86. Venturing onto the River Soar on my narrowboat for the first time

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
After much anticipation, and a cruise up to Kilby from Braunston, I am finally ready to attack my first river on the narrowboat. It's the River Soar which runs through Leicester and I'm being joined by another boat to ease my fears of river boating.
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library

[@for.tax.reasons]

"Weir on a river" have I mentioned already how much I love the puns because I really really do love them

[@wideawake914]

a sore point for some.

[@forgetfuldullahan5468]

I love the graffiti that is actually art. It usually symbolic to the area I find, where as the tags are just dumb "I was here" sticker

[@for.tax.reasons]

David on the River Soar: I could get used to this river business :) David on the tidal Thames: nope nope nope nope nope :(

[@CruisingTheCut]

The Avon was my favourite!

[@2760ade]

I live near the Kings Lock section of the canal,and was staggered by how untidy and litter strewn the canal/river, right into the City looked! We regularly cycle/walk along the towpath into the City, and can assure you it is now much improved. Lovely to see all of this from a boater's perspective though, especially Foxton!

[@tartarus12]

Of all the channels I subscribe to, yours is the one I most look forward to. I am fascinated by your canal system. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@JeghedderThomas]

Gosh! The roaring river, nerves of steel you have, nerves of steel!

[@deepakgogoi5975]

Greetings from India! Meandered into your amazing channel by happenstance and I am happy that I did. Thank you for showcasing travel on a longboat on the canals and rivers in the English countryside. You are indeed lucky to be living your passion. Wish you all the best for your future travels.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you for watching :-)

[@MarkWadsworthYPP]

"stop and take sustenance". It's one-liners like that which keep me watching your channel!!

[@Rhodeygirl]

Those dogs running the whole tow path. So fun.

[@wixom01]

Decided to enjoy a pint or two along with a couple of Rye Whiskey's, and relax, and what better way to do so than by watching a handful of "CruisingTheCut" VLOGS? Cheers from Wixom, MI, USA!

[@codynova]

I love your vlogs. I only discovered them today, but I've subscribed and have been binging random episodes. I do disagree with your attitude towards graffiti. I have no involvement in graffiti myself, but I am a graduate of the fine arts and graffiti certainly seems to tick every box to be considered as such. I agree that it is such a shame to see so much pollution in these beautiful rivers, I'm always shocked that people can be so careless or disrespectful of nature. Please keep the videos coming, and thank you!

[@Designsbyg]

the raging currents really got to me. simply horrifying. i will have crazy dreams for weeks now.

[@martystacey4429]

Love catching up on your vlog and have to admit to devouring them. As it is now September 2019, I'm torn between binge watching and waiting for the bad weather to enjoy them by a roaring fire! Oh the dilemma☺️

[@CruisingTheCut]

You could always watch them twice :-)

[@susanbschu9210]

Watching from Kansas, USA. I’ll never get to do this but love watching!

[@davidbagley1783]

Aloha..used to live in Baldwin City Ks..and Lawrence

[@rarevhsuploads4995]

I've cruised this very stretch of canal. I remember mooring up in Leicester city centre & going shopping for DVD's to watch that night. I also recall the 'terror' of those weirs although the current was a little stronger when we went through. We just steered well clear of them. The advantage of having other people on the narrowboat as you drive is regular cups of tea & sandwiches are bought up to at the tiller as 'compensation' for all your hard work. You can also take a break & read a book in the well deck or enjoy the view.

[@klyonsden]

Being in Texas, obviously no canals anywhere around here. They have the Erie in New York, but, its not an option (383 miles only). I am 4 months from retiring and moving into an RV to travel all of North America. Thing is, I envy you in your travels all over the UK in canals. If I were across the pond, I would definitely be a Narrowboat owner, spending my leisure puttering about all of your canals! Wonderful videos!

[@DoubleOld7]

I am spending a week at home recovering from knee surgery. Thank goodness for unlimited data. And you are still my favorite canal cruising vlogger

[@CruisingTheCut]

I hope the recovery is going well!

[@DoubleOld7]

@@CruisingTheCut Early days yet but doing well so far. Thanks for all the entertainment you provide.

[@HappyManProductions1]

If I were 10 years younger I would give up NYC and spend the rest of my days doing just what I have been watching you do since the beginning of your vlogs.. Shear Heaven..Thank You for sharing a great life on the canals...:-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, do it anyway!!

[@jsmoncrief]

Don't know how or why the algorithm recommended this channel, but I find the content interesting so I am a new subscriber now.

[@valeriejoyc]

Really lovely. Enjoyed this immensely. Would like to see you tying up, and sitting down relaxing afterwards.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm terrible at tying up so that remains a secret. Then I spend the rest of the time messing about on KZbin!!

[@mssixty3426]

I love your videos, and greatly enjoy your sense of humour! Thank you!

[@maryanngriffin6428]

I spend a couple of hours each nite watching you , and your trips to and from. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers :-)

[@ben31tube]

I've turned into a virtual gongoozler! I love the sense of humor! Great one-liners!

[@CallmeRogerRoger]

I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more swan! Another great vlog. You have a real knack for making it feel as if the viewer is traveling the cut in person. Cheers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. Hope you feel well soon!

[@NYVET48TFW]

I recently (last week) accidentally discovered your channel. I lived in the UK from '85 to '94, best years of my life! Really miss the UK, hello from New York, USA. I would love to retire there, buy a boat and live the canal life. Maybe.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Now that was different. So pleased your worries and trepidations came to nothing about travelling along the river. A great film, very informative. Thank you David.

[@danielrose1392]

Regarding these flood gates at 13:35, they have multiple purposes. When you open them during low water levels, all the water flows through the flood gate, taking away any water pressure from the weir. It also allows to lower the water level to remove mud. Further you can use them for flood protection, lower the level prior to a storm to have additional storage. But for the later purpose, such gates are usually electrically driven, so I assume it's not used for active flood protection.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Was cruising to Sawley Marina in 95 & my narrowboat got swept away on the flooded Soar & smashed into a bridge in Leicester. Caved in the front of the cabin & scared the shit out of me. 🤠

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yikes

[@jean405]

I enjoyed watching you battle the elements.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was epic, wasn't it?!

[@bntravelin2]

marvelous humor and we both enjoy your vlog top notch

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@DavidLorellHoskins]

A couple of beautiful Springers!

[@CruisingTheCut]

They are adorable

[@joebuchanan9563]

Thank you for a very well made video. You are becoming very proficient and whether by design or good fortune, you give us viewers what we want. The addition of another boat in the foreground is a welcome addition to the ambiance of the scenery. Nice touch. please do it again.

[@cjohnson4342]

Absolutely beautiful and perhaps the best one yet.

[@RobThijssen]

i don't quite understand my excitement watching these. it's riverboating and yet i find every episode suspenseful. i feel like my toddler nephew watching postman pat. thanks as always for another epic episode.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's the oddest compliment ever but I love it!!

[@petervick4775]

Very enjoyable, as usual. Keep 'em coming!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks :-)

[@flybywire5866]

Beautiful landscapes. These Houses with the garden touching the canal, a dream.

[@edwardsmith3944]

Really enjoying your vlogs, we have been watching them for a few weeks now. love your sense of humour and especially the Gene Hunt quote in this one. Keep up the great vlogs and take care xx

[@kokokokoko400]

Fun fact about the weirs, comming from canoeist from czech republic, its not the height of the weir that marks the danger of the weir a common misconseption which caused many deaths. Rather its the amount of white watter created under it which dependes on the size of "bath", a digged out space under the weir where water is to spin to slow down the river after falling form the weir, and how fast the water falls from the weir into the bath. The more straight and smooth the desk is the worse as the water isnt being slowed down by anything. This can cause that poorly built weir of height 1m and less to be very dangerous and well build 2m weir zo be safe public swimming place. As canoeing is very popular in czechia, many amateurs tend to underestimate these weirs and end up drowning. A very sad thing. Anyway love your channel and if you get somehow bored with the canals in great britain, come and try our Baťa canal in czech republic.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'll certainly keep that in mind, cheers

[@MLampner]

I have enjoyed all of the vlog posts but this one was special. I hold my Master's Degree from Leicester University and am a great fan of the Foxes, not easy here in the states, but it does amuse me when people ask me what football team I follow, meaning of course the American Game and I mention LCFC. During my years at the school I frequently went down to the river to watch the boats. As to your question of why the Space Center is there Leicester University is a good part of the answer. Should you pass through again you should look into the planetarium at the school. Cheers and getting closer to today every day.

[@pttrent123]

I like your sarcasm, makes me laugh :) You do a great job commentating, and editing your videos, very enjoyable!

[@lazier96]

Well done. Wonderfully narrated. Cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good; thanks

[@susannahleggatt939]

I walk that canal tow path every day with my dogs. Interesting to see a boats eye view. Thanks for sharing.

[@sudeep64ify]

Really enjoyed watching. Fantastic!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good! Thanks

[@granttabor1338]

Great well edited video again. Thanks David.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@xiesuli8346]

I loved the line about the raging river next to the boat and how fearful you had been. I like your humor...or humour.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. I like mocking myself occasionally!

[@chrisdavison2022]

Another great vlog. Keep them coming thanks, as they're ideal to watch to help unwind after work...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent, I shall endeavour to do so.

[@parkinson1977]

Thank you. That's made my evening viewing a treat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

What a lovely comment, cheers!

[@jshicke]

Cruising in a canal boat must be truly relaxing. I am relaxed just watching you!

[@jcderby129]

it is very relaxing....after my first full day on a boat i could feel my shoulders aching i thought it was opening and closing locks - it was actually my muscles relaxing and de-stressing

[@oldgreyhead]

I've been binge watching you all week and loving your vids. And this time you mention where I'm from - South Wigston. Perhaps not the proudest boast.

[@0HARE]

Thanks for another great video. It was super interesting, and I really enjoyed it. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into filming and presenting the video. A pleasant journey to you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@kevinshooter476]

These are fast becoming my favourite videos on KZbin - thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

That is good to hear :-)

[@AnthonyChew]

I am as excited as you were watching you power through the city on a river with your boat, such great scenery - slowly along the row of houses as you enter the town center, and the upside down shopping cart inside the river at 7:15 tells me somebody sure 'shopped till he dropped (into the river)', and gosh the amount of swan nests and swans at 10:00, this place sounds more like River Swan!

[@derekclarke5456]

Once again a lovely vlog. Thankyou

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@bmoporboy69]

Absolutely stunning. Again with another great vlog. Nice to have some friends join you this time. Can't wait for you next vlog.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Coming soon!

[@w.mozart3048]

I love your Vlog. It encompasses peace, fashion, fun and sightseeing all at the right mixture. Thanks a lot :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@tonybirdwell2917]

Looks like a very lovely trip.

[@hairypaulmm7wab195]

Glat to see You survived the terrifying rapids and dangerous wildlife on the river! :-) Such a wonderful way to travel through a city, at a far more sensible pace than those on land. I was surprised to see some graffiti that I was more of an artistic creation than the usual name tags and scrawlings. :-) Wishing You many more miles of pleasant navigation. All the best, Hairy Paul, Ayrshire.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Every now and again you see actual graffiti art but it is rare, alas :-(

[@roomforapony1]

You make it just like being there. Superb!

[@CruisingTheCut]

In that case, mission accomplished! Good.

[@henna696]

Merry Christmas to you too.

[@earlgreydionne1489]

Still loving the wildlife. Yes nesting season again. Good to see Her Majesty's birds thriving. I often wonder if the herons find enough to eat, but seeing a few in the vlog, must mean they're thriving too. The jumper "suits you, Sir"! lol Thanks for showing us your epic journey onto the river. I hope it's kind to you. Take care xx

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, a fair few about about (herons, not jumpers)

[@davidbell2056]

Great vlog have walk lots of the cut boat looks more fun thanks for sharing 😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you liked it

[@juliephelps2026]

You're getting SO good at filming at the helm! Lovely piece. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@DaveLife1]

The gentle pace of your travels are very calming . Especially during this era of COVID-19. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure 😊

[@fynbo1007]

It looks like it's very relaxing using a canalboat. Thank you for sharing your amazing video

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's is (at least, it can be)

[@djdonthenet]

Congratulations David on not getting sucked down those scary weirs, I guess after this nerve-wracking experience you've had the skills to tackle even bigger ones on other mighty English rivers.

[@dadt8009]

I was a foreign student at Leicester Uni more than two decades ago. Me and my friends used to cycle on the tow path all the way to Watermead. It's where we encountered canal boats, locks, and hooligans (strangely they were Scottish, and when they realised we were not English, they were extremely friendly with us) for the first time in our life.

[@weeknightingale]

Really enjoy your videos!!!!!!!!!!

[@forddavis9306]

Narrowboating is now definitely on the bucket list! Enjoyed the vlog.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Splendid! Have fun :-)

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Lovely scenery

[@timosullivan1]

Another great vlog I enjoyed watching.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good!

[@wbrown62]

Excellent vlog, sir. Thank you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@peterrowe7858]

Another great vlog very much enjoy you style please keep it up

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you Peter

[@alanaitcheson3117]

I've walked along canal tow paths for many years, but I've never been on a canal boat, so finding your wonderful videos and watching them from number one until now has been a wonderful experience. So from an appreciative non-boating viewer. a very, very big thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you Alan, that's splendid to hear!

[@courierdog1941]

I must say in passing the rivers I have been associated with here are more the type where we have steamship and Salty ships transporting major cargo from one lake to another or across the ocean. I have lived and worked on the Great Lakes, That is quite an adventure. Commercial fishing was one summer's job which was quite good for a Teenage boy. The picturesque canals still fascinate me which is why I enjoy your Blog. cheers

[@LunaSea-bb5rj]

Hello from Georgia, USA.Love your channel and your great sense of humor! Thank you for another great video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you :-)

[@SamSitar]

your canals are very entertaining also. i wish new england had canal system.

[@lynneevans4265]

Another great vlog, thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@robertprice7246]

I think this would be absolutely lovely to cruise canals on a live aboard boat like this. Maybe I'll get rich enough one day to try it !

[@MrMenefrego1]

I love these videos! It's just so soothing to ride along with you, David. BTW., that 'wooly hat' you're wearing is called 'The Elmer Fudd Special', where I'm from.

[@aapp7932]

Great watch as usual. Makes me want to get on my bike!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, there's a surprise!

[@TheOompahRoundabout]

Great video! Really enjoyed the scenery and commentary. ✌🏻👏🏻👍🏻🇦🇺😃

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers

[@pete_bluscorp7718]

Loving the English wit David, as others have said, I find your vlogs quite relaxing, the wife seems to think I'm ready to quit Oz and move over & buy a boat......I wish haha

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Dragons AND a Christmas jumper! It doesn’t get better than this 🙂

[@joannapocock6055]

Good vlog Loved the scenery !!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Joanna. Now back to your painting ;-)

[@stevecooney1361]

Top vlog yet again !!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

It would be good if the CRT installed some sort of floating plastic capture system. I’ve seen a device installed at a (salt water) marina. Although it’s probably challenging with the canal’s wildlife and waterfowl. Perhaps the weirs could be utilised to collect floating rubbish via a floating boom like setup. Does the CRT have any infrastructure for this purpose? That you know of?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Not that I know of

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

@@CruisingTheCut that’s a pity. Thanks for replying as always.

[@Riverking1]

I am hooked on your channel. After spending four years in Yorkshire as a lad I really look forward to new vlogs. Keep on keeping on, from the USA.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers Dave

[@alexfoan8575]

Thanks for another great vlog David! Your woolly hat got me reaching for the 'like' button ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, thanks

[@leedavies3629]

well done that man that was good going for the first time on a river .and a dam good interesting vlog

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@alanbower1193]

Hello David. Very interesting vlog. Thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good, cheers

[@deanbarnes20]

Nice to see the urban Soar through Leicester. Very much looking forward to the next instalment when you get out onto the more rural Soar on then toward the Trent.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's already uploaded ;-) Just need to activate it, maybe later.

[@kernowprincess]

Really enjoy watching these vlogs David, lovely countryside and so idyllic in places...lovely life....would love to feel that freedom on those lovely canals....maybe one day ....must be well over a year since you bought your boat now...the life obviously suits you...enjoy and I look forward to your next vlogs xx

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, eighteen months now! Cheers

[@kernowprincess]

Thought so...how that time has flown😄 happy sailing 😎😅

[@dougkfarrell]

Another great vlog, great to see you navigate the treacherous river part of your grand tour! Also very nice to see you pair up with the other boat, must have been great to travel with the quiet hybrid boat!

[@CruisingTheCut]

The *really* treacherous part comes in the next two vlogs! Stand by... (and yes, going with another boat was great)

[@dougkfarrell]

I'll get a safety belt installed on my desk chair to "virtually" support you! Hopefully the dragons will be at bay, as well as the high water! :)

[@mavrik104]

Thank you from the USA your videos help me relax after a hard day of work (welder)

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's good to hear!

[@for.tax.reasons]

Well done on making it past that absolute Charybdis of a river

[@paullewis6132]

That brings back memories I brought my boat through there two years ago heading from Wakefield to Cosgrove. Where I purchased my boat. Try going on the tidal Trent . Happy Cruising.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Nothing tidal for me at the moment, that's too ambitious!

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Beautiful homes and gardens..would love to live there. Live the wild life..wow

[@CruisingTheCut]

Nice spots, aren't they?!

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

They truly are. I hope they stay beautiful. They wrecked the USA. A shame about the trash and shopping trolly. Just be careful. Thanks again.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Always careful :-)

[@CR-we4ik]

Great vlog once again

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta

[@charlescain7962]

Another great one, feels like I'm getting a personal tour. That first 'good night', caught me off guard, thought, what a terrible way to end a V-log. :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ha!!

[@SpiritBear12]

"Just in case there weren't enough swans in this vlog, I present, *more* swans." I got a chuckle out of that. :-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Thar be sea monsters here 😂 I’ve now watched this vlog twice and regardless it still made me laugh out loud. I was here, at home on the balcony, having a nice cuppa/brew relaxing in the late evening air with my feet up etcetera etcetera. THEN, you’ve just made it onto the river proper, you start describing the peril, the swirling, white crested waters and the overwhelming pull of the current as it attempts to drag you away to Davy Jones’ locker...... It’s at that point that my tea, previously having been either in my mug or my tummy, is now exiting my mouth and landing.....well, nearly everywhere. Everywhere on me anyway 😂 I’m still laughing about it now as I attempt to relay this message. I’m waffling (as usual) but my point, the main take away here is - Thank you David. Thanks for sharing this and for making me REALLY really laugh out loud. Much appreciated, Eve 🙂🐿❤️ 6:53 some tea lost. Then again at 10:55

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your tea 😔