327. The highest canal aqueduct in the world just got emptied!

At 220 years old, the world-famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct in north Wales is doing very well for its age but it does need a lot of care and maintenance. Every 20 years it's drained of water for a full inspection and I've been along to see what the Canal & River Trust's engineers have found this time around.
If you have enjoyed the video, a tip can be left via
www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
or / cruisingthecut
Get my FREE monthly newsletter!
www.cruisingthecut.co.uk/news...
and see the archive at
www.cruisingthecut.co.uk/news...
CRT's crowd-funding link appears to be www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-...
See also the videos about this from Martin Zero at • Drained ! The Pontcysy... and from Trekking & Exploration at • The Pontcysyllte Aqued...
Thanks to the CRT and North Star Digital for the drone footage.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@annabodhi38]

I love it when you do this type of thing. Who doesn't love a mini documentary? Thank you so much for all of your hard work, and for the video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You are most kind, cheers

[@informationwarlord]

@@CruisingTheCut I second that thank you.

[@EVAUnit4A]

Here, here!

[@myhillslife27]

I love them too!

[@Andrew-ep4kw]

Absolutely. Simple, well done and informative content like this is rare on TV these days. Nice to have it on this channel.

[@robertjirava942]

Top marks on the video old chap. As a former member of IStructE, I commend you for the quality of the information presented and also for the interesting way you’ve done it. Thanks and please keep showing us the infrastructure of the canals. Extremely informative

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you kindly! Much appreciated.

[@JeghedderThomas]

Now that's proper telly, that is! Your time as a TV journo shows through this bit of professionalism. Interesting vid, cheers mate.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀

[@waverleyrocker]

Agreed. The pieces to camera especially I felt.

[@keykeypr8292]

This video made me do a quick little read-up on wrought iron. I had no idea that it was so resistant to corrosion, and evidently it's the inclusion of the just the right amount of slag (impurities) that allows this to be true. And very clever of them to "de-water" the aqueduct, figure out what needs repair, then leave it useable until all the planning and prep work is complete so they can empty it again and do the repairs in a shorter time frame. Great video, I feel I learned a lot.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Amazing stuff, isn't it?

[@firesurfer]

''Wrought iron is mostly subject to corrosion when the unprotected metal is exposed to oxygen along with moisture'' Translated into english. it means the mud protects it from air.

[@noneck3099]

now look up the Veritasium video on making Japanese swords and that will blow your mind...

[@krashd]

@@user-uv7up4vg6i I believe using cast iron rather than the intended wrought iron is also the reason the Tay Bridge Disaster occured.

[@Hydrazine1000]

Yes, and no. You are correct that wrought iron has decent corrosion resistance due to impurities (non-metallic inclusions), but calling that "slag" is too much of a simplification. Slag is _anything_ that floats on the top of molten steel, so that's aluminium oxides, iron oxides, calcium oxides, silicates and more. But in wrought iron it's only the presence of ferrous silicates that help resist corrosion.

[@SavingMaverick55]

Intriguing mini documentary. Cool that that aqueduct is still serviceable after nearly 220 years. Impressive bit of infrastructure engineering.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Amazing, isn't it?!

[@SavingMaverick55]

@@CruisingTheCut Yes indeed.

[@stum8374]

​@CruisingTheCut if it was built nowadays it would fall down after 50yr I recon.

[@dancarter482]

@@stum8374 Incomplete after bankrupting generations!

[@stum8374]

@@dancarter482 aye that as well,very true.

[@TheRedDevil-1968]

When one considers when this structure was being built (1795 - 1805) it's mind-boggling how it was ever completed. No hydraulic equipment, no electricity / battery powered tools...Just sheer strength, determination...and no vertigo ! It's a remarkable and STUNNING piece of engineering.

[@vevenaneathna]

started to think about that, its like a decade older than the revolutionary war in US. insane.

[@marshallmintz7564]

Yes ....this was not built by todays "face in the phone crowd" ......

[@ymishaus2266]

@@marshallmintz7564 Nor by you, TV dinner generation.

[@zegamerz1980]

Kind of fun to think the romans built one nearly 50m tall over 2000 years ago...

[@CaptApril123]

@@vevenaneathna Exactly what I was thinking. And Napoleon was tearing across Europe.

[@woodenman1954]

Finding a new video from Dave is like finding a birthday present you forgot to open.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀😀

[@rayteal1300]

I so agree. This, like all of Dave’s videos, was a treat to watch. Thank you!

[@radmobile8759]

What a beautiful piece of architecture!! U can really tell how much these guys care!! Thank you ,wonderful job on the documentary.

[@deltavee2]

Beautifully and absolutely accurately described feeling when I see something new from David!

[@seeharvester]

But I've never done that. :(

[@mpersad]

What a fascinating video. Really heartening to watch engineers talking with such passion and knowledge about 200yr old construction. Terrific!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@davidpettitt4712]

David, I've commented before on your pacing and delivery. Letting the video breathe as it informs and educates us. This is another wonderful film. Modern television production crews could learn a lot from you. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, thank you! ☺️

[@darrenwilson8042]

What a fantastic structure - a tribute to every single person who worked on it - far better than any headstone would ever be.

[@lapsedluddite3381]

Oh, wouldn't it be splendid if there were a placque on it listing all the names of the workers who did the actual work of building it. We know the brilliant designers and engineers, but nothing of the working men who brought it to life

[@dancarter482]

@@lapsedluddite3381 I grew up a stones throw from the _Watercress Line_ that has a massive embankment built from material picked and shoveled by hand from a huge deep cutting that allowed the railway a smooth passage through undulating landscape. The area adjacent to all of that amazing structure has always been known by locals as _The Shant_ ~ it was a shanty town where the "navvies" were billeted throughout that incredible undertaking. Unsung heroes!

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

My late husband was building the Hoxie gorge bridge on I 86 here in NYS with a crew of iron workers. He was carrying 4×8 sheets of plywood on the girders 140 ft from the ground when a gust of wind came up and blew him off. Only the sheets of ply caught in the metal girders. It came down on his head, but he managed to shimmy to nearest girder to haul himself back up.. They gave him 15 minutes to shake it off and get back out on the bridge. He had a bump on his head for weeks but had a story for the rest of his life.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😳😳That is terrifying!

[@crumplezone1]

Awesome story awesome guy

[@stellviahohenheim]

Why was he late?

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

Oh how far we've come with work safety standards. Window washers and bridge workers still have the worst jobs, in my opinion.

[@kevinkohler2750]

Fascinating history! Thank you for bringing this to us all!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sonorasky3982]

Very interesting! Thank you! 👍🏻

[@deanmills5106]

The thing that impressed me the most was the dedication of everyone you interviewed. I got the impression that this is much more than a restoration project more a labor of love..

[@roadstar92220]

Can’t wait until we can see you take your new boat across it !!

[@YorkshireBeaver]

Mmmm doubt that will ever happen. I wouldn’t try it in a light GRP boat

[@sjaron23]

It’s lovely to hear experts talk about their field of knowledge.

[@PieterBreda]

You've got to love the engineers and craftsmen that built it. Stellar job

[@brianlopez8855]

Yes in the olden days, when folk were appointed by competence and professionalism alone...

[@deejayimm]

Thanks to your previous video, I am an American who even knew this existed. I love the history of your area, and I am thankful that you share it with us all.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kenclarke1952]

Proper job Dave...HD TV standard as usual . Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated :-)

[@pianoman7753]

A real person, giving accurate historical information on a valuable and integral piece of our civilization's infrastuructures? Thank you!!

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

Amazing technical feat, both the aqueduct and its maintenance.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Absolutely!

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks, David, for another fascinating and professionally produced mini-doc!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

Thanks for the history facts & information ❤❤❤❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it!

[@philbunston9663]

Now that was really interesting - calmly presented- no " waffle " and no unnecessary " music " - Well done - Thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@bruceolitzky450]

So excited to see you posting again. I am glad to be able once again to be intelligently informed in a fashion which is so easy to follow. I remain a great fan. (A San Francisco, California, US, viewer.)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers, I never stopped posting though.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Thank you David for the broadcast quality documentary. Very interesting and informative. 👏👏👍😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@Angela-lg6jz]

Visited with the intention of walking across. I couldn’t do it 😂. I took a few steps and decided it wasn’t for me. Found a boat doing trips across and was absolutely fine.

[@AndyCutright]

That thing terrifies me.

[@Vimby233]

I did both the boat trip and later walked across. By far the scariest was the walk, real knee-knocking scary, especially when passing other people!

[@logicalChimp]

@@Vimby233 Which is amazingly strange, when you think about it - you'd have no qualms passing people on a regular pavement the same width, etc... :D

[@QuickSplashVideo-rm2kh]

What a fantastic piece of engineering and a mini documentary well presented.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀

[@tinafreeman6937]

What an enjoyable & informative video. I can’t help but think of the brave folks who constructed it..quite the feat! Thank you so much David, you can always be counted on to impart knowledge in an interesting & memorable way. Be well & stay safe 🫡

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks indeed! 😀

[@japrods1]

Another fine piece of reporting. It’s such a special place. We’re also keen to keep the aqueducts here on the Union Canal in good order. But finance is a major issue. Thanks again for the vlog. Now back to the wire ripping for you!! C&Lx

[@LeftCoastStephen]

Marvellous video, thanks for posting it. Being a civil engineer, I’ve always been fascinated by the canals in general and Pontcysylite Aqueduct in particular. We spent a week on the Llangollen Canal in 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed crossing the aqueduct, although I admit to staying on the towpath side of the boat for the entire journey. Wonderful to see it being in such good condition after nearly 220 years.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samuelfellows6923]

Yes, even I was eeried by their being no railings on the canal side of the aqueduct ~ standing on the stern with a full-drop on one side 😬, that I stayed in the narrow boat - only my mum appreciated there being no railings as she could admire the “unobstructed” view from the window on that side. Interesting to see that there are square holes in the aqueduct side top ~ so there used to be railings on the canal side?, assuming they were taken for the “war” effort [used in WWII] and that those on the tow path were still safe and that there weren’t any depressed boat owners that would want to commit suicide by jumping off that “exposed/open” side of the aqueduct 🫢

[@CruisingTheCut]

There were never railings on the trough side, the side plates were just all made to a pattern so they could be bolted on as needed.

[@dadiomofo]

I'm surprised good old elf and safety haven't got involved yet ​@@CruisingTheCut

[@xIDarkSideIx]

I've just this second finished watching Martin Zeros video on this, and now you post one also great timing, will stick another cuppa on !

[@jeffebdy]

Don't forget the bourbons

[@eazydp]

I enjoy the vlogs but your story telling and video skill really shines in this format! Very cool.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Most kind, ta

[@yvonnetomenga5726]

@CruisingTheCut • David: All I can do is add my own kudos to the many others you have already received. Your content is so complete from how the engineers keep the water from leaking to the wildlife habitat to the water supply for the nearby residents. Your soothing voice and eye for the technicalities of the engineering to the beauty of the "stream in the sky" and surrounding countryside make this an award winning video. Thank you for the research and coordination you put into providing us with such an enjoyable experience. 👍🏆

[@CruisingTheCut]

That’s most kind, thank you.

[@cachecow]

An amazing structure and a great daytrip. Thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nigelw512]

They certainly knew a thing or two back then. Like they said cast iron could vary enormously in quality so to see it now two hundred years on is incredible. Thanks for showing us round and listening to the experts i thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it!

[@volvo09]

I was curious how that was built. It is wonderful how the CRT will do interviews with you, go over history and the ins and outs of how things work, and let you get some nice footage! Another great production as always

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@static_bolt]

Really impressive that was made in only 10 years in the 1800s

[@GregRodgers1]

These days, getting the paperwork done would take nearly as long.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Here's something very interesting which we in the States would rarely have heard of, if not for your presentation/s, David. Thanks again!

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Facinating....another informative , beautifully photographed, well researched vlog. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks!

[@MrSheckstr]

Walking that would be a great explanation as to why draft animals wear blinders

[@robrdiopodcast2907]

I wanted them when I walked it!

[@StyledObject]

love how passionate they are about it

[@wickedcabinboy]

Beautifully done video. Professional quality in every way, including your narration and editing. I look forward to more of these.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, thank you!

[@Wairoakid]

Brilliant vlog. Great to see knowledgeable people talking competently about a subject they are passionate about. Perfected edited and filmed. More please David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!

[@brianrobertson2853]

As a life time water creature myself - Very Many Thanks for wonderful article.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You're very welcome

[@johnlockhart5889]

Excellent reporting job. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@sundance2005]

The UK has such a treasure in the canals and I am glad they are keeping them maintained.

[@ikonseesmrno7300]

That was an exceptionally cool video, David! Thank You!

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure!

[@steventoby3768]

One of your best episodes, David, thanks! While I'm aware of the importance of canals in the early phases of the Industrial Revolution, (after all you've been using them in many episodes), I didn't fully appreciate the scale and quality of elements of the system like this aqueduct. That it remained operational for 200 years is amazing, especially considering the engineer's description of maintenance activity seemed like it wasn't huge compared to the original construction. I guess Mr. Telford needs to join Isambard Kingdom Brunel and John Roebling among the giants of engineering.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That’s very kind and much appreciated, thanks 😀

[@simons5193]

British ingenuity. Absolutely amazing and first class.

[@obijuan42]

Thank you for this video! I had the pleasure of visiting the aqueduct when I was in the UK last May, and it was an absolute highlight of my trip. I'm glad to see it's so well looked after.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@obijuan42]

@@CruisingTheCut many of the items on my "to do" list during my trip involved the canal network. It was your videos that got me started on my obsession with narrowboating. So, thank you for that!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@MortenHjrnevik-ti6sg]

Incredible structure very well presented David

[@paisleyjane9606]

So many questions were answered! Thanks so much for taking this opportunity to catch the aqueduct during maintenance.

[@MiloPerrotti]

Thanks for putting this kind of content in on your channel I love engineering

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@rogerparkington3837]

over 60 years ago I paddled across this aqueduct in a home made wood and canvas canoe.Just two of us went from Stourport to Llangollen and back via the River Severn. What an adventure! Hardly any other boats then. Never forgotten it.

[@ianhawkins7387]

What a great video this should be saved as an ongoing Living logbook of this magnificent monument. Excellent content David .

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

How do you make such a long water tub made of cast iron⁉️ Okay, so it's done, bolting the troughs together. An engineering marvel. Yes, quality control is essential; we don't want the doors flying off their hinges, do we?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Absolutely not

[@vacantplanet]

Very professional report, as always. This young David Johns might have a future in the TV business

[@CruisingTheCut]

🤣

[@curbstomp3126]

Its nice to see the level of respect for the designers and workers. This structure absolutely should be cared for, for future generations. Wonderful.

[@grantmillard8387]

We went across the aqueduct in a canal boat on vacation several years ago. It is a very sobering moment when standing in the back, at the tiller, you realize there is literally nothing between you and open air. A spectacular experience.

[@timfellows8334]

Superb David, traversed it twice (there and back) and it definitely gives you the “Willies”

[@CruisingTheCut]

Absolutely 🤣

[@Smannellites]

Thanks for this video. It's a wonderful historic structure and for those of us who have been fortunate enough to cross the aqueduct on our way up to Llangollen, a fantastic, and I have to say, a slightly scary experience. The dog was not allowed to come on deck, I suspect she would have jumped off onto the towpath! 🙂

[@Martin-se3ij]

Absolutely brilliant!!

[@MarcelEling]

Just did it with the canoe last year. Beautiful experience.

[@sidneybowerman558]

It is reasonable to say that you are obviously held in very high esteem by a lot of people David. Not just anyone could have made this video so special. It had to be you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Awww thanks Sidney!

[@karenmills6459]

Absolutely fantastic well done brilliant vlog XXX

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@ScoriacTears]

Good to know it is taken care of.

[@giantgeoff]

Across the pond , living in the U.S. state where the English canals were the technology that was used to create the path to open the, west of our country, I am also inspired everything about your canals.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Very interesting and informative. Amazed at the durability of those bolts!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I know!!

[@grahammoss5373]

Excellent mini doc

[@forkrunner2313]

Man these guys from the canal and river trust KNOW THEIR STUFF! passion.

[@xistacio]

Visited a few times when i lived in the area, and the thing that trully impressed me was the embankment mentioned. It is a true Engineering marvel. Thank you for taking the time to share it.

[@jefffinley6569]

Greetings from California, USA !! Super terrific video!! Love your channel narrative. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁🍀🍀🍀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@MrLangDog]

Very interesting!! Thanks for keeping us Yanks up to speed!

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure.

[@sianwarwick633]

Thanks for capturing that moment of cleaning the water plug. Very gratifying to hear that a coordinated system of inspection and maintenance keeps the system in place.

[@DaGhost141]

This gives me very strong Tom Scott vibes! Always amazing to see the craftsmanship of people from centuries ago still holding up!

[@rgarlinyc]

Very interesting to see, thank you. I particularly appreciate your drone shots oft the beautiful Welsh countryside!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sadly not mine as my drone came to an untimely end. Credit there to North Star Digital / CRT as per the caption at the start. I did do the colour tweaking on the shots though so....

[@rgarlinyc]

@@CruisingTheCutI see - you know the trouble is that captions are not fully shown - you have to click "more..." to get all of them to display - and I don't always click "more" unless it's clear that I really need to!

[@CruisingTheCut]

The caption's on the video! (right at the start, bottom right hand corner. You'll have missed it as you were looking at the lovely aqueduct!)

[@rgarlinyc]

@@CruisingTheCut 🤦🏻‍♂ I stand - or rather sit - corrected, my head in my hands with abject shame. I shall soon take myself off to the corner for some minutes of silent contrition.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Quite right 🤣🤣

[@AuntieSullivan]

Well done - so professional and informative! I had been looking forward to this particular vlog since you mentioned you'd be covering the draining of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yay, thank you!

[@Tclans]

This is why I like your channel so much. Very informative, technical and great shots. The voiceover helps too 🙂 Btw thanks to you I got to know the lichfield canal and I’ve been following them on every story ever since. I find the canals and their systems captivating. Maybe something in my Dutch genes after all. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks! 😃

[@lyn-marieohara184]

The bath plug is genius, the entire structure is outstanding. ❤

[@Richardincancale]

Technical term - “dewatering”. Normal term - “emptying “!

[@t1n4444]

Colloquial term: controlled leakage.

[@paulekstorm-hughes1894]

Dewatering isn't even technical... It's just made up rubbish to sound technical. Of course emptying is the correct word. Just as "disembark" is the correct term for the BS "deplane"

[@CruisingTheCut]

Dewater, as I have said on many of these comments, is a perfectly valid and acceptable English word.

[@t1n4444]

@@paulekstorm-hughes1894 Had you troubled to research the term via the various dictionary sites you would have learned dewatering is indeed a proper word. The term sees widespread use in Egypt as in dewatering denial. For them as won't accept, as David has told you, that dewatering is a perfectly proper word in the English language.

[@Richardincancale]

@@CruisingTheCut Dewater is de stuff wot’s in de canal!

[@CTPhil]

I don't think I'd have the courage to travel over that span, lol.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

What a beautiful structure, may it last another 200+ years. Would have liked to see how it was built back in the day.

[@myrrhavm]

Very cool. Also amazing knowing nothing like that will ever be built again. Like the Pyramids.

[@samknight9577]

I don't know why he's using meccano as a metaphor. Its full of holes.😄

[@brianlopez8855]

"Dewatering" ? Is that Draining ?

[@Salmagundiii]

I've never heard of this, but the built landscape of the UK continues to amaze me.

[@mmsmits2868]

I have to say, this was a professional grade mini documentary. The interviews, footage and commentary were all magnificent! Very, very well done, and I thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😀

[@WolfHeathen]

Why not just change all of the bolts at once and then you don't have to go by "feel"?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cost and not necessary.

[@MrSheckstr]

@@CruisingTheCut its the equivalent of throwing out all your pant just because ONE of them has a hole in one pocket

[@t1n4444]

There's the conservation aspect. Outfits such as the heritage authorities and the county conservation officer take a great deal of interest in these matters. Generally the shrewdest thing to do before any such project is to consult them first second and third. And, you might find it instructional to Google up the difference between conservation and restoration with respect to heritage structures.

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

Finally, someone who has done the simple research of finding out how to pronounce place names in our beautiful language! Your professionalism shines in this with clear research, consise information delivered, excellent production quality and camera work. More of these mini documentaries please! 😊 Diolch yn fawr iawn, a llongyfarchiadau!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! 😃 I tried so hard with that, practised it again and again. Very gratifying to know it was OK!

[@sBaum]

This chap is always spot on folks!

[@mikecrawford7352]

Such an impressive structure. I’m impressed how much of the original canals are in operating condition and planned to be reopened. The pride of those involved is evident in your videos. As an American I think it is pretty cool and hope to experience it for myself someday. It looks like a fun and neat way to get around as long as you are not in a hurry that is.

[@matthewblazer7932]

I've hiked over the aquaduct three times over the years hiking the Offa's dyke path. Absolutely amazing bit of engineering and really fun when I'm wearing a 70ltr back pack and someone's coming in the opposite direction along the tow path😁

[@CruisingTheCut]

😳

[@martykitson3442]

Amazing work that, can you imagine anything built today lasting 200 + years

[@buddywhatshisname522]

I’ve done the Panama Canal as a seafarer, so I was able to scratch that off the bucket list… now it seems my bucket list has expanded to include a stream in the sky. Thanks David…

[@DaveYouTube-qr8ct]

growing up in Telford we were taught so much about him. enjoy nerding out to things like this

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

What a nice and very knowledgable group of engineers they are. Big thanks to them for giving us the information and tour.

[@motorv8N]

Fantastic episode - so fascinating. Thank you!

[@wdhewson]

First class historical narrative. Thanks David !!

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure!

[@bernardmcmahon351]

Great presentation, thanks

[@Francoberry]

This is fascinating! Thanks for sharing