85. Travelling by narrowboat from Crick to Kilby on the Grand Union Canal Leicester LIne

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
It's time to move the narrowboat on from Crick and I'm heading north up the Grand Union Leicester line to Kilby (via the always impressive Foxton locks). Once there I'll wait for some friends to join me for the next stage of this year's trip.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@mikerandall7571]

My late wife and I lived in South Kilworth and our boat was moored at Debdale wharf, and that was 20 years ago. Foxton was our home territory and all those familiar views brought tears to my eyes. Once you have owned a boat and cruised the system, it never leaves you, How I miss it now. Thank you for that trip down memory lane.

[@patrickbagnano1561]

As a Yank who loves a good brew, I could never pass any of these pubs without going in for a pint.

[@4k8t]

Very good. You also highlight one of the things that are a part of cruising the cut - the locks - which gives one perspective on how much effort can be needed. It is too easy to think about just cruising along and not realize or appreciate or remember what is actually needed to do all that.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. Yes, it can be quite an effort but I take it slow and all's usually well!

[@MichaelsMustang]

When you consider those locks at Foxton we’re built in the early 1800s they really are a tribute to the engineers and the men that built them over 200 years ago. You made the right call as far as the graffiti it is a pretty good indication as to the locals. Here we have legal graffiti art walls and they are truly art but sadly any where the “tags” are (The vandalism on the bridge) is always a problem. Nice job picking up the rubbish too, another fantastic vlog.

[@lindaforrester464]

My great grand farther was the lock keeper at foxton locks my mum was born at the top lock house and there is a statue of him in the top lock house

[@christopherlussenden3021]

That was a lovely vlog! I just said that aloud to my dog at 10.55pm in Australia.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, I hope the dog agreed.

[@DDixon3121]

I am a sailor at heart but I enjoy watching your videos and learning about narrow boating in your fair country. Thanks for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@gilb6982]

Another great armchair excursion so relaxing I am so locky to have you to do the job for me ! but I really would like to see it with my own eye one time in my life I is so beautifull

[@CallmeRogerRoger]

Well worth the wait. I'm living vicariously through your vlog. Try not to take the thumbs down votes personally. I don't understand them myself. You're is the best narrowboat blog on the net. Your professionalism shines through and you have a knack for making it an interesting ride. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I think every KZbinr gets some thumbs-down, I generally ignore them. KZbin still rates a dislike as an "interaction" anyway and that ranks up the video in the search results!! Many thanks for your kind words.

[@rustybrazenfire]

I started watching your vlogs last week and I have to say this has been rather a lovely, relaxing watch so far. Can't wait to be all caught up on the last few years. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@LaurelMeadows]

We love the little pub at the bottom of the Foxton Locks. We cruised as newbies in March '06 which was fantastic as there was little traffic and plenty of parking right in front! We parked across from the Moorings Pub and went into town for Pie Night on Mother's Day. Welford was our other night... What a fantastic week for us.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sounds splendid and what great memories to have :-)

[@rickdearmont9950]

Always happy to see your video in my notifications! As I toil away at my job, I wish I was on the cut!

[@CruisingTheCut]

There's always the weekend...?!

[@WilminMKD]

Love the longer videos. Perfect time to relax with a brew!

[@CruisingTheCut]

More by accident than design! Sometimes there's just more to show in a particular segment of the journey... glad you like it though.

[@deltavee2]

10:00 Throughout the series I have constantly been taken with the menus shown outside the eateries. Every time I see one I pause and read them in detail and I invariably want one of almost everything, sometimes two, especially if there is bacon involved. I am Canadian, after all. ;-D

[@isbcornbinder]

I appreciate your mater-of-fact presentation. I have subscribed. I was not aware of the canal system when I visited England, in 1971. Had I known, I may have never returned to Canada, that is if your country would allowed me to stay. I was visiting with a lovely family in Sheffield.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Time for another visit maybe! :-)

[@revrebmackey]

I've become quite a narrow boat fan watching your escapades. Look forward to your videos keep them coming. Watching from Mt. Shasta California U.S.A. Cheers!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad to hear it! Cheers

[@Zeemike1]

Those locks are quite the engineering project...and to think they were done long before the modern era. And I do so enjoy the country scenery that this vlog presents...please keep it coming.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You'll like the next video even more then ... a "scenery special"!

[@pesky-media]

Do you ever greet others traveling on the canal. ‘Good Mooring!’ 😊

[@steve531109]

A nice trip video . England is truely a 'green and pleasant land ' !

[@CruisingTheCut]

Especially when it's sunny :-)

[@earlgreydionne1489]

Hi David, I know it's been said already, but that is one of your best videos yet! Even though the aerial was in the view. Those locks were so impressive. I was in awe of the engineering and how smoothly it all seemed to work. Bloody marvellous! Ok time for the Earl Grey and hope yo have a lovely sunny weekend. Take care x

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much! Yes, put the kettle on :-)

[@Mr91495osh]

What an excellent way to tour England.

[@greenspiritarts]

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Thank you so much for making my week! Note on oil and grease control in fabrics and leather: keep a small amount of what American's call "cornstarch" and you call "corn flower" on board in a tightly sealed jar. It works best on light oil, like engine oil. Dab copious amounts of cornflower onto the oily bit and let sit overnight. Dust off in the morning, repeat if needed. Dawn is better for grease. They use it to clean wildlife that have the misfortune to meet oil spills. Fabulous video...thank you for making these.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good tips, thank you. Glad you liked the video :-)

[@greenspiritarts]

Opps... American auto-correct changed the spelling before I caught it... British product to look for in the baking section of grocery shop is called "corn flour" not "flower"...apologies.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, I'll get it. Cheers

[@carmadham]

I really enjoyed that, it's like a different world on the cut.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It is indeed!

[@bixrog]

hallo CtC. Nice to see foxton locks again. As a youngster I lived a few miles away in rutland on the welland valley and foxton was a regular sunday trip out on our pushbikes. I now live in germanland...have done now for nearly 50 years but when we go to rutland on holiday foxton is always a must....nearly every day..btw I am a subscriber of your channel and have watched nearly all your vlogs...always very interesting and informative....so please don´t stop making them.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I don't plan to stop! Well, not for a while at least... Cheers

[@kenpage1107]

Nice one Dave, Im still watching you and enjoying it, keep them coming, hope you have a great summer.cheers from Australia.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks Ken - more soon!

[@steelem422]

What an adventure kind of seeing the appeal......

[@beardedseabee82outdoors13]

As usual, another nice way to enjoy my saturday morning coffee as the sun rises here in the midwestern US States. Keep up the fine work. Fare winds and following "canal waters" hehe

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you.

[@JeghedderThomas]

Ahhh, leisurely watery perambulation - balm for the soul.

[@surfearth1]

Great! Now I want a fire beacon...

[@marianjacobs5597]

Thank you for another great post I always enjoy them.... I just wish there were just more people like you who are prepared to fish rubbish out of the Canal(s) it would make it more enjoyable for all who use them including the birds.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I wish I could fish more but it's a bit hit and miss when you're trying to steer!!

[@ciaobella8963]

I really enjoyed this video. Your journey was fun to watch. I can see the hard work you put into going through some of those locks though. Absolutely gorgeous in the tranquil places on the canals. I'm like you a bit. I love the isolated rural places like that house on the hill. I live alone in an 800 year-old stone house in a remote village high in the hills of northern Tuscany. I can see the stars most nights and have become very used to the quiet and the comfort of fresh country air and lilting birdsong. It's easy to think in places like this, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, your location sounds amazing! Glad you liked the video. Cheers.

[@stevecooney1361]

Glad to see your out and about enjoying the occasional fine weather

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was a terrific weekend!

[@MrFQL]

Very nice. We will be doing Crick-Foxton in September after starting at Stockton. I will send this vlog to our Florida-based friend who will be joining us and is new to boating. We did our very first narrowboat adventure out of Market Harborough making Foxton the first ever locks for me. It is quite intimidating looking up as well as down. On that adventure we found the wonderful pub in Welford. We also went as far as Leicester and we know about the grease-stained clothes as a result. On the return journey we were taught double-locking with another boat by an experienced boater who was with us all the way back to Foxton. That trip got us hooked, but also keen to avoid double locks wherever possible. Thanks again for the very well produced episodes.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. If you scroll through my earlier videos I also did the stretch from Stockton to Yelvertoft last year. Sounds like you have it all in hand :-)

[@sarahrawson8549]

My Great Grandfather was part of the gang that built the inclined plane at Foxton Locks and was also the Lockhouse keeper at the Kibworth Lockhouse, so it was nice to see you going through that part.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Wow, what a great connection to have!

[@sarahrawson8549]

I must admit, it's a great connection to have 😍

[@lindaforrester464]

Hi there my great grandfather was the lock keeper at the same time I bet they knew each other jack and ted cryer but its a great place to visit I do miss living in Leicestershire have you been to hallerton that's a beautiful village would love to know

[@lindaforrester464]

Did you ever go to kibworth youth club maybe before your times it was1970ees great discos then we used to go to the chip shop after then get the bus to market harborough great memories

[@courierdog1941]

You keep mentioning your aversion to the noise of Railways, here in Canada Most settlements occurred all along the Railway Lines. At one point we lived in a house that was less than 100 yards from a main North South line, woke up at 0600 by the North Bound train and wen to bed at 2200 with the South Bound train. Having lived in many different locations across Canada living next to a Railway is quite normal. And I might add from war time Steam Locomotives to the current super long containerized trains which are well in excess of a mile long it has changed a lot. Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Actually I don’t mind the train noise at night, oddly enough. I find it rather reassuring.

[@Philhoppermiller]

I feel like I am onboard with you in this video. Well done, my friend.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you, what a lovely sentiment.

[@moondancer5115]

mine! mine! all mine! haha... the pastoral scenery is stunning...I bet it makes for some very relaxing moments...aside from working the locks and avoiding other boats. . . thanks for taking us along!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Julie

[@Grumpyjoiner4043]

Good job you didn't stop at the Graffiti bridge, your canal boat would have up on bricks and stripped clean🤣🤣. Actually a lovely spot.

[@TRu44-560]

Living the Dream.

[@debbiea6782]

One of my fav videos. So much beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Loads more scenery in the next one, it's a bonus "scenery special"

[@roomforapony1]

Wonderful memento of the glorious days to look back on when the drizzle rules.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Indeed!

[@barrchgo]

I had to stop the video and voice my reaction. Graffiti makes my blood boil, destruction of property for no reason. Sorry, I had to vent. Where I live in Chicago USA we have a number to call and they remove it typically the next day. Are you able to notify the canal trust and have them remove it? Okay, back to happy cruising. Thank you for sharing your world with the world!

[@nairbllebpmac4179]

I've been watching your vlog from the beginning and I greatly anticipate every one. So glad you got on in some sunshine even though it was a bit chilly. I'm sure filming yourself while trying to navigate is a difficult task. I am so glad you do it and we get to share in your wonderful life. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I do often nearly crash into the bank while filming, yes!!! Cheers

[@johnwalsh3635]

The best videos on youtube. As an exception, I always let the ads run full length!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. It is definitely appreciated!

[@saffronsworld1508]

I spent a couple of hours today watching videos of the insanity going on in the streets of Paris and Venezuela and other locations where people have gone mad and violence rules. I had to quickly rush over to your channel to recover my wits and be reassured that there is still tranquility and beauty to be found on this wayward planet. Looking forward to joining you on many more journeys as you cruise the cut.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The world's gone berserk, I'm pleased to stick my head in the sand and pretend it's gone away :-(

[@MrEroshan]

Beautiful country in that area. The statue you remarked about was commemorative of the canal workers that use to pull barges on the tow path.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It puzzles me that it doesn't include a barge!

[@tinchina85]

As an American who LOVES adventure (hence the youtube name tinchina as in "T (Teresa) in China" and has visited London (MANY years ago), I want you to know how very much I am enjoying your videos about your travels on your narrowboat!!! I hope you keep posting because it is SO interesting!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello! Thanks for the comment, I'm delighted you like them. Cheers :-)

[@andrewfyakim525]

I've watched all of your videos from the "giddy-up"... very enjoyable! I was fortunate enough to have visited the UK on 3 occasions; once to Stratford on Avon where we saw a lot of narrowboats. They are beautiful! I'm an avid boater here in eastern North Carolina and enjoy seeing any and all videos boating-related. The statue of the horse and person you mentioned in this video may have been how barges were moved through the canals before steam or motorboats/barges were used. Much like in the Erie Canal in New York, USA?.... My only suggestion would be to post more often; even things you may think are mundane would interest me. The countryside is beautiful and the little towns are too...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Yes, the barges were horse-drawn but there's no barge in the statue, that's why I thought it odd. Doing these videos already takes quite long enough without doing more!!! :-)

[@andrewfyakim525]

I'm sure it is a tremendous amount of work; I just want you to know that I enjoy them very much! Your format and content is relaxing and unique.

[@lesleyallinson8738]

I have to say how well you look your lifestyle is doing you good and it's lovely to see your enjoying your life hats off to you love watching your blogs

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. It's nice to be out cruising again.

[@prasantpatel7131]

Great video loved it looked like something from a post card absolute beautiful and so sunny for you. Keep you the good work Fishing the rubbish out of the river..... and damn the graffiti bloody vandals.....keep the video's coming :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@motoklaus8363]

We must have just passed each other. If you are still in Kilby, ask the Landlord of the pub for the guy with the motorcycle on the boat and he should probably remember me, I was there about two weeks ago. Have been following your vlog for a while and greatly enjoying it.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, I'm long past Kilby and in Derbyshire now! Never mind. Glad you like the vlog. Cheers

[@CheckFred]

You looked positively knackered by the end of that jaunt. My daughter tried to suggest I "Put the floor to the pedal" the other day as we were driving to the coast. (She was a bit baffled by the laughter that followed :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I was indeed but it's probably because I'm a lazy weakling. I like your daughter's style!

[@tim040]

Hi,another nice vid,although the trip up to M.H is worth doing if you like kingfishers we counted 10 in the two hour trip ,very scenic,with a nice town at the end.When you get to Leicester the castle gardens moorings are nice and secure behind a locked gate and the park is locked off at night,however if it's a Friday Saturday night the pathway opposite the boat is used by students going to and from clubs,they are on other side ,of cut so still safe but annoying till 4am,if so carry on a bit further and ther is a pontoon to moor on,not as scenic and not as nice walk into town,if it was full you can always turn round all Along there.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Thanks, yes I've already been through Leicester and did indeed stay at Castle Gardens - very pleasant! Cheers

[@alanfreed6180]

Very nice Vlog sir. I'm a big fan of those old looking lightning trees. thanks for sharing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching.

[@ki4clz]

ahhh... so enjoyable watching you cruise along... hardships and all... Thank you again...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@nanpritchard9487]

a cup of tea?? i think you deserve a G&T after all of those locks ... and thanks for the video of narrowboats passing in the tunnels...always looks as if they aren't going to fit but, of course, they always do...thanks for sharing...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Tea, definitely. :-)

[@alanbower1193]

Hello David. Fascinating lock systems. I envy you having a network of canals to traverse. You have a beautiful country. Take care.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Alan

[@michaelpilling9659]

A lovely journey David - thank you. Superb film and commentary. Great to get help through the locks. Enjoy your well earned rest.

[@AlexsWorkshopUK]

Been really enjoying your videos over the past few weeks, was hoping to see Foxton Locks as I grew up around there with many happy childhood memories

[@roykemp4941]

A real treat as always,thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@keykeypr8292]

I started binge-watching your videos from the first one last summer after randomly happening across one on a KZbin sidebar. I had just gotten caught up last fall when you went into "hibernation." I was impatiently waiting for you to start again this spring, and I am totally delighted with the latest ones. I too love the quiet scenes of British countryside. Spring there seems to be several weeks ahead of where I live in the mountains of Pennsylvania, USA. But 3000 feet in altitude does cool things off a bit. Love your understated, self-deprecating humor and enjoyed the steely-eyed captain heroically steering his boat onward. Keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them but I didn't go into hibernation; there were new videos roughly weekly all through winter!

[@keykeypr8292]

Oh yes, I gobbled them up also. Loved the Christmas cooking one especially. Still, they're not the same as traveling the canals. :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

That Christmas meal was lovely :-)

[@luanncrownover4]

Lovely! Makes me yearn to see England again! Only been to the big cities of London and Windsor, but the countryside looks glorious!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Windsor is practically the countryside anyway.. !! :-)

[@gordonburns8731]

I've followed your vlogs for ages and love every minute of them... Keep up the good work, Dave.

[@joannapocock6055]

What a fab video, Some lovely scenery although it did look hard work getting there. Hope you had a good rest up !!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Actually, it was full-on from a day or so later - all to be revealed... :-)

[@ben31tube]

It is wonderful that you can moor at any open visitors' moorings. Some of them are absolutely beautiful!

[@rogerbrown5558]

You say "thanks for watching", I say "thanks for showing". Miss the wavy yellow cup. You should give it a cameo role somewhere.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, it's still here and may reappear at any moment...

[@emmc9437]

So nice to see the green countryside. You have leaves on your trees. (We had snow yesterday, gone today, but still, ...snow ...April) Enjoyed the video!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers. Loads more countryside in the next video too...

[@Gwril76]

Excellent Vlog Sir !! What a lovely piece of canal that was. I really enjoyed this episode, keep up the good work.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It is a lovely spot indeed

[@Ryan-wz4un]

CruisingTheCut so if a swan waggels it's tail it's not hostile

[@CruisingTheCut]

I've no idea what swan tail-wagging means ;-)

[@emilsitka7590]

Starting Location: www.google.com/maps/@52.3478221,-1.126351,602m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en North Kilworth Marina: www.google.com/maps/@52.4452538,-1.0784625,505m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Husbands Bosworth Tunnel West Portal: www.google.com/maps/@52.4549734,-1.0719221,63m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en East Portal: www.google.com/maps/@52.4578707,-1.0567233,150m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Foxton Locks: www.google.com/maps/@52.4997666,-0.982448,504m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en Lonely House Up On The Hill: Debdale Grange Kennel and Cattery - www.debdalegrange.co.uk/ www.google.com/maps/@52.5137602,-0.9919772,357m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Saddington Tunnel South East Portal: www.google.com/maps/@52.5279515,-1.0221909,126m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Ending Location: www.google.com/maps/@52.5664776,-1.0988626,424m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en

[@TheOompahRoundabout]

Epic effort! I do enjoy your videos. Thanks for posting. ✌🏻👏🏻👍🏻🇦🇺😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was a bit of a mammoth edit!! Cheers

[@johnbrookes2196]

It would seem you were getting all four seasons in as many days David, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, well done.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It started off so well and then turned bitter!!

[@renozirk3279]

Love the scenery in this vlog. My favorite so far.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You're going to like the next video a lot then...

[@hedgehog3900]

Enjoying this trip.Those locks look like some useful exercise.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, good thing I had help!

[@2068edward]

David... I thoroughly enjoy your video vlog and thank you very much for producing it. There is quite a strong nostalgic element to it for me as, many years ago, I lived in Holland and, being a boating person, I gathered considerable experience of the European canal systems. I have also done the Corinthian Canal (and much later, the Panama Canal).Living in Holland also meant that I spend a lot of time on bicycles. I wonder if you have considered taking a bicycle with you on your boating adventures. I think it would add another dimension to your cruising lifestyle.Not only would it add to your experience of the areas in which you stop, but it could also be used as a utility vehicle for " going to the shops".

[@CruisingTheCut]

Considered but even with a folding one there's a space issue on board I'm not a fan of cycling on roads - dangerous. And mostly I just walk to the shops. Cheers.

[@samuellowrey9403]

Great Vlog David as always.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks

[@chrisdavison2022]

Just me checking in. Keep the vlogs coming... Another great one again...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Check 1..2..check. Noted!

[@blunder11000]

Nicely done David. I even watched (the rather long) commercial. Glad to see that you got that spot of rust cleaned up.You do seem to love those tunnels so.;)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, very kind. Any commercial over a minute is taking the mick, I reckon, and can be skipped at that point!!

[@gen1rev22srh]

That was weird , those two people looking out from the front of the boat as you were passing them in the tunnel , very ghost like .

[@jaysparc]

Your presentation skills make watching your meandering voyage a pleasure!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@sailpunk1425]

This is so the opposite of how I boat and i love it. Great Channel!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@komerwest5872]

May I say those locks are truly amazing. How I would love to be able to come over there and Cruse the locks in one of the countries my father and uncle fought for.

[@scottsturgeon618]

I (as always) enjoyed the cruise Vlog. Your channel is inspiring me to come to the UK and experience a narrow boat trip . Cruise on!😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

I should really set up (or get commission from) a hire firm, the number of people who've said they'll do this after seeing my vlogs!!

[@karlfair]

Another fine tour, thanks. A boat I used to serve on as relief captain was is named Ricky Lynn. The regular captain did a poor job at maintenance. The boat was always filthy. Whenever I had to work aboard her, I would put on a set of "Ricky Lynn clothes", so as not to the ruin in my good clothes. Perhaps you need a "working the locks jacket".

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, I think you could well be right. Good idea.

[@DamanCross]

Wow! some beautiful days and scenery!! Looking forward to seeing more! :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Let's hope the sun shines :-)

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

The lock systems are just amazing. I wish they had dates on all of them from when they were built. Thank you

[@parkinson1977]

That was a lovely video to watch. Very relaxing,and enjoyable. Thank you and please make more.

[@CruisingTheCut]

There will be more!

[@dicantria]

Great vlog. I got my narrowboat about 3 months ago now, so as a newbie, it would be good to see you doing a full mooring up maneuver : ) I'm loving the narrowboat lifestyle, like you said, people on canals can be really nice. I had a lady (a narrowboat owner) who was just out and about in the city centre with her mum just came up and helped me get through the last lock. Unfortunately, when your in the built up areas, you can also have the odd idiot as well. I'd just like to say, I've been watching you're vlogs right from the start and I've enjoyed every one.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks; congratulations on your boat. I'm terrible at mooring which is maybe why I don't show it!!

[@Strutty1956]

The main trick with mooring up is to take it very slowly. This is a classic tortoise/hare situation. It's best to allow the boat to come into the side at a very slight angle with very little forward speed. Step off, taking your long centre line and ideally, flick a loop round a bollard with the open end at the bottom, to avoid binding. If no bollard, take the rope round your back and use your leg strength to brake the boat. Bring it to a complete halt and pull it fully against the bank. Secure the centre line, then you can relax and get your bow and stern lines secured. If you use a big blast of reverse when near the bank, to slow the boat, it will create a big wash of water between the boat and the bank, which will push the stern back out - not what you want, because then you will need to push the stern back in, which will push the bow out. And so on. With practice, this can be done to look completely effortless and stress-free. There is of course a big difference between boating solo and having the luxury of a couple of crew members ready to jump ashore with lines in their hands! Hope this helps.

[@noakeswalker]

Ooft - that canalside greenery that needs cutting back ! Nice to ride along with you inspite of that though. The speedy lock footage gives a real impression of just what the locks are doing for you, esp. when they are coupled locks like that.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sometimes I want to travel along with a hedge-trimmer hanging off the side of the boat!!

[@scoobydog411]

What a great term / Gongoozler.

[@stilcrazychris]

Great video. I'm so glad here in the USA we do have locks to open & close, thank goodness, that just seems to get old quick. I'm glad there's always nice people in this world that like to help you out with those locks. Try using so Dawn dish soap on that grease spot or a product called goop. It might be called sometime different in the UK. Or any industrial strength of grease remover. Goop does work good. It gets the grease from cars off when you wash your hands. Might have to use your finger nails to scrub the neck out of it. Just as long as you don't up it in the dryer, it will not set in. Might take years to get out, but I know you will do your best. Good luck on getting it out.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks. You're the second person to suggest Dawn so I'll definitely have to find some. Cheers

[@williamjordan811]

Nice to wake up to a new vlog! Such great bucolic scenes, nice to show the inns and pubs too. Rather like those shots, reminds me of many of the sea side eateries of my Navy days. I wonder why they do not motorize and automate the locks, maybe good old rugged English grit I suppose.... Cheers and God bless

[@CruisingTheCut]

Money, I think ... but in fact there IS a motorised lock coming up in a video in about 2-3 weeks, when I came up the Trent. Stand by!

[@Dave-zj1zj]

the statue of the horse and tender that used to pull you

[@marinkatevich9010]

Cooking, sewing, cleaning, ironing whatever, love to watch and listen on my blue tooth the reerun show again.Soooo soothing and relaxing. Hope all is well with "U" =^..^=

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, all good thanks

[@thomasanthonystockdale7900]

Another great video 😄

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@pg26571]

David loved see you on the news tonight well done mate.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah terrific! Thanks

[@deevalkyrie]

Sounds like my last trip, bridgehole bungling with other boats and lots of getting grounded! But it's always enjoyable :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's boating!

[@annettefournier9655]

Hi David. Great video. Loved that craggy lightning tree. Gave me a good idea for a painting. That lone house on the hill was straight out of Jane Erye. Wild life refuge areas though frustrating do serve a good purpose just not for boaters lol. The sculpture looked like a tow horse being brought to feed and rest after a long day's work. With all the cruising you have planned by summer you should have muscles of steel from Locke working.On your grease jacket if you sprinkle corn starch on it and let it sit for a few hours then hand wash with a spot of degreasing dish soap( we have one called Dawn, in the US. It should come out. just don't dump in the canal use a basin and dispose on the bank. Happy days.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Jane Eyre is *exactly* what I was thinking of! Thanks for the cleaning tip, I'll give it a go.

[@annettefournier9655]

Great minds! Lol

[@polenit6390]

Had some great times at fox ton locks 1990s good Pub then not been for years nice to see thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@carlthor91]

Beautiful, love the countryside views. Have a great time. Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@georgebrown6214]

Great vlog, thanks again!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta