Travelling on an ageing canal network

[@silentwitness247]

This is one of your best vids. Thoughtful, reflective, immersive, balanced; showing the high and lows without being too negative about the problems. A great introduction to anyone really interested in canals or just wanting a broad overview. Well done.

[@michaelpilling9659]

December 2020. Wonderful video again Robbie. How thoughtful you are about the content of your films. Historically, we are travelling along waterways that are in some cases very nearly 300 years old. You're right. We must keep them going for generations to come. Thanks so much for taking me virtually along with you this time.

[@tanna4534]

Robbie, your photography, editing, and thoughtful messaging make your superb videos more like short stories. Truly enjoy each one end to end. Cheers to Liam too!

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Tanna makes it well worth the effort to hear that 🤓👍

[@jamesbagnall]

Robbie, I follow your channel avidly, along with the TV series. However, I think this is one of the best videos you've made so far. It's thoughtful, well researched and altogether well made. Thanks for sharing. Renewed my ailing faith in humanity. Cheers!

[@diannedogwalker8935]

Robbie, I loved/ needed that vlog! Human beings going that extra mile for other human beings, brought a tear! That's what we need stories about in these difficult times. The photography was splendid and news about the history of the canals is a complete balm to what is going on in the world. Thank you so much for this little oasis! So appreciated. Take care mate.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah Dianne that’s so nice to hear thank you.

[@grahamlewis6062]

Good one Robbie. Thanks for reminding us all of the wonders of our fantastic canal system. Not only the original planners, engineers, and navvies but all the great folk who have for many years, ( and still are!) restoring so much for others pleasure and our history. SO pleased you ACTUALLY found a pub open 😁. Thanks for all your vlogs, the time and effort taken that gives so many of us boaters who are and have been stuck all summer a reminder of what we love so much 👍 (and loving the tv programmes) Happy Christmas to you and yours, God bless, Joan 🌟👏👍🍻🎄😆

[@chevyimp5857]

The gold standard of narrowboat vlogs imo..thanks

[@BTParks51]

Wow! Making those programmes for the BBC has really upped your game in terms of voice-over, camera-work and continuity. Really engaging. Bravo sir!

[@k.r.baylor8825]

I agree. The camera work is becoming a panoply of fine art. RC is really in his element now with the visuals and story-telling.

[@stephengurd5272]

Nice blog for a Sunday morning..... Just caught up on the bbc1 series. Was excellent.

[@lesleyburton9999]

Glad to have found this Robbie, a welcome diversion from the day to day routine of being home based alone. Quality as ever.

[@ronbearman6783]

Hi Robbie Hooray for the CRT guy hi you out of the ****** it would be good to see vlog about highs and lows of the CRT staff and volunteers who help to keep canals functioning

[@MrAg272]

G'day Robbie. This is one of the best Vlogs I have watched. The Video presentation is amazing. I am just stunned what you have produced here. The quality of your video editing. I am still in the planning stages of my future Vlog. I really enjoyed the history you told about the Trent and Mersey canal.

[@wharfedalehome]

Robbie - Like Dianne says (see below) that was a very heartwarming vlog. In our day to day hustle and bustle and self centredness, I think it's easy to forget both the wider world and everybody else in it . I think you make a good point about the canal network being old and crumbling. It seems to suffer from two distinct problems... The first and obvious one is under funding to maintain the network and provide an infrastructure for all you boaters. The second is the sheer age of a network that is slowly but steadily disintegrating which will need major renewal on an ever growing scale (think our stone cathedrals) requiring even more cash to keep things working. Given our bad (and worsening) economic plight the future outlook for both these issues doesn't look good. But without people like L T C Rolt we wouldn't have a canal network at all, so things can change. I used to live near the Huddersfield Narrow Canal when I was a lad and I remember them concreting all the locks in - so no more canal. Now it's been dug out and restored and thriving in the 21st Century. So never say never. I like the canals and the history they represent and your vlog lovingly highlights their charms and their alure. We all need to cherish what we've got. Thank you.

[@paulstonepaul879]

Yes I like to see and hear about these canal Pubs!

[@brodie2711]

And during this pandemic, it must only get worse. I've noticed, even here in London many of the maintenance work on infrastructure is being put further down the line, worrying! That's the moan out of the way. Thanks, Robbie for letting me ride along with you and for making the effort in cheering me up during these Tier 4 times. Keep safe buddy. All the best. Stephen

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

The production and content of this vlog is superb. Wonderful work Robbie.

[@metamoof]

Yay! Finally made it to the Crank-it crew! I’m honoured to be Patreonising you. Thank you again, Robbie.

[@UKRailsandMore]

Know where you are coming from with the link to history aspect of the canals. Similar thing with the railways of course and their links to industry old and new! Always interesting looking at the old footage of how they used to be. Great video as always Robbie, thanks for sharing

[@wiltsrocket7147]

Brilliant 👍, Nostalgia, Canal History, Thought Provoking and Great photography, Nice framed picture of the Evening Star hanging above the pub fireplace which was the last BR steam train built and completed at the Swindon works.

[@allenfamily3456]

Ahhh just what was needed ... Superb editing mate. You really are nailing it every time!

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Matt much appreciated!

[@philradnor7701]

As always, a great interesting and funny vlog. Best Wishes for your Winter Solstice/ Crimbo or whatever.

[@andrewharding5781]

This vid ticked a lit of boxes for me. The chug chug of the engine, the enjoyment of a pint in a cozy pub and a fab pizza not forgetting the quirks of canal life! Glad you got pumped out. Happy travels and a Merry Christmas! 🎅🎄

[@swanny2k]

You must be the only other person I know of who likes Anchovies on their pizza👌Lovely bit of history Robbie. You should meet up with Martin Zero when you're up near Manchester, I recon you'd be able to chat about canal history for hours.

[@kennarfw]

Holy inadequate is a perfect choice! Best pub in Stoke. And one of the best in the UK I reckon.

[@thomashiggins8860]

the Holy Inadequate is the real thing!

[@davidclinch1358]

Love watching your vlogs, Robbie, they are always very relaxing entertaining and informative. Good talk about the history of the canals, thank you.

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Excellent camera shots on this video. That Pizza looked tasty. Glad you got the pump out done in the end. Take care. Nick

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Awesome video Robbie, I very much enjoyed your perspectives on the British canals. As an American, I truly envy the 2000 miles of canals you have to explore. What a truly fabulous asset England has in these waterways, and what a tremendous value they are in providing peace, harmony and relaxation to its' citizens. Please keep these coming ;)

[@chrisrand5185]

Nice bit of history. One of the keys to understanding the architecture of the canals is the realisation that it was all built for the horse. This can be seen from the curves on the corner of buildings, the gentle slopes with raised rows of brick for grip and the manner in which the approach to a lock gently guides the boat in with no chance of the horse being injured through a jolt to the shoulder or being pulled into the cut. Each canal has its own unique features which is now recognised by CRT. There was a danger in the early 80s of standardisation with hydraulic gear across the network for ease of maintenance.

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Hello Robbie always look forward to hearing seeing your volgs I am in agreement with your historical perspective on the canals They are fragile and it's astonishing they are still with us today in use Like railways which came along and made canals obsolete Then railways were closed Both are vital in our overcrowded country today Might it be possible to rip out your waste tank system and replace with cassette system? Very nice pub of the week Keep safe dry and virus free

[@craigwadeson9139]

Well done Liam. 🙂

[@matthewwright9259]

Great vlog. The old network is only just coping in many places. I also like anchovies on pizza!

[@RobbieCumming]

🙌

[@rubbberrobbie]

👍🏼Where I'm currently moored was partly used as a Roman navigation. Sometimes you really feel the past on the canals and wonder if they too appreciated the beauty it can often offer. And yes, CRT, sod the ugly blue signs everywhere and maintain the basic infrastructure like pump out and knackered old water taps 😡

[@michaelhibbert4393]

Well done Liam.....

[@peterdawson2645]

The original canal engineers would never have relied on anything as flimsy as a card! Lovely video, done a lot of cruising round those parts. And hope that pub is still there when we can return!

[@mikes7878]

We forget canals are really history in action - nice reminder - Seasons Greetings and here's to a brighter 2021 :-)

[@bdh3949]

The CRT fellow Liam seems like a good man and an excellent worker who has the priorities of the agency's goals in order. Service the patrons...Bob's your uncle.

[@tsuchang1]

Really enjoying the editing you are doing. Thanks for letting me in on the adventure.

[@Beggarsdale]

Welcome back pub of the week, we’ve been missing you!!

[@MrRoyboy55]

just nothing like this visual history in the usa , Erie Canal opened 1825 from east coast hudson river outlet to lake erie ( great lakes system) on the Canada Border , Rebuilt in 1918 the new canal is active for recreation boating and some commerace on basicly the same track ,, the orginal canal is disused and parceled off to local townships , some filled in some walking /biking parks ,, but nothing like the canal side industry in england ,, Daily needs cannot be escaped , but i think its comforting to mark how previous generations coped with the daily needs and convenient that all you need to do is look as you travel by , thanks for sharing

[@user-fz3sz2dj4r]

Keep it up man, I’ve been hooked on these for a little while now

[@nigelryenarznz]

Thanks again, enjoyed the variety. Also enjoy listening to your Chunes while driving. Be Well

[@RobbieCumming]

😎🏁

[@daveallen63]

It's all just awesome, difficult to explain, yet provides the backdrop to limitless expression. I feel your passion, and it was my dream for my wife and I to retire on those canals. Unfortunately unless something gives, that dream will not happen now. I should have jumped a few years back when I could have pulled it off, so it's on me can't blame anyone else. Anyway, thanks for sharing I truly appreciate it.

[@trapperjohn6089]

Making your way on the cut today takes everything you got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.

[@RobbieCumming]

Wouldn’t it be nice to get away?!!

[@trapperjohn6089]

@@RobbieCumming all those nights when you had no lights, solar never fails. And you drop your only windless, halfway through the flight!🎵🎶

[@sebxiou-lifestyle4465]

Robbie, that was THE best canal vid I have ever seen on YT. Hang-on... to be more precise, that was the best (any subject) vid in terms of videography and coherent narration that I have ever seen on YT (or most tv). Well done, Sir. From your start with a teasing focus I tried to work-out (it was your boat key socket), via the ghost-boat effect, to the pulled-focus and close shots. But then you also told a coherent tale about the canals and wove into that your personal experience in this journey. I have watched it thrice already. Your tv experience has served you well, Mr C. But the work behind all that should not be underestimated either. Gold plus Robbie and thank you so very much.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you so much Seb. It’s comments like yours that make the many hours researching/writing/editing worth while!! 🤓👍

[@sebxiou-lifestyle4465]

@@RobbieCumming Cheers, Robbie.

[@christinegibbins6105]

Chuffed to see your blog, just want to thank you for the Canal Diaries series 2, amazing filming by Robbie and the Drone team. Very Happy Christmas to you and yours.

[@michaelaaylott1686]

Perfect, I enjoyed this so much.

[@Curve2Theatre]

Another great video ! Love the Boat Fade at the start . All the other Canal Vlogger's ,will be looking to you for ideas ( You saw it Here First Folks). So looking forward to seeing what gems you bring us in the New Year !

[@eamo106]

4;34 and you are in Stoke, where was that Card reader, name and shame. Anchovies on a PIZZA !! Absolutely COOL,, I first had it in 1985 in Venezuela ! Game Changer with Pepperoni ! With the Marker in Etruria , you were in Stoke ,?,,, ? Hope some film to come. Stoke -on-Trent , @ the birth of the canals, so maligned in the past ! Saved a Fox' s life just now, give credit !

[@chrisgraver2112]

I always wonder what the countryside looked like before the canals were built!

[@kitwest61]

Another brilliant turnip from the patch Robbie (a little homage to Ian Dury) Thanks as always

[@shardlake]

Lovely vlog, like the style, love the scenery, even in bleak winter :)

[@leslielutz1874]

But you are traveling through history Robbie. And so are we thanks to you. Your canal system there is an absolute GEM my boy. So happy you people got it back. True success story. Merry Christmas !!

[@walterfoott5105]

Great vids Robbie, wonderful insights into the English countryside, really enjoy your travels thanks so much for the adventures .

[@paulnewton1410]

Thank you. Enjoyed. All the best. Cheers

[@k.r.baylor8825]

Your photography was really first-class across this one. And thanks for picking that marvelous, real-life Pub of the Week; it's a nice bit of UK nostalgia for us still across the pond. Looking forward to the next fine vid, mate!

[@paulayala4816]

It's great to see these old canals repurposed and still in use. The old saying, "use it or lose it", would apply to the UK canals. Yeah it can be annoying having so many boaters on a canal, but the flipside is much worse. At one time Southern California had the Pacific Electric Railway (Red Cars) with thousands of miles of track, one could ride from the mountains to the beaches for a nickel. They're all gone now, replaced by clogged freeways. Hopefully in time, and with the help of your videos, the CRT will modernize some of the tech. Funny how older features of the canals have worked perfectly for hundreds of years and the newer tech sometimes doesn't.

[@RobbieCumming]

Great point Paul!!

[@malkauczok66]

Hi, I've just subscribed after watching your videos and enjoying all of them. I have also fully enjoyed watching your series on TV and just had to subscribe. I love how you make every one so watchable and into mini stories that we have to watch till the end. Please never stop, your an inspiration during this tough time, take care and stay safe.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Mal that’s so good to hear, will do 🤓👍

[@johnallen148]

Hi Robbie,nice to see you about on the canal,did you get the pump out working,what a card reader, enjoy your pizza,wish you and you family a happy Christmas and hopefully a better new year,take care keep safe,John 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@geoffupton]

A PUB OF THE WEEK?! one of those mythical places called "pubs" 😳 nice! grreat vid too

[@RetroRatz]

Wonderful video! We also absolutely love the canal network and it's history and wonder!! And oh yes, a good pub ❤️ thanks for sharing 🖖

[@ScaseFacetime]

Great video Robbie. I love canal history too. Happy Christmas 🎄🍻🎄🍻

[@trevorford8332]

I'm still waiting for the Ripon to Newcastle canal to open up,, that'll be good. One day. I think there's enough narrowboats on the canals although it can be a little bit crowded sometimes in certain spots. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 🥳🎅

[@vickijohnson4668]

Love you Robbie! Your best vlog, Seasons Greetings to you and yours. See you in the new year, cheers from Adelaide!!

[@Rose-Willow]

This vlog is really excellent Robbie! Thoroughly enjoyable. I could listen to you talking about canal history all day lol! The cards maybe like the old leccy cards that sometimes needed a rub on the leg to get them going especially if cold! Top tip? Worth a try!

[@RobbieCumming]

Wish that worked! Thanks Rose

[@betamaxblake]

The canals near me are currently abandoned, some full stretches, some empty, and some built over. The current cost of rebuilding is estimated at 250 million to reconnect to the network. Would love it to happen but it won't be anytime soon. It's great to see the canals operating in other parts of the country otherwise they would be lost as well.

[@fourtwosandalf149]

A pub that would be nice. All the best Robbie and see you in the New year (unless you post one next week) :-)

[@RobbieCumming]

You never know... it is Christmas...!

[@SparkeyDogfish]

I enjoy your perspective.

[@openlandsidney1970]

You should do more history on the canal and towns that help the good get out of England.

[@davexjs5889]

Are You Saying There's No Good In England?

[@openlandsidney1970]

@@davexjs5889 Items.

[@davexjs5889]

@@openlandsidney1970 British council Tax Payers Items???? Or Have Your Convict Ancestors Cum Back From The Grave Ha Ha

[@barrieking5939]

What a pity they can't make the cards out of plastic? Thanks for another enjoyable video. Have a very Happy and Safe Christmas followed with Peaceful New Year. Regards, Barrie.

[@3STAR1613]

Love this type of video. I live in Canada and have 3 children BUT perhaps someday I can make it out to a canal and crank it. I believe my family (Darling) came from Wilfordshire. Cheers Robbie

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you! In Wiltshire you mean? I grew up just over the border in Dorset

[@Neil-Hanson67]

Still doing catch up on your vlogs Robbie, and loving every one of them, thanks so much for your content i really appreciate them all. by the way you were very trusting at 5 mins on this one with your Phone/Go Pro etc lol. "I'm trying to convince my Wife to sell our house and live on the canals, think she is slowly coming round to the idea though.

[@holmesjunction]

Old things AND new things! A few weeks ago, you discussed your new headphones. I have never paid much attention (or money) for headphones, but after your comments, I searched around and bought a set (similar) to yours for a fair price. All I can say is, "What have I been missing all this time?" Merry Christmas to you and yours. Hope you can meet up safely. Steve.

[@RobbieCumming]

Brilliant aren’t they, so glad I could help there. Cheers Steve yep all set for a lovely Christmas with my new family 🥰

[@georgethomas7814]

Very interesting view point, quite different from the one's I have seen.

[@wsatnutter9674]

top geezer merry xmas and nice pub

[@douglasmitchinson1936]

Good for Liam.

[@billabongoneill]

When I had a narrowboat with a pump out I had a large manual bilge pump screwed to a plywood footboard,fitted with a pipe like the one you used,it was a simple matter to pump out into two 5 gallon plastic containers and tip the contents out at the Elsan point.

[@RobbieCumming]

I seen that. Looks messsssy 😂

[@mockeyson]

🤢

[@greghilton7797]

Happy Christmas Robbie. Cheers

[@talesofbazzilbrush5800]

Hi Robbie Love these as iam on the canal i look at parnormal activity but i love your passion of the past😁

[@andrewreed7936]

Recently saw your Canal Boat Diaries series on the Beeb, really enjoyed it! Hope you can continue to keep a boat in the future even if priorities change around you!

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks very much yeah I can’t see myself giving up cranking a boat around whatever happens!

[@rud]

Excellent video btw. Was remembering when you had the tank fixed.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha yeah that was a bit shit wasn’t it!

[@johnmaher9917]

Brilliant video!👍👍🤗

[@davidapp3730]

Great video. You can add to that list the people who use the canals for pleasure or their home. Without them there would be no need for the canals. Imagine coming back in 150 years and exploring the motorway system. How much of it would be still usable.

[@RobbieCumming]

Good point I often wonder when we’ve discovered teleportation?!! if people will one day live in lorries like they do on narrowboats!!!

[@marksadventures3889]

Nowt wrong wi' a bit o' Macc lad. Been a few since i were down there. Still it's alright.That's a nice wee boat you have there sir. Happy Bimbeling and Happy Christmas.

[@dereklonewolf9011]

Awsome as ever young Robbie ! Wish you a Merry Christmas from 🇨🇦 71+ yorkshire expat 🌲🎅🌲

[@shaneclowes1360]

Good video I live in stoke I all ways play those

[@BigfootRCrcoverlanddave2646]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧💯👍🏻glad too see you back Robbie truly amazing footage and informative inspirational video,thoughtful in these preselected times,yes like a story ( a western or a shootout) stay safe and well and warm my friend 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤓🤓Dave in a wet and windy Cornwall,language Timothy 🤣😂 crank it pub in ????

[@2LaneTraveler]

I definitely get the dichotomy. There's a love of life on the canals and a desire to share that with other people, and maybe even get them into it, but there's a fear that the canal system would thus become overcrowded, and not as pleasant as it used to be. Here in America, I love camping, and it used to be very easy to find a campground for the night, and not worry so much about neighbors. But with the pandemic, camping became very popular, since it allows one to travel and still socially distance. Now you have to call ahead to make sure space is available, or even make a reservation, and the campgrounds are full of people new to camping, with no sense of the etiquette that goes with living outdoors. I swear, if I have to listen to one more person playing popular music over a bluetooth speaker as though the whole campground wanted to hear their music... And America hasn't even got good pubs. There are seedy dive bars, and expensive pubs.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah John that sounds annoying!

[@MoonRakerAfloat]

Just lovely. A professional job, Robbie. Thank you.

[@gmmooseblaster]

Just what we needed having watched the news about a new strain of the virus, France (and other countries) closing the border, and Brexit hitting us fully in a few weeks. No more watching the news, I'll stick to watching your video diaries to make me appreciate the wonderful country we live in and the wonderful people we share it with

[@griffog2001]

Superlative production quality as ever.

[@Bunce1949]

Another excellent video Robbie, I really enjoy watching your travels. Did anybody else notice the hot air baloon in the top left of the opening frame?

[@RobbieCumming]

Well spotted - I was so sad to look back at that shot to see it had disappeared over the trees so soon!

[@rogerclinton6876]

Hey Robbie. Thanks for the great vids. Keep on Cranking It! Wishing you a very Happy Christmas. Always welcome in The Steel City. Rog ❤

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Very enjoyable & interesting vlog Robbie.....stay safe.....thanks for sharing

[@Ghost_Friend69]

Love watching these after a hard day at work, and i might of found someone to get a narrowboat with so maybe one day i will be trekking that way.

[@yvonnebooth3511]

Brilliant vlog. Thank you for taking us with you. Wishing you a very happy Christmas 🌲

[@keithquestedelectrical9785]

Yep excellent video Robbie

[@solstar4778]

Ahhhh ! Electric drive narrow boat ! Flint and bone Mill ?maybe card is upside down?

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done Robbie, have a great Christmas and an even better new year. Stay well and safe.

[@stephenpegum9776]

Merry Christmas Robbie - thanks for all the great videos this year. Stay safe matey!! 😎👍👍

[@philmorris9782]

Nice one Robbie