Wiltshire Man Cycle ride along Swindon's Old Canal. What's left of it!

[@hollie_marie]

This is weird I live in Swindon and this was randomly recommended to me by KZbin.

[@anujgupta208]

Same with me 🙂

[@elizabethbarnfield6367]

Same lol

[@hitenderxd6340]

same

[@jsmithkoko]

and me

[@bentyler2968]

I lived in Swindon but been in Australia for a year. And it was still recommended to me

[@pauljones5066]

Wiltshire Man you are one cool guy!!!

[@VishalSingh-db7zc]

Whiltshire man. Thanks for taking us through this beautiful ride. I have been in swindon from last 1 year and have never seen so much of swindon. Things are changing and it will but its always so nice to see how it used to be. Please add more related videos. Happy to see you again.

[@im_NOT_passive_aggressive]

I agree - great video

[@johnfranklin3001]

Looks like Old Swindon's character, charm, and history has been concreted over in the name of progress; like most other towns and cities across the UK. What will people think of today's buildings in 50 or a 100 years' time? Will they look up and say 'what a beautiful building' ? I suspect not. There should be more thought given to the legacy we are leaving for those that come after us.

[@bobrose7900]

I agree to some extent, but the canal was abandoned in 1914 when times were very different, and survival was all that mattered to most people. shame nonetheless. The 50s and 60s concrete framed structures were a quick fix following the war and years of austerity and to some extent unavoidable, just look at Plymouth. I really object to the glass towers that are popping elsewhere next to and detracting from beautiful historic buildings like the Tower of London. Bath and Oxford stand out by much more careful management of these types of development.

[@suzannesmith4330]

john franklin recommended to me as well, moved from Swindon twenty five year ago and more, very strange

[@johnfranklin3001]

@@bobrose7900 I agree with your more carefully balanced summary of the situation. The fact remains though that over the last 70 years, at least, the vast majority of what has been built is either ugly, characterless, of poor quality, or a combination of all three. I do not think these buildings have aged well or will be cherished by future generations. It Is, for all manner of reasons, a pretty poor legacy we leave in my own opinion.

[@whatfruit7965]

@@johnfranklin3001 Its the loss of empire sadly. We no longer have access to the wealth, natural resources and cheap labour to make the stunning structures of the past.

[@johnfranklin3001]

What Fruit I am sure what you say is right, but I don't think it's the whole story. Good design and aesthetics do not necessarily have to be expensive. Also, there is too much short-term thinking. Buildings are being constructed which will not last very long, and will need to be demolished and another building constructed in their place. It would be more economical in the long run to build better quality buildings that stand the test of time. This is a reflection on today's society and the way it operates in all manner of ways. In my opinion there is too much focus on the here and now, and too little thought for the future. That is why I said there needs to be more thought given to the legacy we leave for future generations.

[@BackofAsda]

It’s cool to see how everything gets more familiar, i didn’t really think Swindon was that special until my dad showed me where all the boats were and what remained of history up by nova hreod

[@RobertsBulgaria]

That was very interesting, such a pity they filled parts of the canal in and discontinued it. Such is progress.

[@michaelgrainge9349]

As a Swindonian that video brought a tear to the eye. Thanks for making this... Really well made.... I love your appetite for all things beautiful.

[@andybrock100]

You negotiated that first roundabout like a rebellious teen 😂😂

[@IansRCExploits]

I'm from Cardiff!! But I worked on BREL In Swindon for a year in the late 80's when it was turned into a shopping centre!! I had a great time and loved popping into Swindon Town passing some little brewery's!! And the first time I delt with the magic roundabout scared me rigid Lol great video brought back some great memories, thanks for sharing Wiltshire Man👍😄

[@darrensmith6999]

Nice one thank you for taking me along. Hope your wife is feeling better. Take care guys stay Well. (:

[@HatsuneMiku01Otaku]

I love how you tell the facts and tall about Swindon while you're riding :3

[@jodiecostello603]

I feel like I might know you 😂

[@ondp4678]

Great to see all you "old Blokes" out riding and having fun. Hope I am still riding a motorbike at 89 !

[@pawlett1]

Delightful! Only thing missing was a brew with the Svea stove on a GWR bench. Maybe next time. Nice one Sandy. G

[@leeflats9595]

Wonderful capture and record of 2 years ago. We are now 2 years on and in a whole new world of trouble. But a really thoughtful and interesting capture of your part of the UK and piece of your town's history. Take care. A new fan😄

[@sjhw29]

Thanks for making and sharing.

[@campfire52]

I really envy the people in the UK that are just absolutely engulfed in such rich history that has been so fabulously preserved for you all to enjoy. Definitely job well done for all of the people who are so obviously proud and so very dedicated to maintain the history for all of the next generations to enjoy and appreciate. And thank you Sandy for taking the time and effort to share this with your viewers. We are all so blessed to have video makers like yourself and your brother Andy that are so willing to take their cameras along and share some of your adventures with those of us who are lucky enough to have found your channels. See you on the next one.

[@NeathVideos]

What,no sit down for a brew-sacrilege 😉. Thoroughly enjoyed Sandy 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

I'll have to rectify that:)

[@clairchase9075]

Thank you for posting this, super interesting and after showing my boys (11 and 9) we decided to do this same route and really enjoyed seeing it in person 😎👍

[@davidtownsend6367]

I live in Swindon, used to walk these routes. I hardly recognise much of it after 30 years. My grandad and I used to scrump apples near first canal bridge. We used to paddle our feet in the river Ray!

[@VisionAssoc]

Superb, very relaxing and interesting...Thanks Sandy👍

[@crazyhorsejohnny1974]

Very nice ride on a beautiful day. Thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.

[@jamietobin5081]

Nice bike ride. Really enjoyed that . I live in Swindon and never walked all the way to the end. I'd like to see you go to Barbury castle. I've done it before but not for a long time. Thanks.

[@andyley329]

Lovley little video, especially now Swindon so quiet. Bridge at 18.37 is fair new, i remember them building it from scratch. At time wondered why they were building a fancy bridge in middle of nowhere. Keep up good work👍

[@maxamus]

Thanks Sandy ...another wonderful vlog

[@Stolenstar95]

Beautiful Photos and a lovely walk 😯 will have to give that one ago!

[@tedarcher2316]

Fleming way was named after harold Fleming, a footballer, whale bridge named after the whale pub which was on it

[@earlofnythe]

That's exactly what I was about to say, I believe he was the only Player capped by England whilst playing for Swindon Town. Definitely true, not named after an author. 👍

[@tedarcher2316]

His career could have been even greater but,he was a religious man and refused to play any matches on a sunday

[@hendrikarqitekt6286]

🤣

[@johnwpolsce9401]

...and a nice Swindon accent you have got man. I lived in Swindon for the first 30 years of my life, and have made my own videos about the town. Fantastic content and keep up the good work.

[@a320trevor]

Very enjoyable vlog and history.

[@toekafrank6998]

Lovely! Great job.👍 Thank you 🙏🍃🌿☘️

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure!

[@kinniesboy]

Really enjoyed this video. Lived in Swindon for so many years and never fully understood the route in which the canal ran. Went to St Joes school and remember when and where the canal was covered nearby. Fascinating. Thank you

[@philt5782]

You're brave cycling the Magic Sandy! Mind you it must be a bit quieter at the moment. And thank you for the history lesson. I've lived near and visited Swindon town for nearly twenty years and never knew the meaning of the names of the roads, etc. Of course I knew about Brunel!... lol. Seriously, I loved this video. Great job. I've watched it a couple of times to take it all in.

[@rhysturner7922]

I'd rather cycle it than go on it on my moped. Even if no cars are on it the roundabouts a devil. Though he's definitely brave for doing so, definitely a wilt he is.

[@koffibanan3099]

Lovely. I'm obsessed with old canals and railways, thanks for taking us along! They are trying to restore the full length of the wilks & berks, albeit with some adjustments in the route obviously. Hope they succeed!

[@Celtic-Silver-countryman]

Very informative Sandy, my dad used to take regular trips to Oxford and you could see remnants of the canal to the right, I remember that acorn Bridge had two archways one blocked off where the canal used at one time now use for traffic as you know.

[@rml7889]

Thanks for sharing yet another really enjoyable video Sandy. Really looking forward to your next one. Atb R&M

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Hi agn Sandy, Tnx fer the lovely ride along the canal. we don't have things like that here in New England. The only canal close by is the Erie Canal. and it is about 35 miles from here to the start of it. off the Hudson River. it goes almost 300 miles to the Great Lakes region. We finally got a taste of spring here today. up near 15deg C. so spent the day out working in the yard and getting mower ready for the season. once again I really enjoy getting out and about on your journey's thank you very much for that Sandy. Pass along my greeting to Mandy hope she is still recovering well. 73 agn Sandy and gud dx!. de Ellis WA1RKS

[@WiltshireMan]

Glad it's finally becoming warmer over there Ellis. I guess we have more history over here in the "Old country"

[@BIG-K]

That was the best bike ride I've had in ages, Sandy. Interesting commentary and lots to see. Great stuff! Thank you.

[@osheabeast1]

Lovely video. Would be great to see even more parts of Swindon in your future video.

[@michael-lt2lf]

This is so heartening and so comforting - thank you.

[@gregknight293]

...........Nice ride, Sandy.......Thanks for taking us along.....Best wishes to the Mrs. for a speedy recovery.....and to you for good healthy bicycling.......Take care crossing those big intersections........

[@dianemumford839]

I grew up in Swindon, and even though I have lived in New Zealand for over 40 years, I can remember this as it was near my Grandparent’s house.

[@nealeburgess6756]

Nice ride Sandy. I remember visiting Swindon in the late 60s, when i was about 13. We stayed with an older couple. The man had worked all his life in the GWR works. He gave me a booklet with lots of pictures of the railway works, which back in the day had been a very important part of the railways. It is a shame when these amazing engineering achievements are just left to go to nothing, both canals and railways.

[@jonbuckle3582]

Don't know if you know but there's another part of that canal that's been renovated outside of Melksham. There's still remains of it here as well. Thanks for the great video.

[@StitchyBee]

Sandy I’ve lived in Swindon for 10 years and still never discovered the beautiful places you’ve shared. Thank you so much, Cheryl.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Cheryl, There's a lot of history here if you know what to look for. Sadly in many cases it's just the place names that give a hint to what was there in the past, like that in many places these days! Sandy

[@martinfoy5167]

A very poignant journey sandy , really enjoyed that video 👏👏👏👏🚲👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Swindon has changed almost completely over the last 100 years Martin

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Great ride. A real shame that the canal was disused and filled in. Nice to see the remnants of it. Thanks for the history. 👍🏻

[@iedwards8172]

What a lovely film, 23 minutes of bliss. Thanks Sandy, All the best.

[@Valentino92dd]

This is strange I live in swindon! And this video was in my recommendation ahah cool video lad

[@elderhiker7787]

That was time well spent. Thanks for taking us on this guided tour of Swindon. Very nice. Thank you.

[@richardfoster5851]

Great video Sandy I did my first year apprenticeship at the British rail training school in Swindon 1984 ,and I lived in Gladstone Street also,which you passed by the magic roundabout ,great memories ,thanks👍

[@abefrohman1759]

Thank you for taking us along on the ride Sandy. ATB

[@grantperry8195]

I always start my day by watching one of your videos - this one's another little gem. Your commentary's are great ! Thanks again.

[@johndivit5869]

Lovely tonic Sandy! Eagerly awaiting your next epic voyage! Keep safe - Especially at roundabouts!!!!!!

[@bushlore21]

Good morning Sandy, very nice tour, thank you 👍

[@6Twisted]

I used to ride down the canal all the time with my dad. I haven't been there in almost 20 years.

[@bobrose7900]

What a great video, and well done to SBC for preserving what is left of the canal. Can't blame anyone for the abandonment in 1914... different times, but what a shame. This canal is another part of Swindon's hidden jewels, and I must admit I've yet to cycle the Wichelstowe path along the canal. I hope viewers of this video gain a greater appreciation of Swindon's assets. The canal spawned many landmarks and, or course, pubs along it's route back in the early 1800s. Well down Wiltshire Man. Now, Lydiard and the Steam Museum please!

[@Wessexphotography]

What an excellent ride Sandy . I have walked part of the canal from the rail bridge that we cycled over popular with fishing ..looks like they've done a good job in restoring it.. hope you both are keeping well. Atvb Joe.

[@WiltshireMan]

All OK Thanks Joe. Mandy is on the mend after a big op

[@clearprop]

Great to join you on another excursion. I used the Eastern Flyer on a long distance ride in 2017. It was somewhat busier then! Thanks for the tour of your hometown. 👍

[@Ra-zor]

Makes me really appreciate having a boat on the Kennet and Avon canal for a few years back in the late 90's. Having a canal only a few minutes away makes you forget how special they are sometimes.... Might have to visit the canal next week. Thank you for the lovely video...

[@WiltshireMan]

Boat life must be very peaceful. I follow a few boating channels on here too.

[@Ra-zor]

@@WiltshireMan It used to be the perfect life indeed in the late 90's. Unfortunately when the country started to become more crowded in the very early 2000's everyone seemed to take to the waterways to live as a cheap alternative to shore living. The waterways became over crowed within a few short years (on the stretch of the Kennet and Avon I was moored at the number of boats tripled in just two short years) and the sense of community faded to a shadow of its former self (very hard to retain a community when you speak different languages). I stay in touch with a few that are still moored there to this day, and the community spirit is partly still there, but apparently feels more like a normal housing estate now with most keeping to themselves than the real boating community it used to be...

[@alanbritton]

Great video and lovely shots too. From where you stopped the canal went on (as you said) to Wooton Bassett and then via Devizes and Chippenham to Semington and the coal fields. From the point where you started, the canal travels along Weedon Road (there was a bridge where Nythe Road is now) and on to Abingdon where it joined the Thames.

[@bradlyttle]

Great to see pedestrian/cycle paths (re)integrated into urban planning schemes. What was once an industrial commercial canal and towpath some has now been saved for recreational space and trails. Good stuff. Thanks Sandy for this glimpse of Swindon.

[@wnchillbilly1]

enjoyed it Sandy , , , splendid day for a ride , , excellent photography : - )

[@Matthewsaaan]

Great video, I grew up in Swindon and have most of my family there so I've been feeling quite home sick and it was really nice getting to see Swindon like this.

[@Owen196]

I always rode my bike down there when doing deliveroo deliveries back in 2016 good memories thanks for showing me!

[@lycian123]

Quite surprised there was no lock-down in the UK when this was filmed. Just appears to be people not going to work. Enjoyed the video.

[@silktvPDR1]

Again very relaxing watching and making me wanting to get out and about.

[@999zahra]

Brings back memories of my time in Swindon though the developement has since increased when I moved 4 years ago after 15 years living there. Thank you for the videos.

[@vovkdavies]

Lovely to see my building site in Wichelstowe Finally back on it

[@markattardo]

Thanks for the tour. I watch a couple of narrowboat channels, this was a treat.

[@elizagarrett5254]

Excellent video, really enjoyed this! Thank you Wiltshire Man

[@zdenekoldrichmarek2867]

GWR,God's Wonderfull Railway !Nichtwahr?Nice video.PS.There was a large Railway GWR Factory at Swindon.Be Blessed And thanks for the showing.

[@robertspencer5219]

Lovely trip, Sandy, thanks for sharing it.

[@9m2sh]

This brings back memories of the years in the 70s when I lived in Llangorse, Brecon. Tnx mate.

[@coops9871]

Good fishing at llangorse 👍

[@OldBlindDougArtist]

love your biking videos Sandy. I just revived my new ebike yesterday. I do believe I will ride more with the new bike.

[@WiltshireMan]

Welldone Doug. Have fun on your bike and don't fall off

[@OldBlindDougArtist]

@@WiltshireMan I will try real hard not to fall off.

[@twistedtube1310]

Nice one Sandy. Have this one on my list to do. You picked the right time to do this. Look forward to the next time cheers.

[@ColinTonkasdad]

a good bit of history and great viewing for Sunday evening cheers Sandy

[@gordonmculloch4904]

It's amazing how much things change. Cheers 👍

[@01cthompson]

Very nice. The history in your area is amazing.

[@wiltsrocket7147]

Hi Sandy good video as usual always enjoy your travels, just like to correct you if I can on one point, Flemming way is not named after Ian Flemming but Harold Flemming who lived in Swindon and played for Swindon Town FC and also England, keep up the vlogs and stay safe 😷

[@christopherellis2663]

I spent a night under a hedge by the canal at Stone, somewhat north of Wilts. 2015.

[@JustinTaylor1098]

Lovely relaxing video. I bought a few bikes from the old George White dealership and I always got confused at the Magic Roundabout... George Whites is not around anymore sadly. Take care Sandy.

[@rvingsooz]

What a lovely ride. I just love those old bridges.

[@lewisward4359]

Thanks for the tour. Seems to be a fair amount of new and recent construction in the area. booming town

[@robinoconnor1203]

Good film, from where you stopped the canal went out past Wootten Bassett to Dauntsey, I believe they have restored the canal and locks down there, it then went across towards Melksham, ending at Semington I think. There are several sections that still have water in them, some used for fishing. I followed some sections of it when I worked in that area, its quite easy to find parts of it.

[@marksadventures3889]

Great stuff Sandy. Really enjoyed that. I was out to Barrowford Junction today and then down to Brierfeild on the towpath checking out some old mills for a video I'd planning soon, of Mills, Weaving Sheds & Mines in the Pendle vale.

[@mischef18]

Thank you bro I did enjoy the views and your commentary. Stay safe

[@MrLooj69]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one Sandy! I love local history especially Canal routes and old Railway passages. My mate is from Royal Wooton Basset but spent a lot of time in Swindon so im going to share this with him for a bit of nostalgia. Thanks again and I hope your wife is on the mend. All the best.

[@barrywebber100]

That was a lovely day for a very nice ride. Thanks Sandy.

[@shirleybraithwaite2940]

Enjoyable and interesting journey,thank you.

[@BorderRambler]

Always good to have a ratch about on the bike , most enjoyable Sandy and so quiet during lockdown :-) atb Dave

[@Daytona2]

Interesting but depressing to see, thanks Sandy. The new buildings are utterly devoid of style they will become blighted. I knew Dauntsey Wharf but hadn't connected it. I found an article on Vastern Wharf which refers to some nearby health giving, saline springs that were a popular destination. They might be fun to find. Since YT blocks posts with links, search for "1896: Vastern Wharf and the Chalybeate Spas at Whitehill". The Cistercian Abbey at Stanley looks interesting too. Passed it many a time without realising what's there.

[@benhodson2800]

Great video sandy. Lovely to learn a bit of local history.

[@peteblackwell3]

Very interesting Sandy. Good to see people complying with lockdown . Love the canal and the bridges and the very nice buildings including the brewery. Hope Mandy is doing well ! Best wishes P & M .

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Pete, Mandy is on the mend now and going out for walks, Still in some discomfort but improving each day

[@michaelhutton3642]

That was just lovely, thanks for the trip. 👍

[@BloodnGutz43]

Hi Sandy , the old skew bridge,handrail has some nice features incorporated into it, the old stone canal bridge i was told was actually built by a wilts n Berks members, sometime ago, love the filming great video,

[@WiltshireMan]

Swindon was once a proud town but these days I feel it's getting run down in places

[@whitetongueoutdoors]

Excellent video, thanks. atb

[@daveandthegang]

Great video, and a bit of a trip down memory lane... lived in Malmesbury but went to school in Swindon in the 1970s.. not far from The Magic Roundabout. I think we did cross-country running near the old canal ,in the area shown near the start of the video. Good to see Swindon appears to be cycle-friendly, and very weird to see the town centre so quiet.

[@jeetts59]

That was a very fascinating video

[@TheMendipman]

Excellent Sandy. I was familiar with various bits of that, but it's very interesting to see how it all links together. Love to all, Noel

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Noel, O thought you would find this interesting. I'll have to cycle along the railway next but better wait til it becomes abandoned first:)

[@chrismccartney8668]

Superb Cycleway...