Mooring, exploring, cranking & brewing! South Yorkshire at it's finest

Starting in Mexborough and ending in Eastwood, just outside of Rotherham, this video covers what I consider to be some of the most fantastic parts of the South Yorkshire Navigations.
Pub of the Week: The Imperial, Mexborough impbreweryandb...
Mexborough Ferryboat Association
Image: Natalie Seddon
/ mexboroughferryboatass...
Filmed on an iPhone 6, edited using iMovie. All music ©RobbieCumming - most of which are available to download here: / cobedy
If you're like me and always wanted to join some kind of gang but was never cool enough, you'd be more than welcome to join the 'Crank It Crew' (sort of like the Sons of Anarchy but on narrowboats yeah?) You'll see the videos first, get updates on where I am, get a special shoutout on the video, and access to exclusive Crank It Crew cuts (ok mostly just t shirts and hoodies, wouldn't want to annoy the MCs too much) 8^D
/ robbiecumming
Alternatively, if you just want to buy me a beer and sponsor the Pub of the Week segment, you can do so via my PayPalMe page: paypal.me/crankit
Thank you so very much for your support 8^}
Twitter: @robbiecumming
Instagram: @robbie_cumming
Google Maps:
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[@stilcrazychris]

This by far has been my favorite video. The camera & editing skills was wonderful. Great video... I would love to help buy you a drink @ the pub, but I live on a disabled income & my husband is a disabled USMC Vet (1986). I can only give words of gratitude & best THANK YOU & only wishing I was cracking right beside or behind you. I'm looking for & praying my dreams come true so I can spend the last of my days on the boat of my dreams, which is not something huge like you think. I'm a reasonable women. A 2 room houseboat only.... Just wishing you the best lifestyle you deserve. Best regards & keep cranking on mate, Chris from Missouri

[@RobbieCumming]

Hey Chris so good to hear from you, just stay in touch that is worth more than a drink. Here's hoping your dreams will turn in to reality, may take time of course but let me know when you get to the next stepping stone at least 8^)

[@esthers5876]

Robbie, when I see your beautiful scenery on sunny days, I think you're the luckiest man on Earth. And when you struggle to fix your boat, I appreciate all the work you have to do!

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you Esther, that's exactly what I am trying to show and really appreciate your comment too!! 8^)

[@JourneywithJono]

Lovely video Robbie. Molly would love walking around that place, smelling the oxygenated water falls (haha). Keep eating those Walkers ready salted crisps and cranking it!

[@RobbieCumming]

Ready salted, salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, even prawn cocktail I got em all me! Ha ha!! Thanks for the comment Jono yes I'm certain Molly would love it here 8^)

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's a grand bit of the north you're in Robbie. Rolling hills and misty canals. Very arty. :)

[@djprophetinterview]

Nice one Robbie. I have more than once, a chuckle, when I watch your vids.

[@imyourvan9917]

Hey Robbie, Great Vlog today! I can appreciate why you think it may be a bit rough in that area, what with Mexicans from Mexoborough , Swindlers from Swinton and Conmen from Conisbrough.... you need to get the conmen and swindlers together, to build a wall mate and keep the Mexicans out! I hope after that shopping you did the honourable thing and threw the trolley into the canal! Keep on cranking it, Joy & Mart

[@RobbieCumming]

Comment of the day, made me chuckle - thank you both for watching! 8^)

[@snappyfish]

Educational this week in Yorkshire! "Sloshing down there" Awesome!

[@stephenbonser2134]

I really enjoy your vlogs Robbie, the scenery, the commentary, the tunes and the daft stuff! You are an ace presenter please keep it going.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Stephen! If you keep watching 'em I'll keep making 'em! 8^)

[@stephenmundane]

One of your best "welcome to the places of my life" yet Robbie; smelling the water was pure AP ;-) And great choon at 10:29 -- you give good electronica my friend. A pleasure as always.

[@FrazzledPup]

Beautiful scenery. I say we need a Band of the Week segment.

[@thecanucklehead7351]

You really do have an eye for getting the best out of the scenery - great job Robbie.

[@cheakamusjay]

I really appreciate and relate to your approach to travel. I've travelled a lot and have always held with the philosophy of "Anywhere I go people live there for a reason, and my responsibility is to find out why". As a result I've found so many wonderful off-the-beaten-path places and friendly people. Touristy places suck - give me the real! So keep on cranking, Robbie! I'm really enjoying binge watching through your vlogs in order from the beginning.

[@RobbieCumming]

Love it cheers Jay!

[@jezzlynnnoparticularniche8019]

Awesome video Robbie. Beautiful scenery. Oh love the dance your boat was making😀 lol!!

[@rogerbrown5558]

Nice to have us along again. Great photography, I'm sure you're getting better, loved the still shots too. Thanks.

[@avandriver]

Its nice to see the rugged northern waterways , Hardcore boating . Not like all the other boat tubers in the warmer south regions .

[@johnbrookes2196]

Nice work from Dan and friends nice to see them keeping the area tidy. Enjoyed this vlog Robbie people seemed very friendly,

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

That is absolutely stunning.

[@Edogawa1117]

Excellent video again. You are one of the better KZbinrs out there. Thanks for sharing.

[@SairyFairy]

I've been watching your videos from the very beginning because I enjoyed your BBC 4 documentary so much (I even went and found series 1 on KZbin and binged that as well) I can say I've had a great time following your travels on the canals and am thoroughly entertained with your quirky sense of humour. Top bloke! You've inspired me and my partner to book a canal boat trip for our honeymoon next year and I'll be keeping an eye out for you 👀 might even buy you a pint

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks glad to hear what a good idea for a honeymoon as well, should test the strength of your relationship 😂👍

[@SairyFairy]

@@RobbieCumming Aye we've done 2 boat holidays before and hoping to travel out of Middlewich down the Shropshire Union, so not a difficult stretch and hopefully loads of pubs! 😆🍺

[@natalieseddons7583]

Great video Robbie can't stop chuckling at Dans video appearance and I spied my photo 👍 love our little stretch of canal ❤️

[@RobbieCumming]

Natalie! Thanks for watching, Dan was a good sport and I will miss our towpath banter when I have to move out of Yorkshire 8^( Loving your work on Instagram by the way, I forgot to do so but I will put a credit in the description now!

[@pootle2768]

Wonderfully entertaining vlog as always. You certainly cheered up a chilly Tuesday night 👏🏻👍🏻

[@JPinFuerteventura]

Excuse me Sir, do you have a license for those knees? Great vlog Robbie with some really interesting and unusual moorings.

[@sylviapage8572]

Thanks for another great video. I get my boat on Saturday and I can't wait. I'll be cranking it soon 😀

[@robsterbob580]

Nice one Robbie, great music too, addicted to your vlogs. Keep cranking it!

[@Sp00kyBedHair]

Excellent, spotted it in the background at 17:11, I was beginning to think it was never going to show up, but you don't disappoint. Also nice arty shots in the video, like a young David Lynch. Can't wait for the movie. 😛

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha cheers Sp00ky B, as long as I’m not like a young David Cronebluerg ha ha!! The Movie ha ha I like it. Cumming to America X^D

[@chevyimp2808]

Inspirational stuff...must get up them Northern waters.. thanks

[@Pedelorean]

Yet another brilliant vlog Robbie. Your videos are so well made, interesting and entertaining. I really enjoyed the brewery part - and I don't even drink! Would love to see some video of you on the Excel Pride. Looks like a great vessel to explore on. Keep up the good work and keep cranking it!

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you my friend. I will try to get on board the EP but it will all be down to luck I think! Will see! 8^)

[@luanncrownover4]

Beautiful scenery! Enjoyed this video.

[@Bammyja]

Everytime I watch one of your videos I want to go away on my boat! I don't mind the industrial parts of the UK, like you were in the middle of nowhere, you still found nice things to enjoy/look at. Great video

[@sallynewton306]

Great vlog as alway. 👍🙋🙋🏻‍♂️🐶

[@deanbarnes20]

Top vlog and excellent commentary. Always entertaining mate. Keep on crrrrankkking it!

[@oliversch7271]

Now that was a damn good video

[@joesoy9185]

Anyone contemplating buying a narrow boat should definitely watch Robbie´s videos. Here you will discover the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Keep ´em coming Naughty Lad!

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Joe will do!

[@paulhulse1975]

great seeing you and the pub are so good. cheers!

[@maryruine]

Always love your videos. From a soon to be barge.😀

[@guz5135]

Lol really well you asked for it I don't know if they have narrow boats in Norway but they certainly have long boats great video keep it up mate

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha good point! Cheers! 8^)

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

At 1:25 my father in law had to go to the cabin to cross every day to get to school :)

[@RobbieCumming]

Amazing! Hey guess where I am this week?!! Spent a bit of time in the market today, great food, great value and great banter!!

[@SuperPurpleBoots]

Oh Robbie, young man you are totally adorable. Though I'm not sure 'manly' and 'Fosters' ever belong in the same sentence. Great pub of the week to make up for it fortunately.

[@AdrianJeens]

Great vlog i enjoyed it allot, i am so looking forward to getting my boat, so i can start my new adventure in life.

[@TDImayhem]

Nice one Robbie shame we only just got our boat from a guy at Eastwood as I know we missed you by a few week look forward to the Sheffield vid as were moored closer there now keep cranking it kidder

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers John ahh yeah I was there a few weeks ago nevermind! Sheff video should be a good un, I just need to sort out an alternator problem so I can get enough power to edit again. Cheers 8^)

[@clarelean3501]

Thanks for another really great vlog :)

[@dulciebarnes6228]

Excellent, as always. Looks beautiful up there. I know I've said it before but I reeeeeeaaaallly want to cruise the waterways 'oop north', very much inspired by your vlogs. Have you done the Lancaster yet? I know you'd have to do the Ribble Link. Maybe you have and I've missed it! Keep on cranking it 👍👍

[@RobbieCumming]

Yes Dulcie why not, it's so quiet up here and constantly changing scenery and Yorkshire folk are one of a kind. Lancaster - now that is one for the future definitely. 8^)

[@Voodoo_Ray]

Great video Robbie. Mrs Ferret loved seeing her home county and places she recognised. Hoped you'd pop into my father in laws pub but not to be. It's not far from Mexborough. Btw Mrs F says the locals call Conisborough... 'Cunisbro' 😉😉

[@RobbieCumming]

Great stuff! I may have done as what you don't see is all the other pubs I visit for 'research'!! What's it called?

[@Voodoo_Ray]

Robbie Cumming its the Harlington Inn ...in....Harlington

[@robertthrossell4321]

Just loving all these videos from my neck of the woods ( sheffield) brilliant 😁

[@Quackalott]

Love the sculpted willow hedge @ 12:01 B-)

[@Strutty1956]

Another great video mate. Just a shame your engine sounds like my mum's treadle sewing machine. Can you please overdub a JP2?

[@RobbieCumming]

Er I beg your pardon? What you mean to say is 'Robbie your Lister engine sounds amazing and I can't understand why people don't like it'!!! Thanks for watching and putting up with it ha ha! 8^D

[@georgeblankinship4745]

Great as always Mate. Keep it up.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you George and thanks a million for supporting the channel. Glad you liked the pub reviews I will keep going with those until I run out or become tee total whichever comes first 8^D

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

Glad you show the old buildings in your videos since the UK has an incredible history. Great idea with the pub of the week. Thank you

[@geoffupton]

crankin up south yorks! yay! lovely mooring 😊 what is that music? its cool! its not by silent partner is it? if not could you say what the tracks are/groups plz?

[@RobbieCumming]

Hey Geoff thank you so much. Check out the description buddy it's all there 8;^)

[@samuellowrey9403]

Great Vlog Robbie.

[@RobbieCumming]

You're welcome Sam good to hear from you 8^)

[@clarelean3501]

I think you're talking about negative ions.... from the falling water :) they make you feel good... I remember a tour guide saying something about them at Niagara falls :) (probably slightly less produced by the overflow..but same theory lol)

[@69Phuket]

Sounds good to me! X

[@peterrutter7332]

I am with you people give lots of advice and its not always that easy for us solo boaters to walk form lock to lock and leave the boat unattended (nosy old XXXXXXXXx) I am enjoying your trip

[@RobbieCumming]

Exactly. Thank you Peter 8^)

[@robprideaux3279]

Still living the good life Robbie . Freekin jealous. Crank it

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Rob, don't be too jealous though, could make a whole series on the downsides of living on a boat!!! 8^)

[@robprideaux3279]

Can't wait

[@pauljones5066]

I cycle round there all the time. We love this part of Yorkshire, plus everything's cheap e.g. houses and beers. Funnily enough I have never been in the Imperial but I definitely will now once it opens again - many thanks

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Hallo from an ex pat in Berlin, Germany 😊 Would love to be a member of the 'Crank it crew', even though I don't have a boat😀 Wanted, always, to have a narrow boat! Life, however, 'took another turn', and now, at 60, there's no way I could even think about it😕😢 So enjoy your experiences, that make me sometimes homesick, but my life, kids, and grandchildren, cats and dogs, are here😊 Can now watch, and experience 'canal life' (especially 'pub of the week'😢), through your eyes😊 Thanks so ooooooh much! (honorary crew member, Claire!) 😙

[@geoffmercer2963]

never too late

[@davek8919]

@13:19 there’s a bit of an optical delusion (lol) where it looks like downhill to the boat … pretty neat yea :)

[@MrJimbaloid]

Hi Robbie well I never knew the canal ran so close to conisborough.

[@hughkelly1441]

Good overview of the area but you’ve missed out a lot beer wise, mexbrough has 3 breweries, all of which have brewery taps (the Imperial, don valley brewery and concertina band social) plus Hilltop hotel, a brewpub in Conisborough, also there’s a fabulous micropub in Wath upon Dearne called Wath tap which is about 2 miles from swinton

[@RobbieCumming]

Ello Hugh yes I'm sure I missed a few of the other pubs - although the 'Tina seemed to be shut every time I went up to it - and the Conisborough pub I couldn't find (had been walking from canal and up castle for hours so could've done with a pint!) and Dearne was just too far from Swinton (which I only stopped overnight). Thanks for watching and for sharing these excellent tips! 8^)

[@BobPhleming]

Lovin the vlogs, been watching you for a while now (not in a weird way....) My wife and I are saving up for a narrowboat and have learned loads from your channel. Off on our jollies down the Llangollen canal this week

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha excellent I’m glad I could pass on a few tips besides still having a lot to learn myself! The Llandollen is supposed to be one of the best, really hope you enjoy it and the weather plays along 8^)

[@BobPhleming]

We had a great week, even managed to Crank It a bit! The Llangollen was a little shallow in places (we ran aground twice) To be fair each time was because we moved across to let other boats pass. The scenery is worth the trip, just wish that we'd had the boat a bit longer.

[@RobbieCumming]

Fantastic, nice one Chas! Yeah it’s not all plain sailing is it! Glad you had a good time.

[@Threshold72]

Great series. Banging tune at 13 mins ish. Got me speakers cranked 👌

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha cheers Richard that’s music to my ears! Most tracks available for free download via soundcloud (link in description)

[@Threshold72]

Robbie Cumming This week we are putting our house in Norfolk up for sale and buying a smaller one plus a narrow boat! Living the dream.

[@RobbieCumming]

Sounds like the best of both worlds, best of luck!

[@socklesslad]

16:39 if you hadn't made it obvious you weren't wearing any trousers I wouldn't have noticed. I'm still laughing! ;-)

[@energybytessa]

another fab video. ❤

[@louisetimms2050]

I just love everything about this video, going on my first canal hol next week and it's really inspired me Thanks

[@michaelpilling9659]

Fantastic video Robbie. Great camera work with an excellent commentary. The scenery has changed since i was last in this area. Looks a lot better now. Big problem - where's your bike gone?

[@Tinhare]

Great Vlogs. How come I've only just discovered your channel. Thanks for all the videos, playing catchup.

[@RobbieCumming]

Hey yeah where have you been?! It’s fine I don’t make many videos compared to most ‘YooToobers’ so hopefully won’t take too long to binge 8;^)

[@dereklonewolf9011]

Great vid Robbie ! @ 70+ I can't wait to thro my kayak in 🇨🇦 x Sheffield Yorkshire lad

[@megcallea3986]

Miss hearing from ya!! Hope all is well and you made it thru the storms!

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah hey Meg! Sorry I’ve been busy but always working on new videos - it’s windy here but no storms thank god! 8^)

[@gustavbroichheuser9852]

Absolutely brilliant this post.

[@suehardyis]

Good one Robbie!

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers ma x

[@stephenyates5323]

brilliant vid by the way, love all that!

[@derrickfelix503]

Would they of had you? (Hotel) Like the tea mug, Robbie, bloody good blog and music. Cheers

[@jonathanjennings919]

Mr Crank it. Can't get enough of Robbie. Fun,Earthy, and a mention of Ted Hughes. What's not to like.

[@jonathanjennings919]

He runs too. 😃

[@RobbieCumming]

He he well I try! Thanks for the comment JJ 8^)

[@easyad2007]

Love the vlogs mate. My gf and i are taking a barge holiday next week from Loughborough. Try before you buy (boat not the gf) : ) I know it's unlikely but would love to find a pub of the week in that area and perhaps share a pint with you. CRANK IT!!

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks! That would be cool, I’m unaware of any POTWs there but I’m sure you’ll make the most of any situation that’s what it’s all about! Cheers dude and safe cranking 8^)

[@scouseboater8315]

LOVE THE VIDEOS YOU ARE A VERY LUCKY WISH I COULD DO ALL WHAT YOU HAVE DONE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BE LUCKY HAVE A NICE DAY

[@dmldml7886]

Just signed in from hong kong...currently in lifestyle change mode so narrowboat is high up on the list.. Best regards Dave

[@RobbieCumming]

Nice one, welcome aboard Dave! I wonder can you live on a boat in Hong Kong? Although I’m guessing you’d like to change country too

[@dmldml7886]

Great too hear backk. Shout outs are fun. Plan 6 months a year. Reading up on winter options and whether dry docking over winter is better or too costly than banging it in a marina

[@dmldml7886]

Robbie Cumming yes. Uk

[@dmldml7886]

Robbie Cumming what's your paypal. Let me chuck a bit your way towards fuel for a lock or 2 Dave luxton in hong kong. What's ya paypal acc name

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Dave! See description...

[@theslowlaneadventures9029]

Nice video as always Robbie.. It's a really good edit for a camera phone. Do u shoot free hand or use a gimbal

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi thanks - no I just use a steady hand!!

[@jpaulrice]

Liked those brief intro clips. Just thought this video had a extra special BLING to it.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you John that’s what I was going for ha ha!

[@mrchow91x]

keep cracking it bro

[@jezlanejl]

Robbie, Brilliant, although i do wonder if you're a little mad. Your "Favourite" thing to do is stand by the overflow?....Have you tried Sailing? Thats so much more fun....

[@RobbieCumming]

Nah I’m alright with the overflow cheers 😂

[@jezlanejl]

Lol, Maybe we could open a bar there, a little table with a Parasol, Favourite beers on tap and a nice bit of pub grub all with panoramic views of an Overflow.....

[@CheckFred]

'Nice One' Robbie :-)

[@truckerg96]

mexbrough used to be a lovely little town till the pits all closed

[@yakacm]

Ha ha you called ASDA The ASDA, I thought it was only us Scosuers that referred to the place by the definite article, don't know how that started doesn't really work with other supermarkets, I'm going the Tesco, I'm going the Waitrose, lol no they definitely don't work.

[@RobbieCumming]

Never really given it much thought but you’re right in many ways, how weird.

[@peterwilding4012]

hope you took the shopping cart back

[@MrJimbaloid]

Robbie what does an amber light mean at a lock ?

[@TheSoulKeeper7]

It means self operation of the lock is required.

[@GapBahnDirk]

What is the name of the black cat that always sits upon the port side your roof?

[@ladygardener100]

Chimney

[@GapBahnDirk]

Sooty would be my choice!

[@RobbieCumming]

Genevieve Catsatable the third.

[@bobahlberg6360]

I'm brewing a DEAD RINGER IPA as I watch ur vlog thanks for sahring

[@RobbieCumming]

Sounds great Bob let me know when it's ready! 8^)

[@roberthinchliffe1292]

You are the Michael Portillo of the canals.

[@RobbieCumming]

Take that back you sod 😂

[@roberthinchliffe1292]

Maybe the BBC will commission you to film a trip up the Rhine or the Danube. Or even to take a boat up the Matterhorn and slide it back down.

[@aidanjohnson4602]

Do you have any tips on someone buying a boat

[@RobbieCumming]

Loads, but best way to go about it would be to experience as many other bosts as possible to help you get an idea of what you can leave with or compromise on. As for the actual buying, never rush into it, take your time, make sure surveys are carried out, and you join a network that you can ask questions (ie local Facebook group) and offer to help them with boat jobs etc. I am more than happy to provide more detailed advice via my patreon page (see description) but if you get to know other boaters you can also pick up invaluable tips. 8^)

[@davidbutler4363]

😁👍👏👏👏

[@tomdallas1211]

keep Crank it Robbie

[@69Phuket]

Swinton (there's one in Salford too..Means Swine Town....So...Pig in a poke! They didn't like pigs. Pigs are Brill! Should leave 'em to snook around the forest....I'm talking too much..Someone gave me a bitcoin...They didn't take it a tesco So i bit it..!

[@parrtymassyvalltramahemjdc4498]

I am thinking of beying a bout so can i be am member of the crankit crew pleas robby and i live in harrogate and saw you mord up on the ripon cannal at the sanetry pont filling up you whater tank and do you croos during the winter or mor up in a marener or somthing. And do you now of eny river crooser youtuber by eny chans when is the the chistmas youtubers cismas diner just wondering that is all

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Danerwin not sure but I can say Im aiming to cruise through winter. May need to pay extra to moor up somewhere for longer than the standard 14 days especially around Christmas time. Good luck with buying your boat. 8^)

[@anitablades6033]

What you with a tool in your hand. No must of been a miss shape

[@maryruine]

Bargee even lol

[@caerleon9176]

Did the guy also have a look at your tappets, no engine really should sound like that not even diesels.

[@niallplatt15]

Excellent blogger... his pool skills lack 😂😂

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha oi you! It’s one all at the moment..!!😆

[@roberthinchliffe1292]

Sorry. It was meant as a compliment.

[@stephenyates5323]

worst souse akcent ever haha, more like a gordie

[@stephenyates5323]

scouse

[@themajesticbulldog3832]

Being from South Yorkshire i can guarantee you its boring

[@pauljones5066]

boring??! definitely not

[@YorkshireBeaver]

Notice the BIG CRT spelling mistake when approaching aldwarke Lock. Keadby spelt KNEADBY. !!