Travels by Narrowboat - "Harecastle Tunnel" - S08E10

[@leslieslavens6881]

Strangely, your channel has become a comforting meditation for me. In a world that seems to be burning down from war, climate crisis, pandemics and more it is so wonderful to see someone living as one should; simply, peacefully and in the moment just taking in nature and comradery one day at a time. Keep on chuggin! Cheers mate!

[@davep8361]

When you're cranking the gates the soundtrack to Trumpton ccomes to mind 😁

[@AndrewShort-bh6hm]

Harecastle tunnel is quite a challenge going first, well done Kevin. 👏 Dave and Elaine ❤

[@CountryHouseGent]

It was definitely an experience and one I wouldn't mind doing again sometime. Cheers,

[@AndrewShort-bh6hm]

Another thing Kevin, Did you say you could not go down the Peak Forest Canal because its too deep for Aslan ? A shame because that's a lovely Canal.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes, sadly there are 2 or 3 canals that are too shallow for her to travel along.

[@flossysmith7307]

TWO KEVINS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE........ how lucky are we...... WATCHA! How are you Kevin? Our Sunshine on sunny days..... do hope all is good for you. Love the photos you are taking, maybe a book in the making. Kevin, you must remember to just STOP and enjoy your surroundings and the life style you are living. It took you alot of hard work and heartache to get where you are now, so, as much as we all now look forward to our Friday evenings much more in anticipation of your next video, we would not want you to overload yourself with worry about making them. We ain't going anywhere, we are happy to just wait for you to "TAKE US WITH YOU" keep smiling, keep safe and keep travelling Kevin. Flossy & Jan xx

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Well, you can’t have too much of a good thing so why not.

[@FatimaRose1917]

It's a good day when a new Travels by Narrowboat hits YT!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Linda and hope you enjoy. 🙂

[@denisscott3073]

Hi Kevin 👋 just us 2saying hi 👋 thanks again great video update think one of your best 👍👍 den and sue 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌

[@clpotis]

Whew! The combination of a narrowing dark tunnel, and no light at the end, as well as diesel fumes were really unsettling. Thankfully, you cheered us all up with tales of a headless woman. I feel much better now! 🤣

[@CountryHouseGent]

The thing I don't understand is if she's headless, how can she see where she's going? And pitch dark as well.

[@clpotis]

@@CountryHouseGent at least she cant bump her head on the low ceiling….

[@EVAUnit4A]

Best part of a headless woman- you don't have to listen to her complain.

[@2760ade]

@@CountryHouseGent She's also deceased, which probably doesn't help!🤣

[@oneshoan]

Of all the narrow boaters, you are my favorite! Take a much deserved break. But please come back for a visit!

[@castingshadows282]

Life is so much better when the weather is on your side. Great Vlog Kevin as usual. Now if only I had won 184 million squid... Life would be a merry go round. 🙃

[@MERKAMGCLK]

YAY! my soul is at rest again. Kevin and Aslan are on the move. Ah that soothing chug, chug, chug.

[@ewittkofs]

Kevin, what a fantastic journey. It seems like a trip (through the tunnel) that every narrowboatman needs to do. Thanks for the ride!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed it's an experience but very good fun...looking back 5 hours later with a beer. 🙂

[@mhs4186]

I enjoy the addition of still photos to the video. Good to be out of that tunnel!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks for that. Yes, it was a relief to finally do it. A bigger assault on the senses than I'd imagined.

[@adeleu46]

Holy Guacamole! Kevin! That had me on the edge of my chair. Mind you, I'm not one for tight, dark, enclosed spaces. Just glad it was you and not me. Thoroughly enjoyed this vid. Time for a cold one. Cheers :-D

[@mkredenbaugh6322]

What an experience! I felt like I was in the tunnel. I'm not claustrophobic but getting out of the "rabbit hole" was a relief. This place is a type of Watership Downs. Thank you for continue to share the beauties and not so pretty countryside of Britain

[@lspringerjones]

Twin Kevin's. One is smart and the other is handsome. What a team.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ah but which is which? 🤔 🤭 🙂

[@btudrus]

13:22 "there is a little..." Oh, you mean "a Lidl" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gerrywilson6579]

Ah Kevin, I have just rediscovered what my soul requires. Your beautiful videos.

[@suzannebigbee7596]

Congratulations are in order! 44 minutes! Yikes! Very, very cool! Thank you!

[@andrewleeson4802]

I see you have your better looking Twin Brother staying with you and helping on the locks!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed Andrew, he has the looks, I have the brains (and brawn).

[@hobbshire9373]

Wow, I was on the edge of my seat thru that tunnel. Good job there!

[@nosmoking4933]

Thanks for another excellent video Kevin. Just watched it with a nice cuppa 😊

[@kipphelan]

Did enjoy that. Not getting involved with the red water controversy ...all the best...Chris 🇨🇦

[@stevebarbier5602]

I like the way you get your twin to help with the locks.....................

[@SondraTreasuretheMissus]

It's so claustrophobic! Ergh! Likely it's like most other things - once you're doing it, it's not so bad, but the very thought of going into there for that far makes my skin crawl!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes indeed but it was one of those moments where I didn't realise the severity of what I was doing until it was way too late. You can't exactly turn round. 😆

[@georgesmith8113]

Beautiful and fun stuff! Eight o’clock!! 😄😄 Great video! 👍👍👍👊😎

[@re10shun1]

Cool effect on that intro! I thought you had the help of a passerby. Then I looked a little closer.😂

[@johncamlin5690]

Can honestly say this is the best thing I've watched for years I'm totally hooked thank you Kevin and Aslan keep on chugging 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Great to hear that John, cheers. 🙂

[@christinemaker5656]

Brilliant! The headless woman in the tunnel tale was hilarious! I wouldn’t want to bump into her though 😱😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Best thing to do in that situation is stay quiet. She won't see or hear you. 😁

[@sisyphus9252]

I think for myself traveling the Harecastle Tunnel would be alright if I had someone else on the boat to talk to. Alone it might turn into a 44 min panic attack. I'm not one for small tight spaces. Kevin and Aslan, Thank you so much for sharing.

[@user-mat-iom]

Love this episode Kevin , it was where a was born and grew up around Kidsgrove, even though you said Kidderminster twice 😂, I spent many hours watching the boats go through the tunnel and when older sat at the red bull pub watching them through the locks , one thing i do miss been on the Isle of Man, keep it up Kevin and Aslan

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yeah I'm not sure where Kidsgrove kept coming from but the good intentions were there. 😆

[@user-mat-iom]

@@CountryHouseGent haha we have them moments, oh and from local knowledge, the orange water is just natural iron ore seepage into the the water system, if you walk from kidsgrove along the old loop line ( railway line) all the streams and drainage pond along that line are stained with iron ore.

[@ianmedium]

Fantastic Kevin! I remember as a teenager in the late seventies watching a documentary on the TV at school and a part of it showed the presenter and crew walking the narrowboat through a tunnel. If memory serves correctly they were all laying on their backs on the roof of the boat pushing with their feet. Later I got my home built go cart ( three planks of wood and four pram wheels) and tried to do the same against a brick wall, my God it was so painful on the ankles and gave me very painful shin splints and that was only 10 yards in old money! Eee ba gum men were men back in the old days!

[@lesliepropheter5040]

Eee ba gum - is that an old Flintstones pop song ? Oh sorry, that was “Eep Opp Ork ah ah” (means I love you)

[@johnneal7832]

I think it was Blue Peter,I remember seeing it lol

[@irenejohnston6802]

Thanku Country House Gent. Did a bit of narrow boating nearly 40 years ago. Just holiday. Family loved it clever engineering. Liverpool age 82 safe travels🕊️

[@laurahaughton4523]

Your story of the ghost was good when I happened to glance at the date, Friday 13th 😳😳🤣🤣

[@72Leroy]

Excellent Vlog Kevin… You made that ghostly tunnel seem very pleasant.. Love your calm work..Take care and cruise safely .. Black Pepper .. 😃😃

[@trevorspottiswood985]

I did it a few years ago. Exciting and a bit scary at the same time. A great experience.

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

A day off! Ooh you are a hard task master, but you carried on anyway. Great adventure, I have been all the way down the comments column ticking likes on the best. Quite a haul and very enjoyable, thanks for taking us with you. Cheers.

[@pipsmom]

Loving the snapshots. :)

[@onokaya]

So colorful. What a lovely Spring. Fun camera work. Captivating. Guilty pleasure. What a joy.

[@jameshallen007]

Cracking title! Skies from a bygone era as well! 👍

[@billpadgett6585]

Sometimes we watch "Travels By Narrowboat," following along with Google Map Satellite Globe View. Your canal adventures have prompted our curiosity and interest. Trying to find Aslan's exact Google Map canal location can be challenging at times, but well worth it for the added perspective and expanded views. For special places, I zoom in to '2D or 3D Street View' and take in the sights and a personal tour of a town, the countryside, Aslan's moorings, lock locations and unique bridges. Thanks so much Kevin.

[@castingshadows282]

Love the idea of how you use 3D Street view to venture around interesting hot spots. Might give it a go myself. Thanks for the idea Bill👍.

[@billpadgett6585]

@@castingshadows282 Thank you for your reply. Very enjoyable exploring UK's unique countryside and architecture. So much different from what we have in the U.S.

[@castingshadows282]

​@@billpadgett6585 No worries Bill. 👍

[@stevewilliams2498]

Did you find Kidderminster 1/4 mile from Harecastle ? 😄🤣🤣

[@charlesebyjr2925]

Thanks Kevin, now that I’m all relaxed, after enjoying my trip through the tunnel think I’ll meet my mates for supper, cheers, Charlie from Pennsylvania

[@CountryHouseGent]

Sounds like a fine evening Charles. Good food, good company. Have a nice one.

[@thomasfrench2012]

I love seeing the "occasional old building" on your trips. Thanks for including them, as well as some of the sights around this famous tunnel, including the plaques. Odd that they waited 199 years, 11 months plus, but couldn't wait three more weeks to hold the reenactment on the 200th anniversary....

[@jules9303]

Just wonderful what a top video thank you 😊

[@lukeridgeon5759]

Once again here I am watching your awesome channel..... however, I am now sat on my own boat 🙂🙂🙂..... however this has gave me even more admiration for you, as I took my boat for a spin for the first time ever...... where are the brakes when you need them!!! 🧐 keep up the amazing work, pleasure to watch yourself as always.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha, sounds like an exciting first trip out. The secret is to go slower than you think you should, and come off the gas way way before tight bits, sharp bends, or moored boats. Enjoy 🙂

[@lukeridgeon5759]

@@CountryHouseGent thanks for the tips Kev man 👍

[@jemconvery8937]

The most exciting episode since you dropped your Jalfrezi in the cut. Excellent - thanks CHG.

[@DrewofAnd]

Thank's Kevin, I always look forward to these on a friday!! A pleasant relief from serious jockin' on radio 2!

[@CountryHouseGent]

I kniw what you mean Andrew. Jeremy Vine and Ken Bruce were what drove me away from R2. 😁

[@DrewofAnd]

@@CountryHouseGent Jeremy Vine is an odd man

[@grob25]

The more I watch your videos, the more I want to come see your country. I am not sure if you are just showing the nice bits or, it really is that nice. Thank you for sharing, all the same.

[@ceccarp]

I never thought I was claustrophobic until I watched a television program where one of the main characters was buried alive... and they kept showing him in the box he was buried in. Scared the life out of me, So, if I were ever to be lucky enough to do a narrowboat holiday I will NEVER go through Harecastle tunnel. I didn't get scared watching you do it, but you had other boaters behind you so that made it a little safer in my mind. But me actually being there in the tunnel? Nope, nope!

[@galas1926]

Headless women??? Thanks, I was already scared shi*less going thru that tunnel!! Oh, blessed daylight!!😂🤐😜. Thanks Kevin for a lovely trip with you and Aslan. Cheers! Lancaster, Ohio

[@annjarvis9300]

Great vlog Kevin and glad you had a little rest we all need one at times tc now Ann n David👍🌺

[@Mieke3133]

Kevin - your vlogs as interesting and enjoyable as usual. I did think for a moment that you'd had the old Petter McLaren tuned up when you suddenly went from Kidsgrove to Kidderminster. 😆

[@CountryHouseGent]

Well she can actually spin a surprising turn of speed. 🤣

[@MrRed0devil]

I see your twin joined you in this video. Nice to see the teamwork.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes, he has his uses now and again. :)

[@Lynette21122431]

Technology helped you help yourself with that lock at the beginning, I see. Loved that, sir! See you next time!

[@lesliepropheter5040]

WoW ! Just had a flashback

[@tracye1866]

Yep. I had sweaty palms and heart palpitations just WATCHING you go through that tunnel!!

[@majordolbyscat]

If there was ever such a group founded as the Official Adventurous Solo Narrowboaters Association, I'd put you in the chairman role Kevin. Your an inspiration to anyone looking to 'go it alone' in order to help them carve out their own life on the cut by allowing them, first hand, to see the kind of trials and tribulations one might face. Happy five year anniversary matey.

[@thefamilyrobbo]

Great video as always. The canal by the tunnel reminds me of Heinz cream of tomato soup😊 Cloning yourself to do the locks is very clever. No wonder you made good progress 😅 Thanks again for your time and effort in producing such lovely videos. 👍

[@annwagner5779]

Enjoy your day off!

[@johndallasjohnson6066]

Thanks Kevin for that great adventure through the "Scarecastle Tunnel" one of the best episodes ever. and the beautiful countryside run up to it..Great video, 😎

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Hello Kev, another great Vlog, thank you for putting the time in, so appreciated. We look forward to visiting this tunnel ❤️❤️

[@mazack00]

Gosh that tunnel is spooky with how low it gets. The rear facing shots give a great perspective, especially with the tailing boat's light.

[@vumba1331]

In 2009 we hired a canal boat from Black Prince in Stoke and did the Counties Ring, absolute magic, really enjoyed it. As a family experience it was the best, floating through the countryside on a sunny early summer's day, highly recommended. The Harecastle Tunnel was tackled on our last day heading back to the dock at Etrusca, as you said, quite an experience and one we shall all remember. Bucklist tick! Edit - thanks to your video we were able to relive that experience, so thank you and keep up the good work 🙂

[@pamelaselmer3270]

Another great vlog... Lots of interesting stuff. . Thanks

[@jeremy5363]

Great video!

[@sonerila6987]

Oh, my gosh! I think I held my breath through the entire tunnel. I don't know how you did that. I'm claustrophobic, but it seems like anybody would be going through that dark, drippy, scary place. You're amazingly skilled. BTW, I'm right there with your ex-wife. I'd turn away from the cameras, too. She's a doll to help you during your times in need. What a special person. Thank you for all these videos. I lost you for a few years, then found you here on KZbin. Only problem is, the episodes get scrambled & I can't find the next one :(( As you English say, "cheers!"

[@katemiller8113]

Involuntarily ducked at the first low point. Better you than claustrophobic me in that tunnel. Good on ya!

[@brodie2711]

There must be Iron in them their hills what with the red water. Thanks, Kev. Very enjoyable

[@CountryHouseGent]

There sure is Stephen. As far as I know, it seeps from mines that neighbour the tunnels.

[@mikeoswald8053]

After a day of issues and confusion, I can sit and watch you go through the Harecastle tunnel while listening to Aslan's engine. After an IPA and the adventure, I'm well again. Now, if only I had a pork pie. Thanks Kevin. 😆

[@androidstaffs]

Most enjoyable and entertaining installment. It just gets better. What a journey through that tunnel. pure entertainment. All good. Thanks for brightening up my Friday evening after a week at work. Regards, Sean.

[@tamaragiurlani183]

I have finally watched all your episodes! Harecastle tunnel was something else and if I wasn't claustrophobic, I am now! Very dramatic and I glad you were guiding Aslan and all went well. Oh yes, and the headless woman jeepers creepers! Thanks, Kevin I always enjoy Travel by Narrowboat. Bon Voyage!

[@rayfowler5038]

Hi Kevin, It was nice to see you in Barlaston recently, and I can report we made it through Harecastle without having to remove our top box, just, with about 5 inches to spare. Have to say I loved the tunnel it was an experience. Loving your videos. Take care. Ray

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hello Ray. Yes lovely to have a chat with you. Good news about the headroom. Yes my impression afterwards was that it was all very good fun. Just stay in the middle and remember to duck. Safe travels. 🙂

[@conniemckenzie1136]

That was one scary tunnel Kevin! Rather you than me. However, you did have some rather pretty moorings beforehand and I loved the stone seats on the tow path. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers, Connie.

[@ifadams2908]

Kev, I'm sure I would have nightmares, after being in that collapsing tunnel ! Glad you made it safely.

[@katherinekovachg3662]

It's nice to see the numbers increasing exponentially with each new episode, well earned!

[@kplante7881]

What an adventure that tunnel…. Thanks for sharing!

[@ChrisPickstock]

Thanks for another great video Kevin! Just one point…..a couple of times you said you were just outside Kidderminster. In fact you were nowhere near Kidderminster, you were just outside Kidsgrove! 👍😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yep 😁 I blame senility.

[@chosenone7584]

Awesome, nice job Kevin. Hello from Pensacola, Florida.

[@raytheron]

Cool head makes light work of dark tunnel, eh, Kevin? Another superb video. Boy, that Leica of yours takes amazing shots. Love the saturation and crisp focus. Thankee, sirrah, for the enjoyment!

[@GaryThomsonJoinery]

I liked the way the tree in the opening shot 😄 one half blew in the wind while the other half remained still 😂👍 wonderful thank you for sharing. My wife and I are on this stretch of the canal later this year ( holiday booked ) Thank you 👍😂

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hello Gary amd Mrs Gary. Have a fabulous trip. I'm certain you'll love it. Oh and remember to pack some extra boxes of Weetabix for the locks. 😁

[@theturquoisedream9244]

Always a bright spot in my day!! Jolly good show Kevin!!👍👍

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Another enjoyable & interesting vlog Kevin...........well put together.............stay safe............thanks for sharing

[@sandywatson6520]

You are sure getting cleaver with your editing. Great job.

[@RoadCone411]

Kidsgrove. Kidderminster. Same thing, ha! I know this section of canal quite well having been through here with hired narrowboats on three different occasions. The Harecastle is quite the feat of engineering! Greetings from Connecticut, USA, where our only canals are now paved walking/bike paths.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Well they both begin with 'Kid' 😁 I blame senility.

[@billylindros3023]

Hi Kevin, I am rereading "The Wench is Dead", Colin Dexter's superb Inspector Morse novel about a munder on the Oxford Canal. In the book and then in your video it's just past the Harecastle Tunnel. The murder was supposed to happen in 1859: your video a bit later than that. Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@1258-Eckhart]

I always enjoy my virtual journeys though canal tunnels, thanks for that. The town is called Kidsgrove, Kidderminster (about 12:00) is down in Worcestershire.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yep

[@dst1667]

Love your videos💙!

[@caseyschesky3708]

Double your Kevin's, double your fun! Meant to comment on that great technique last time. 44 minutes in that "Rabbit" castle tube would have been nerve-wracking for me. Boating underground in the dark in a 200 year old tunnel...Yikes! WELL DONE. Time for a well deserved pint! Regards Casey from Michigan

[@keithweybury5212]

Hi Kevin and great cruise plus I enjoyed the Harecastle Tunnel experience. The weather looked pleasant as well. Cheers Keith.

[@davidday6838]

Excellent video, good one!!👍

[@sonyaweaver9207]

Enjoyed this episode while having my lunch at work. Was a very pleasant way to spend the time. I'm not a fan of dark, closed in spaces, so that tunnel would have been really difficult for me. Glad to see you had help from yourself doing the locks. I'm sure it helps the task go faster... 🤣 Hope you have a great weekend!

[@TerryC69]

Hi Kevin! The Harecastle really is a rabbit hole! Amazing bit of engineering that. Beautiful locations, as usual. Very nice, indeed! I will be checking out Trev's channel. Looks like he could do with a few subscribers.

[@janistotham-davies4300]

I loved having two Kevin’s, well done you!😁 The orangecolour of that part of the canal is extraordinary!

[@netrhyda8761]

Excellent video! But I suffered agonies in that tunnel haha!!

[@andyrbush]

I am never busy these days, but always make sure I am really not busy and can watch your vlog all the way though undistracted. Great to be able to enjoy the travels along with you and see so much of the canals.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

A little nerve wracking in that tunnel.

[@ritaharker8792]

Fantastic vlog as always Kevin, so many of us now will eagerly await the next one!

[@TheFragmentor]

One of your best vlogs yet, Kev. Very informative and interesting mate.

[@richardbennett3485]

Great video, especially in the tunnel. Did it as a child many moons ago, it was a great adventure, my mother regaled us with the story of the ghost 😂

[@maobfh]

I heard someone explaining, once, that the orange came from iron in the soil. I wondered then why they didn’t try to discover the source and mine the ore during one of the wars when they struggled to get enough ore. Having it coming from one of the tunnels makes much more sense. I always forget that rust is the cause and am disconcerted by the hue. Especially today when you did not want to moor near the sewer works. I was trying to understand why you weren’t complaining about the stench and it would take some really tall gloves for me to stick my hands down the weed hatch. Then I remember that it es from oxidation and want to thump me own forehead. But the next video, I will be shuddering at the look of the water and start the mystery all over again. And Apple did away with the eye rolling emoji. Disappointing. Great video! Thanks for letting us enjoy it with you! Well , after you but it feels like we are traveling with you and I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@CountryHouseGent]

The ore comes from old mines that neighbour the tunnels,.

[@bonnietigner4207]

Thanks. That was incredible! Bonnie is AZ