us what's happening David. Great work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks 👍

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Looks like it’s destined to be one of the prettiest canals once fully restored. Thank you for sharing. 👏👏👍😎

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

I’m glad to see they are protecting the existing wildlife as they continue to build the canal.

[@paullaviolette2610]

I watch your videos from British Columbia and love every one of them. In 1990 we took a trip to England but never even knew about these canals. I’m now wondering how many more unused canals are yet to be restored.

[@jcderby129]

Thank you David, cracking video. - I’m certainly inclined to volunteer for a days work at a restoration project somewhere and videos like this I think help, showing that everyone can help…maybe you could do a video on something like that ie a days volunteering works? I’ve seen a few comments recently about people unsubscribing because of adverts or sponsorship - I personally don’t mind the VERY short appropriate sponsorship segment at the start of your videos - it is to my mind much more preferential than KZbin randomly inserting video adverts (sometimes two or three times in videos). I generally let those play anyway and do something else as I understand they contribute to income for the creator, please correct me if I’m wrong. I’m also aware how much time editing and adding stuff takes… keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. I'm quite happy to have a brief and very relevant sponsor at the start (and for reference anyone reading this, the sponsor has no say in the content of the video - I might change it in future to say "supported by" instead of sponsored). Thanks for not skipping the ads too, yes it does indeed help.

[@neilarmstrong7906]

I drove alongside parts of the Monty last weekend, on my way to Welshpool and Newtown. There are some really overgrown and weed infested parts, good luck to the volunteers

[@thomastrout9997]

A project where pretty much everybody wins has to be somewhat of a unicorn, but here we are. Different viewpoints, aspirations and even countries uniting on this is brilliant. Congratulations to them...and to yourself. Three hundred, my stars, that was 'quick'.

[@neilbroome4941]

Thank you David for another look at the world of canals.

[@CTPhil]

David, your videos remind me that there is still good in the world, and I'm very grateful to you for making them. 🙂

[@BuzzSargent]

Good show. I enjoyed watching this from Florida.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you 😊

[@richardoliver6131]

As usual fantastic concise information and great knowledge and may I add,expert on cheese.

[@CruisingTheCut]

🤣

[@mellissadalby1402]

hi David! Very exciting news about that canal restoration. I do hope someday to go on a Narrowboating holiday.

[@BdManus]

Excellent documentary. Great explanation of the work done and the work still left to do. I always enjoy your videos.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@nbflyingfox4672]

A sensational vlog David. Plus a big shout out to all the volunteers and other teams that are involved in this restoration. Superb..

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated

[@tnuag01]

Always worth watching. Very interesting.

[@valproton3841]

Have been waiting for this for decades. Let's hope that connecting it up to Welshpool doesn't take as long.

[@JRattheranch]

As a 25 year Shropshire resident from Wales...🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🤔👌 Brilliant to see David.... Learn to pronounce Llanymynach better when you video the next stretch being opened! 👍🤣🤣🤣 Seriously... You're a star for making these videos. Love them ...

[@CruisingTheCut]

I took advice from a Welsh speaker on the pronunciation 😔

[@jjudy5869]

@@CruisingTheCut There must be different dialects of Welsh. Good luck with that! 😁🙃😉

[@mrbouffant]

Thanks for this interesting video! Sustainable water supply is such a crucial part of reopening any abandoned canal, so it's excellent you mentioned this specifically, as many people seem to overlook this. My local society (Wey and Arun) have major problems around this aspect particularly.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers, yes it can be a huge issue as you say 😞

[@coisi2940]

Thank you for the informative and enjoyable video David. Your professional background is clearly evident in the quality of your output. Jolly good.

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Fabulous! Will be nice to see these canals connected again as I am sure people will enjoy them!

[@billcurnew6020]

Very encouraging video....and congratulations on reaching Episode 300!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much!

[@century2298]

I love these restoration videos. So many great people coming together to make a project happen. I check Google Earth on a number of locations. It will be great to see an update when the water is again filling the canal.

[@paulhaynes8045]

Very satisfying video, thanks David (I'm running out of adjectives!) Nice commentary too - you get quite poetic at times. And what maps! Excellent all round. Interesting that there is plenty of water too (although it is - almost - Wales!). Down here in Darkest Kent, I've just been told I can't use a hosepipe - and it's only the middle of June...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertthomas7176]

Lovely informative video. Makes me want to come to UK and take a trip on the canals. Cheers from Nova Scotia.... a longtime fan!

[@CruisingTheCut]

You should! 😀

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Another awesome documentary-style vlog David. Re-opening this canal I believe, makes huge sense, everybody benefits, including nature. It will expand the canal network, provide a second access from England to Wales, and also I'm sure, will likely see at least one marina and other services added. A real win, win economically as well as increasing leisure and tourism.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated

[@katej3z715]

This is such cheering news. Not only is this a beautiful canal with lots of boating and leisure potential but it gives encouragement for other derelict stretches. Wonderful!

[@robg3545]

lovely film, and congrats on the 300th CTC.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@bobbod8069]

I live not too far away from Arddleen and the big problem is the A483. It cuts over the canal in several places.

[@georgethomas7814]

Hope that horse drawn section can remain that way. Not many canals can boast that kind of heritage.

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

That was very impressive. I would love to see larger sections with horse drawn boats. What a great experience

[@charlesroberts6965]

Awesome to see the canal trust and others working together to make this happen...amazing what can get accomplished when like minded individuals pour there resources and talents together. I would be amidst to say I do miss seeing you on your boat during the lock down I discovered your channel and so truly enjoyed your adventures and all of the amazing scenery and for that I will be forever in your debit thank you so much for continuing to share all the happenings and such with the canals, Thank you again and have a blessed week😇