A Paddle on the Norfolk Broads. North Walsham and Dilham Canal. Cedar Strip Canoe.

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

Love the peace and quiet.

[@timparr1458]

Hi Simon. Many thanks for a great video. On the back of it my wife and I paddled the same stretch this afternoon. Such a peaceful trip through lovely countryside. Thanks again for sharing it. A bit of an update on the Wayford Bridge Inn. Their car park is now controlled by another company so it’s £10 for 2 hours and an automatic £100 fine if you are more than fifteen minutes late! We had planned to go for a meal there afterwards as you suggested but ditched the idea after that!

[@davecornish6716]

we put in at the bridge and then park further up the road and not in the car park, you will get a 'toll' charge before Tonnage Bridge now

[@jeffmcgrath8718]

Fun trip thanks for bringing us along

[@bertgorissen3526]

Nice video again, Simon. One of the few that doesn't have a fire in it. I was waiting for it, but then you just poured your coffee from a bottle...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha -.yes, I was taking the ‘lazy Sunday’ theme seriously!! Atb, Simon

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi folks and thanks for watching! I just wanted to add a bit of an update here about the canal. I said in the video that it forms part of the river Ant, but I’ve since discovered that it was actually a completely man-made canal that joined the navigable part of the Ant creating a link to North Walsham. There was no tow path either, it was designed for the classic Norfolk Wherry - a sailing barge. The canal only had a very short ‘working’ life as transportation of goods over land became cheaper and quicker, however, the canal was used afterwards for leisure trips in the old converted wherries. Thank you to those of you who have passed on additional local history and knowledge - completes the picture!

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Correct :-) !

[@jeremynorman5329]

The wherries for the upper Ant and Bure were smaller vessels and had removable keels, so that when they got to the shallower, smaller waterway, the keel would be taken out, tied to the reeds and picked up on the way back. I believe that the canal was dredged during wartime and the bottom relined with clay.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Jeremy Norman Thank you Jeremy, that is interesting - wouldn’t happen these days, some toe rag would pinch yer keel!! Cheers and Happy Christmas!

[@rkf2746]

Simon, I don't have a strong enough command of the English language to describe how thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable your video's are. I've never had the privilege of visiting your beautiful part of the world. So, I travel along with you, enjoying the sight's, sound's, and your willingness to share the history of the place's you visit. Be safe. Happy trails. Roger, Colorado-US

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Roger! I’m really glad you enjoy coming along! 😁🛶

[@lethal6475]

As always another top shelf production thanks.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! It was a lovely relaxing paddle!

[@tango6nf477]

thanks for the info on the book Simon, I've just ordered it, exactly whats needed. I did this trip last Sept it was really satisfying, very overgrown but that just made it better, the wildlife is amazing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I like the more overgrown, secluded waterways too. 👍 Can’t wait for things to return to normal - I’ll be in sore need of a paddle by then! Stay safe and keep well.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Great relaxing video, thanks and take care.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis

[@mikebruce6234]

Will try that one, surprising how many quiet waterways in our area of east anglia thete is to get out there and explore. Great job.

[@lukewardle3515]

I live in North Walsham. If I remember from my school days the canal was only operational for a few years before the railway came and rendered the it obsolete. A mate's spotted otters up near Honing lock. We used to camp by the water on Honing common as kids. Sadly overgrown now.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Luke! I’d heard there were otters in the canal - might get lucky next time! Interesting about the canals short life!

[@deanhannington4258]

That was really nice to see, we have been wanting to kayak there for ages, our favourite bit of canal!

[@carltyson4393]

Lovely work Simon, that looked like a peaceful and beuatiful voyage. As always thanks for taking us along on your adventure. Always look forward to you videos and you never disappoint! Cheers,

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Carl!

[@WelshGallivanter]

I do like a paddle on the canal, very peaceful and the canoe is nice and quiet for the wildlife watching. Top job butty 👍🏼

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate!

[@juliegogo2941]

Interesting! Thank you for the ride..

[@Musicgutbucket]

Once again another excellent video. Another one I shall like to copy. Thanks Simon.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Cedar strip canoe is on my list of things to build Beautiful scenery Thanks for sharing Simon

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Do it mate - I know yours would be a stunner!! Cheers

[@seanbrennan4447]

What a great way to spend a Sunday morning,looked so nice and peaceful.Thanks Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Sean!

[@jakesadventurecanada3434]

Wow breath taking how beautiful that canal is. Great video

[@BruceBurkhalter]

I love your paddling videos, you capture the beauty and joy of being in a canoe on a lazy river...I'll watch as many and you can make..

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Bruce! Plenty more in the pipeline -.its my favourite mode of transport! 🛶

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Cracking video looks like a nice quiet bit of canal atb Jimmy 😎😎

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Jimmy - lovely stretch of water - really quiet for the Broads!

[@yargstrebor4340]

Very cool Simon, chilled me right out 👍🏽

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! Atb.

[@RM-io7qo]

Fantastic trip along the old canal and so enjoyable to watch as you explore this beautiful area. Thanks for sharing. Take care...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you John! Lovely stretch of water - Norfolk’s only canal.

[@wildcamping1502]

What a way to unwind I have to do this one day, and your wooden canoe looks to be a thing of Beauty, Enjoyed watching TFS, Les.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Les! It’s a nice paddle (the canal and the canoe haha!) Atb.

[@boutthere3374]

A great antidote for the hustle of the city.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Tonic for the soul!

[@slimpickins3425]

Every time i see that beautiful canoe you built it makes me want to get in the shop and build one! You really did a nice job and it came out beautiful! There nothing like the pride of paddling a beautiful canoe that you made yourself! I like the waterproof compartments you built in bow and stern, and as usual, thanks for another great episode!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! Those bulkhead compartments are really useful - main purpose is for buoyancy but I keep a few essentials them too. 👍

[@TheStwat]

What a lovely video, Simon.Thanks for sharing this beautiful place with us.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Stuart!

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Yet again, beautiful video, always look forward to your canoeing ones in particular...only a wooden canoe can "chuckle" like that! As Abe says below, it is a very beautiful canoe The Dilham canal and the Ant, and Barton Broad were waters we spent two weeks in the summer exploring by canoe, camping at Dilham...a little further upstream of the lock when it becomes a ditch! Obviously a lot of clearance work has been done since the summer (18) as well as the appearance of the Hobbit Hole Pods!! Another launch point at Wayford is Smallburgh staithe, and that book is indeed very useful. Thank you again for your films.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Laurie! Sounds like a wonderful adventure - I’d like to spend a bit more time exploring further upstream -,maybe with a wildcamp thrown in. Such a peaceful little corner of the Broads! Atb, Simon

[@juliek5316]

You can access the canal further up at Ebridge to Spa Common where the recently restored Lock at Bacton Wood Lock is available for all to see. @@simonablokeinthewoods Our Facebook group www.Facebook.com/groups/www.nwdct.org has some photos uploaded of when the section from Swafield to Bacton Wood Lock had a trial re-watering Jan 2018.

[@dianejacklin4338]

Another good and interesting video. Congratulations on reaching 10k. So proud of you

[@angelakm6753]

Lovely video Simon. We did that trip from Barton Turf to the locks with the Open Canoe Association at Easter 2018 :) History of the canal "History of the Canal Today the Old Canal Co. Ltd. owns the top 2¼ miles of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal. The rest remains in the hands of The North Walsham Canal Co. Ltd, except for a short length at the top of the canal owned by Mr M Starling and the bottom tidally influenced section below Honing Lock owned by Paterson Estates. This is Norfolk’s only artificial, locked sailing canal and was opened in 1826. 8¾ miles in length, it ran from Antingham Bone Mills, 1½ miles NW of North Walsham, to Wayford Bridge where it joined the navigable River Ant. It used 6 large locks along its length to enable the 20 ton wherries to ascend the 58ft rise to Antingham. Although built for the carriage of coal, it remained cheaper to transport this overland from the coast. As a result the main cargoes were to and from the mills - including a local cabbage wherry to Gt. Yarmouth. In the late 19th century some of the first pleasure wherries, converted from commercial craft, were based on the canal. However trade was low and the canal from Swafield Locks to Antingham was closed in 1893 and officially abandoned in 1927. The section above Bacton Wood Lock was breached in the flood of August 1912 and the following repairs were poor." from www.nwdct.org/index.html

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Thank you so much for the local history. I grew up in a Northwestern New York State village just along the (now) historic Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo. Canals and their traffic have always been of interest.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Angela! You have answered a few questions I had - firstly that the canal was indeed man-made - I’d assumed it wasn’t due to the meandering course it takes, and I’d assumed it made up a section of the Ant rather than joining it. Secondly concerning its use when an active canal - I had a short working life! Really interesting article - many, many thanks!

[@mellonmarshall]

that is cool, cause I was taught or made think that like Motorways, Norfolk didn't have any canals, they use to just puddle along the rivers and that

[@abefrohman1759]

Beautiful area, great video. All the best Simon. 👍

[@uksrilankantraveller6783]

Watch My Video. if you are interested , Subscribe and Joint to my Channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJaVlGdolNKYgbs

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Great film Simon as always, cracking bit of river and once again lucky with the weather...👍😎 that must be a big ole’ debt you owe the weather gods..!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

You’re not wrong! The bonus of living in E Anglia!

[@Myn6211]

What a peaceful paddle that was. Maggie would have loved to have played with those young cygnets but I think perhaps you wouldn't have enjoyed the inevitable dunking Simon. 😀 I do hope you get a chance to explore this area in more depth. Really pretty.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’d have got wet for sure!! Hahaha! I’ll definitely be back. Atb.

[@rw3035]

Great canoe. Great canal. Reminds me of the canal that runs through our village in the Netherlands. 2019: time to explore the Dutch west-frisian islands. You’ll love them!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! They’re on the list!! Cheers, Simon

[@LittleBird777]

oh this is beautiful reminds me of home, lovely video Simon :)

[@randal1470]

Awesome, reminds me a bit of the river I grew up on here! Thanks Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Can’t beat a small, quiet river!

[@nickturner2606]

Evening Simon , another nice upload fella, looked like a nice morning of natural enjoyment and exercise. Keep doing the good stuff and enjoying it mate, it’s a treat to watch.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Nick! It was a lovely paddle - hard to imagine that sleepy little canal is in the Broads! Atb.

[@darthchua]

Lovely video as always, Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Derek!

[@TheVespap200e]

What an excellent way to spend a Sunday morning! Great video as always Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks - it was super relaxing!

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

A very nice trip that. I’m sure it blows the cobwebs of the week off. Your very lucky to have a choice of canals, broads and rivers to choose from. Cheers for sharing Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks - I count my blessings daily!!

[@abefrohman1759]

Such a beautiful canoe, well done.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Abe - always a pleasure to drag her out of the garage!

[@TheBill9999]

Pleasure to watch

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@KentSurvival]

Nice little paddle mate, good to see the cedar strip out :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! Always good to get her out of the garage!!

[@MCMOutdoors]

Lovely relaxing watch. Great viewing Si

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks buddy! Nowt more relaxing than a gentle paddle down a slow river! Glad you enjoyed! Atb, Si

[@jeffstevens763]

Cracking trip Simon thanks for sharing

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jeff!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Lovely trip Mate! Your canoe is rather beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks buddy! And thank you!! 😁

[@maxboonkittypoison]

nice video. i hope canal and river trust is going to restore this canal. greetings,, Kitty.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Kitty! I kind of hope they don’t - keeps the bigger boats away and makes it more secluded. 🛶 Atb, Simon

[@davidstill1256]

Very nice paddle. I would love to have a nice slow flat river at the moment, i live next to the dart which is a tad bumpy this time of year.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks David! Hahaha, is quite like a nice bumpy river to ride - all our rivers in this neck of the woods are slow and gentle - nice and tranquil, but sometimes I get the urge for a bit of adrenaline! Ive Paddles a bit of the lower Dart, itching to try the upper reaches!

[@russeljohn3471]

Simon, great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Russel!

[@DaveScurlock]

Another great video, Simon. Incredibly beautiful scenery, Norfolk’s a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Dave!

[@norfnifelemon]

Another great informative film Simon. I have to say that your videography skills are second to none!! I find you as engaging to watch AND listen to as the revered David Attenborough. Those Glamping pods were nice, although a bit "In yer face". Thanks so much for taking us along and can't wait for the next adventure :-) ATB Steve

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Steve! I appreciate your appreciation hahaha! They were a bit glaring weren’t they - they are still under construction, hopefully they’ll do some careful planting to screen them a bit! Cheers mate!

[@albertblake007]

Another fantastic video Simon. I only discovered your channel the other week and I love it. Beautifully done, interesting and as mellow as a cello. Thank you!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Albert! Glad you found the channel! Mellow as a cello - love that!!

[@iloveshowbiz]

What a lovely waterway. Love your canoe : )

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Patricia!

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Yep, very peaceful, love it up at the broads, havnt been up there in some years.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers, I’m really lucky to live so close!

[@ChrisAuton]

What a lovely, tranquil, trip! Thoroughly enjoyed the commentary and visuals and particularly the boat. What a lovely thing! An open canoe to travel and camp from is a niggling little itch I really need to scratch sometime :-) Thanks for taking us along!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Chris! You’ll be glad when you do scratch it - there is no better antidote to the rigours and toils of modern life! And a nice way to chill out after a long weeks teaching!😉

[@chardblack]

Great video as always. I'll have to paddle that one day soon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! Lovely stretch of water!

[@garydumbauld4212]

Very nice. Commercial videographers could learn a thing or three from you!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Gary!

[@robertshand8101]

Nice one Simon..excellent camera work as usual. I like the idea of meandering down disused canals, so peaceful. The nearest I've got to that was late one drunken evening, setting sail in the local burn in a small paddler dragged across from the boating pond..lol! I spent most of the voyage dragging it through the shallows....until I finally gave up after dumping my junk in a deep bit...hahaha Those were the days...😁 Cheers 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - now that sounds like an adventure!!

[@robertshand8101]

The main plan was to take our boats down the burn and then into the river Deveron...and then maybe down to the coast..!!! Stone mad lol!

[@gailmitchell8147]

Just saw you on Kent’s channel , so thank you Kent . Lovely videos so I am a new sub . Look forward to seeing all your videos. Thank you , Gail from Worcester Massachusetts USA 🇺🇸!!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Gail! And thanks for the sub! I’m doing a video with Kent Survival next weekend as it happens! 😁

[@PaulOutdoors]

David Hasselhoff lol....superb Simon and Gavin, inspirational in fact, not the Hoff but the video. Paul 👍😊

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - cheers Paul!

[@lars-goranabrahamsson9337]

Really nice and beutiful video !

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@JoonesAdventuresMC]

Beautiful video Atb

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Jonas!

[@scottyneedsa3037]

Excellent video, love the Broads! I've been thinking of doing this stretch for a while, looks a lovely area & your canoe.....just beautiful, it really is a work of art!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! It’s a nice bit of water - look out for otters around the lock!

[@scottyneedsa3037]

@@simonablokeinthewoodsWill do....cheers!

[@RoughTimba]

Lovely canoe mate...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks buddy! My pride and joy!

[@hutchinsonsadventures4678]

So relaxing buddy... cheers.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@jongrinsted3085]

Hi Simon, love all your videos . I live in North Walsham and am gutted I didn't get to come and say hello to you! Keep the videos coming as I love them so much! Mind how you go 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jonathan! Lovely stretch of water - I’ll certainly be back!

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Very peaceful river trip Simon, lovely autumn colours around. Great stuff. ⛺️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Mike! Need to catch up on your Lake District videos!!

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Simon, a bloke in the woods : I wouldn’t bother with them Simon if I were you. Just wait for next years adventures. Cheers Mike ⛺️

[@markmullins3432]

Broads....whaaa... oh i see. whew, I thought you speaking of the waking, dancing kind for a second...😂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - that’s made me think of my local national park in a completely different way!!!

[@MHarenArt]

Lovely!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Maggie!

[@paulgib96]

Thank you so much! May the wind be always from your back my friend!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Paul! Wind - the Bain of every paddler!

[@PinetreeLine]

Beautiful trip on the water Simon. Great time of year. Thanks brother!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Doug! Love the fall - my favourite time of year! Atb mate

[@jasonobee9067]

As always, great video mate ✌🏽

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate!

[@hermit6208]

Okay from now on, when Maggie is not along for the ride, we should see this in the title. Some sort of disclaimer or some such thing . I mean do you really think we come here to see you? You know who the star is! 😉😉😉 Your canoe really is a work of art, brother.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - I know!! 🤣 About Maggie that is not the canoe!!

[@ingridpettersson5661]

Nice 😊👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ingrid!

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Can't find that dam book anywhere

[@steamboatmodel]

A well done and relaxing video. Some nice information and history in the comments too. I wonder if the canal was dug following a branch of the river or laid out just to connect points. What is the average depth of it. Most of the canals over here follow rivers with the locks to bypass rapids.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks - yes, I’ve learned a lot about the canal from the comments - I love that about the KZbin community - it’s a pool of expertise! The canal it seems was dug to connect the river Ant to North Walsham, why they chose a sweeping curve rather than a straight line, I don’t know. Not sure about depth either, deeper than my paddle which is 1600mm haha. Cheers, Simon.

[@simonpe3trie102]

I know this video was posted awhile ago This looks like a nice beginner canoeist route, would you agree. ?

[@jeremynorman5329]

There was boat access above North Walsham, all the way to Antingham, but now you would not believe it as the waterway is only ditch sized.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’d like to return and explore further up to N Walsham and beyond - be a good winter paddle when there is a bit of water in the canal and less vegetation! Cheers, Simon

[@juliek5316]

The section from Ebridge (Happisburgh Rd, White Horse Common, North Walsham, Norfolk, UK) to Swafield..... (Mundesley Rd, North Walsham) has been cleared of reeds and the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust operate Canal Cruises every Sunday from 2pm. See their EVENTS website page on www.nwdct.org/events.html

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Lol I bet that David Hasslehoff and Pamela Anderson were never mentioned in a bushcraft video before. Hehehe, first things for everything 😂 that is such a fantastic looking canoe & looks so easy to row. Love the scenery and the bridge was gorgeous! Tfs Simon. Atb, Nikki. Edited: at first I put canoe, then second thought I changed it to kayak lol then I looked at it again and went ahead with calling it a canoe, mainly bc of the length...lol I think I’m right lol but you know I may be wrong...it’s only happened a few times 😂😉😬🤦‍♀️coughs* yeah right!

[@gavinhowe9762]

Nikki St Laurent sorry for spoiling the tone😂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Nikki! The Hoff meets Uncle Ray! Haha! You were right first time - it’s a canoe. The word canoe describes a boat which is open, as opposed to closed with a smaller cockpit (a kayak), rather than size. Cheers!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha you raised the tone Gav! Quality!!

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Gavin Howe no way haha you just made it much more funny lol and actually I laughed slightly harder then I should have as I was sipping my coffee, and it went up my nose 😂 👍😉

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Simon, a bloke in the woods phew lol thanks for the reply

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

When we lived down there. Local volunteers were improving and renovating the North Walsham to Swayfield section. I believe that it was the Norfolk Wheeries that were used on the Dilham canal, rather than towpaths. But others may be able to add more.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Michael! I think you are right about the wherries as I’ve since found out - it was only in use commercially for a few years before overland transport by train made it obsolete. It then b came a bit of a leisure hotspot with the wherries taking paying passengers for peaceful trips along the canal.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Simon, The bit further up might be worth a look, it passes by Pigney Woods where I’m sure there might be somewhere if you’re careful to stay. (North Walsham to Swayfield section) Your canoe, was it a kit? Or pattern? Or totally your own work. Love it, which ever route! All the best Michael

[@GrumpyGrunt]

Those "glamping pods" look like some kind of sauna farm.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂 a farm for breeding saunas! 😁

[@Levikrw]

What is the overall length of your canoe

[@bmolitor615]

it would be a portage for other section!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’ll be back one day to find out!

[@CharlesPavlov2]

When I was young I used to love Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows and I just have to say this, Simon... You do like messing about in boats don't you?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I loved ‘Wind in the Willows’! Ah. That takes me back!! I certainly do like messing around in boats! 😁

[@bublebuble2004]

another lovely video have you ever had the thought using a 360 camera like the Insta360 ONE X it would be a interesting film even if you reached out to them for a review of said camera ;-)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you, I’ve not used a 360 camera - would be interesting as you say! The technology is more than my simple mind can fathom hahaha! Cheers.

[@hazzardoutdoors]

What camera did you have on the tripod there fella?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That is my trusty old 700d 😁👍

[@hazzardoutdoors]

@@simonablokeinthewoods oh I thought it was one of those mirrorless jobbies... trying to size up what to go for. No worries

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Lovely, but it is not the same when Maggie is not piloting the canoe. Would she have jumped in after those Swans?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Oh yes - that’s a certain!! Haha!

[@DigsOutdoors]

Beautiful trip Simon. With the stand you guys seen in the beginning, around here we use those for deer. One question. in the front of your canoe, is that black thing like a little storage hold?

[@lauriebloggs8391]

yes, tis for deer..........

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I guess it probably is for deer and other game. And, yes it is a hatch, one for and one aft, for buoyancy really, but useful for bits and pieces!

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Nice video Simon. Is there much debri in the water that would tear an inflatable canoe. Just looking if this would be suitable for me.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi Carl! You’d be fine along there in your inflatable - the only difficulty you’d have is a narrow section where the reeds, lilies and weeds have encroached across the channel - but nothing that would pop your boat. Give it a go matey!

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Think I might Simon. It looked lovely. Of course I will blame you totally if I have to swim back

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - better take some gaffer tape with you just in case!!

[@hazzardoutdoors]

@@simonablokeinthewoods can you get through from under wayford bridge as I'd already be in sutton staithe and come the other way heading up and under the wayford bridge and go up the larger part of the ant too

[@chiefski77]

This is a great video :) There's a beautiful river about 30 miles from my home in Belfast called Blackwater river. It flows into the largest lake in the UK, Lough Neagh. There are camping stops and a bothy to make use of and the Argory, a National Trust site, to visit. I'd happily bust out the canoe and show anyone around if interested...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Chris! I’ve added that to my list! Always interested in recommended paddles! 😁🛶

[@chiefski77]

@@simonablokeinthewoods No probs! There's a great website canoeni.com that shows great places to paddle in N.I. if you're here/there

[@tango6nf477]

Hi I would like to d this but where can you park and launch nearby please? Thank youi

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

At Wayford bridge, where we launched from in the video. 👍

[@tango6nf477]

@@simonablokeinthewoods thank you

[@tango6nf477]

Hi Simon. Visited here yesterday form Wayford as you suggested. It was a very pleasant few hours having previously walked much of it the different perspective was great. It was a very windy day and upstream it was full in the face but going back of course the wind plus the current which is quite strong but not obvious almost made the paddle redundant. Only saw a couple of other canoeists and a Kingfisher, very tranquil. The guy at the staithe told me that there are plans to reopen the canal, Im not sure about that, I can see the arguments but to do that would destroy it.

[@davidhuxtable8918]

Yer internet link isnt as bad as mine we will have a rubbish off one of these days n remember on this giveaway you soooooooo owe me!!! :(

[@neillambton3275]

The NWDC Trust are aiming to fully restore the NWDC navigation back to full navigation for its entire length down to Wayford. There are several urban myths about the canal, and the Trust have already restored some of the locks and the canal navigation stretches. Hopefully in the not too distant future, we will be able to take cruisers up the canal and through the locks, which incidentally several of the REAL owners are more than happy with, providing you pay a fee for a license to cruise it.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Neil, as a canoeist, I (selfishly) would prefer them not to haha. There are precious few stretches of water in the Broads that motorised craft can’t navigate, those stretches are havens for us small craft - especially during the bumper-boat holiday season! With my rational head screwed on though - access for all is what it’s about really. 😁🛶

[@derekmcmanus1423]

Swans are a protected species I believe?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

They are indeed - no swans were harmed I assure you! It was a little joke, we’d been talking about how swan was a favourite meat of King Henry VIII, I’m not really going to eat one! I might end up in the tower! Atb, Simon

[@davidhuxtable8918]

Where is this louisiana!!?

[@juliek5316]

The canal is Norfolk only locked sailing canal......... canal is North East Norfolk, England. UK.

[@davidhuxtable8918]

@@juliek5316 thankyou its uk versions of lousiana then? I am used to more surf coming from devon & cornwall! The only reason i was watching this video was to see watch simon and his kent friend get knocked out of their canoes bye a 23ft long salt water crocodile!! So i guess that a closed norfolk canal isnt exactly ideal for that then?

[@davidhuxtable8918]

@@juliek5316 its a pretty area if you like it as flat as a pancake!! We have real hills here in bootiful debnshr!! Not a yuppy bowling mat!! With trees & norfolk cruisers on! Weme frum the real westcountry Where men are men & sheep are very careful!! It is a pretty area I grant you But there is no surf up? Why doesnt this canal have any swell on it then?

[@davidhuxtable8918]

Where is the surf?

[@davidhuxtable8918]

Come west to paddle young man!! Where men are men!! & sheep are very careful!! :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Sounds good Dave! 😂

[@hermit6208]

Here in the US, 'paddling the broads' has an entirely different meaning.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - oops! 🤣🤣🤣

[@hermit6208]

@@simonablokeinthewoods LOL!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

As to parking and the inn: 'Fair is Fair, I say!' And it makes a nice destination and a better reward at the end of the day. I have previously admired this particular canoe of yours and appreciate the opportunity to 'ogle' same once again. I have recently been discovering 'Cruising the Cut', focused on narrowboat life. So I have renewed an interest in the Canal and River Trust: hopefully, they will step up for this stretch. You show it is enormously well-suited to canoe traffic, being perhaps without locks! Oared transport needs to be catered for as well!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers James! We stopped for a well earned pint afterwards! Quite glad of the lack of river traffic on this bit - the rest of the Broads is soooo busy as times! Cheers.