Travels by Narrowboat - "Harecastle Tunnel" - S08E10

This is it, the big one, where I finally get to tumble down the 'rabbit hole' that is Harecastle Tunnel, on the Trent & Mersey canal - long, dark, low and mysterious, this tunnel even comes with it's own ghost !!
Before I can experience this fabled (and often feared) historic landmark, I must first climb a set of 5 locks, where I then moor for the week at Kidsgrove.
The following weekend, I'm finally all set to tackle one final lock and where shortly afterwards, I can stop for the night at the tunnel's waiting area.
Early next morning, I take the plunge and reluctantly take the lead in a convoy of two other boats.
With the tunnels southern-end doors closed I have, for the first time, no 'light' to journey towards, instead relying on the basic assumption that the tunnel 'must' eventually come to an end . . .
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All 6 seasons of Travels By Narrowboat are available to stream on Amazon Prime, with Seasons 7 & 8 here on KZbin. www.amazon.com...
#narrowboat #canal #travelsbynarrowboat

[@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!

[@FatimaRose1917]

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

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Linda and hope you enjoy. 🙂

[@bates1j]

Fancy editing there, Kevin, or was that your twin Bevin helping you with the lock?😄

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes, he pops along when needed. Helped out a few times on this trip. ;)

[@johankolver9272]

@@CountryHouseGent Would be a really cool special effect if your helper is dressed differently but can imagine how time consuming it would be to pull that off! :) Thank you so much for the fantastic content as always. Johan and Amy

[@karenfay4545]

Karen & I refer the taking a day off aboard and doing nothing as spending the day DEAD for tax purposes 😊. Like Hotblack Desiato of hitchhikes guide to the galaxy guide galaxy fame. Mark & Karen Fay

[@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.

[@terryt2355]

Have you ever noticed that in episode 10 Kevin twice refers to being near Kidderminster - I think he means Kidsgrove?

[@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!🤣

[@PeterPanMan]

Hey, Kev...through the miracle that is KZbin, I once again find myself sitting at my home office desk in the Philadelphia (USA) suburbs, spending a wonderful 1/2 hour eating my lunch while watching you guide "Aslan" through the lovely English countryside. May the Petter-McLaren live forever. I do have a question. Does the C&RT (or anyone else) ever dredge the canals? I frequently see your prop stir up clouds of silt.

[@DavidBriggsAdventures]

CRT is funded like we fund wildlife in America. Through license sales and donations. Most of the funding goes to lock replacement and services. Dredging does happen, but it's a limited operation that frequently takes a second seat to the weed boats. I'm an American with a family history on the cut. The volunteer spirit of Americans wants to pitch in from all the trades and "Git 'r done" Brits have a slightly slower pace of work on canals. The management ethic is a subject of frequently heated debate depending on who you ask. I frequently want to pack up my tools for a working vacation. ;)

[@billpadgett6585]

Sounds like the perfect tiffin. We really appreciate the scenery Kevin films and chooses to share with us; very enjoyable.

[@missinglink7709]

yeah I want them dug 30 feet deep so as to cool the water more for a more healthy biosphere.

[@PeterPanMan]

@@DavidBriggsAdventures VERY informative. Thanks!

[@PeterPanMan]

@@billpadgett6585 I actually know what "tiffin" means! You could say I'm "chuffed" about it. :)

[@72Leroy]

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

[@kipphelan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@suzannebigbee7596]

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

[@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 ? 😄🤣🤣

[@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

[@stephenpowell3334]

As you approached the Scarecastle I thought can anyone double subscribe, you seemed to have resolved the Iron staining debate, then when you were at the other end and looking at the old tunnel….I wonder, is the iron stained water seeping out of there? ….then draining through the Telford tunnel? Anyway, I still want to double subscribe, fantastic coverage once again and one of the first that seems to show how claustrophobic it all is. Shame you couldn’t film the headless woman.

[@CountryHouseGent]

That is a strong possibility Stephen, and then getting pulled through the Telford tunnel every time the preceeding lock is drained. 🤔

[@ronnielloyd4676]

I think it's great you had your twin brother to help you at the locks...don't tell him, but I think he's put a bit of weight on...makes you look quite skinny ;) You then had some lovely young ladies helping you! What an easy day! It looks like the tomato soup factory has had another spill at Harecastle! How many times does it have to happen!?

[@LarrySams71]

Kevin, one of the best episodes ever...much interesting content to hold one's attention, thankfully not the excitement of the Millennium Ribble Link passage, but a lot going on with the Harecastle tunnel...I'm certain your background installing industrial doors explains your levelheaded response to the various challenges you are presented with (such as grounding) --- the still photography is stunning...wonder why the canal water is the color of blood sausage on this stretch -- as ever, I'm eager to see the next installment...

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Larry. Yes it's surprising how much a varied life can help with the unexpected on canals. The color is iron oxide seepage from neighbouring mines.

[@oneshoan]

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

[@Brenden083]

Beautiful scenes. Ever look into flat earth? Water always finds its own level... You will never see water curve. It's always sea level....

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Brenden. No I've never delved far into the subject, beyond a cursory peek 'round the door'. Each to their own I say.

[@susanmarker2164]

So you keep your twin chained up in the closet? Is he unfit for public veiwing?..😮😳😅Great trip through the tunnel...I'm always so relieved when those doors open. Thanks for the exitement!..😊

[@hmarc417]

Home of red bull, It gives you wings. LOL CCHHEERRSSSSS always wondered where red bull was made LOLOLOLOL he said snickering loudly LOLOL

[@shawnsalazar5416]

Hi Kevin nice video as always, the extractor fans, would you be able get some information as to the actual size of one of these fans at some time in the future that is if it is not too much trouble for you ?

[@kingpabst]

I see that you have your twin brother helping you out again he always wears the same exact clothes as you

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed, I've told him enough times. Looks up to me, or something. 🙄

[@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

[@dosrios9517]

Reference to Kidderminster instead of Kidsgrove had me looking to see if I had skipped some episodes!! Regardless I’m enjoying the journey…

[@telmore6490]

I took her home to my place Watching every move on her face She said look, what's your game baby Are you tryin' to put me in shame I said slow don't go so fast Don't you think that love can last She said love, Lord above Now you're tryin' to trick me in love

[@brianmoffit2012]

Us diesel $ $6.25 gallon as of today. But no taking advantage of the Crisis in Eastern Europe of course

[@tompinnef6331]

So did you see the ghost? 8-) Wonder how many $$$$$$$$$ it would cost to replace the tunnel today. Thank you for the video. Most of the narrow boat channels I've watched are now gone. So you are my primary one now. Keep up the good work. Take care - Be safe. Spinner or Spin (my nickname) from the US.

[@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

[@hobbshire9373]

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

[@re10shun1]

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

[@jules9303]

Just wonderful what a top video thank you 😊

[@joerg-michajahn4963]

I was aware that Aslan was heavier than typical - but how much deeper does she run as a result?

[@CountryHouseGent]

She's about 2'9". Most modern boats are around 2' to 2'3".

[@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.

[@laurahaughton4523]

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

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Gee, water running in the tunnel wall... Only a matter of when not if the water will win and the tunnel will.. you know....

[@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. 🙃

[@trevorspottiswood985]

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

[@nosmoking4933]

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

[@kiltedbill7594]

WAS IT JUST ME OR DID YOU HAVE YOUR EVIL TWIN HELPING YOU WITH THE PADDLES IN THE FIRST SCENE?

[@andreacruff4302]

Agree. Not for the claustrophobic! 😩 Yikes!

[@joannewendt1792]

I need that shirt; the gray one.. somehow mine from 3?years ago shrunk in the wash

[@btudrus]

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

[@geobolt8788]

What about a diesel generator? Would it be able to use the same fuel as powers the boat?

[@MERKAMGCLK]

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

[@chosenone7584]

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

[@steveweave2797]

Kevin, you had to go and bring up something controversial and express an opinion!! OMG!! You know what this means!!! Argh!! SUBSCRIBED FOR LIFE!!! Hahahaha... cheers from Tennessee... Keep up the good work!!

[@martyb3783]

Another fantastic video Kevin. I had to laugh at your reaction when you thought your stove pipe was going to hit the low bridge. I am glad that it cleared. (It did clear didnt it?) Enjoy your time off and I cant wait until the next one.

[@CountryHouseGent]

It got slightly buckled but straightened it out with pliers (almost). 🙂

[@georgesmith8113]

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

[@bonnietigner4207]

Thanks. That was incredible! Bonnie is AZ

[@katemiller8113]

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

[@pamelaselmer3270]

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

[@TheFragmentor]

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

[@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. 🙂

[@52memor]

Hey Kev I really love it now you're back on You Tube. Great vids thanks by the way my name is Al

[@madboater1]

you missed the skeleton.... about 500m in on the left coming out of one of the safety holes....

[@CountryHouseGent]

Happy I did Julia. That appearing out of the dark would be an experience.

[@donnameyer2574]

When horses pulled narrow boats, how did the boats move through the narrow tunnels?

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Donna. The boats were "legged" through by people laying on their backs on the roof of the boat. Backbreaking and soul destroying work.

[@donnameyer2574]

WOW! Thank you for your series! I very much appreciate all your hard work, experience and interesting commentary.

[@onokaya]

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

[@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. 😆

[@davidfinch5062]

At the risk of repeating myself, another great vlog. Thank you. Do you have any plans for making another cooking vlog?

[@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....

[@lorencolt]

In previous episodes you referred to books about life on the canals can you do a reference list of recommended ones to read.

[@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. 🤣

[@Dave-bu6bc]

I tend to agree with you on the Iron Ore. Subscribed :oP Should be passing through there myself in about 2 weeks time, in the opposite direction. Last time we did Harecastle we had a massive engine failure just after we got out of the tunnel, hoping we don't have a recurrence this time.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Engine failure ?!? That doesn't sound like fun, though at least it didn't happen in the tunnel. Second time's a charm, as they say. Have fun.

[@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.

[@davidthomas6859]

Kevin you keep saying Kidderminster 🤔

[@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

[@mikehurley5052]

I guess the downside of a vintage engine is the deep draft it produces. I would love an old engine but it seems to come with its restrictions. Clothing saying soviet???, burn it.

[@CountryHouseGent]

They're not all bad, just a compromise at times.

[@jameshallen007]

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

[@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!

[@Phleeper]

I saw your boat moored up when I was heading to Kidsgroverminster Tesco one day, and also the notice for Trev's Travels in his window. I always wonder if the boats I see as I pass belong to vloggers.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed there's so many channels now Paul, 90% of boats could belong to vloggers. 😁

[@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 👍

[@okt1637]

N I thought I panicked in n MRI !!!! x

[@Karlos-ginger]

I wonder if the boat behind you in the tunnel realised they had a small collapsed star as a front light?🤣🤣 Wow that looked bright

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed Karlos, it was incredibly bright.

[@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).

[@chuckmays3857]

Haunted or not, it would be hair raising enough just to pass through the tunnel. Any explanation as to what they did with all the dirt they removed when they originally built the tunnel? Great video.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Chuck. I believe they dug a big hole, and put it in that.

[@mylerism]

That water. Half expected Augustus Gloop to be splashing about in that.

[@CountryHouseGent]

If he likes iron oxide, I'm sure he'll love it.

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@andysnat]

I was born in Kidder. 66 years ago!!

[@52memor]

10.40 you said "you don't need to go to the Gym etc" I go three times a week, Running weights etc just been on a five mile WALK and I'm as stiff as anything Great vids thanks Al

[@CountryHouseGent]

Might be overdoing it?

[@ClassXIRoads]

Not sure that i would be able to manage the tunnel , that was pretty tight, I am not one for tight spots, I'll more then likely have nightmares about it one of theses night, goods to hear the comforting tick over of your engine in that dark and damp hole. Thanks for the clip I enjoyed not being there .

[@ifadams2908]

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

[@bgwfan]

Yes indeed a tad claustrophobic

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

A little nerve wracking in that tunnel.

[@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.

[@Rovinman]

I knew it wasn't THAT scary - honest ! Glad it's over though ! Lovely scenic journey ! I'm so laid back now, I'm horizontal ! It's all downhill from here ! Stay safe see you on the next one ! Stu xx

[@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

[@northwalescoast7911]

Good stuff thank you 👍

[@katherinekovachg3662]

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

[@sarahsue42]

Wow what an intense experience that tunnel was,not my idea of fun A friend took me pot holing once (my first and last experience underground) & I wanted to kiss the ground like the pope on emerging.Your look and sounds of relief reminded me of that!

[@jimsoltner8978]

That must be one heck of an experience. Safe journeys! Cheers

[@Esightseeingtheuk]

Hi Kevin another good video how the hell did you make it look like that was 2 of you thanks for another chapter in your life xo

[@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, 😎

[@pipsmom]

Loving the snapshots. :)

[@jimmunro4649]

People going unsub for silly things like that better off with them gone

[@CountryHouseGent]

Very true Jim and incredibly I have lost many because of one innocent thing I may have said, that they didn't agree with. Nature of things I suppose. They come, they go. 🙂