96. Taking my narrowboat through Harecastle (“Scarecastle”!) tunnel on the Trent & Mersey canal

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2017
  • #narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
    It's finally time for me to face me greatest canal tunnel fear and go through the (almost 3,000 yard long) Harecastle tunnel. It's wide enough only for one boat and has partially collapsed in the middle so headroom is extremely limited and all boats are checked before they enter (and counted in and out by dedicated tunnel-keepers). Here goes!
    Got a question? Read this!
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    Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the TH-cam music library

ความคิดเห็น • 1.2K

  • @markb9974
    @markb9974 5 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    Great video, found it Interesting but couldn't work out why you didn't just tap stakes in the ground

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +83

      I have mooring pins, all narrowboaters do. However, leaping off the boat with pin and hammer, banging it in and tying to it then having to wrench it out again just a few moments later is exactly the kind of hassle that a conveniently-placed lock bollard would avoid! ;-)

    • @markb9974
      @markb9974 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@CruisingTheCut Yes fair point. I did get caught out a few times myself but then I did only have a 23ft sports cruiser.
      Good video!

    • @jessiesorbet2434
      @jessiesorbet2434 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@CruisingTheCut Perhaps something like this would be useful for a temporary mooring?
      www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=120&pf_id=66259
      I see these used for boats, canopy, tents, etc.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Having to leap off the boat with any kind of pin, screw or other device and force it into the ground then having to wrench it out again just a few moments later is exactly the kind of hassle that a conveniently-placed lock bollard would avoid! ;-)

    • @jessiesorbet2434
      @jessiesorbet2434 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@CruisingTheCut Point taken. Indeed, too much ' screwing' around. ☺ Great vlog by the way.

  • @seraphina985
    @seraphina985 5 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    Ok I have no clue why youtube would suddenly think that I'd be interested in boat videos but apparently it knew something even I didn't, was interesting.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      :-)

    • @mariaolden640
      @mariaolden640 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same! I've never searched for anything like this but it came on randomly and now I've watched loads 🤣

    • @ethanhayes9989
      @ethanhayes9989 ปีที่แล้ว

      This happened to me. The algorithm gave me canal boats even though I was scared of water 😂 few years later, I'm obsessed, trying to buy my own boat!

    • @princesskateforthewin
      @princesskateforthewin ปีที่แล้ว

      @Maria Olden
      Years ago, I read something about a narrow boat in England traveling in a tunnel in some book I like (oh, my brain broke and I don't remember the title of the book). So I got interested. I'm American but I've been an Anglophile for 30 years.

    • @princesskateforthewin
      @princesskateforthewin ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ethanhayes9989 I don't own any vehicles, land or water, but there was a narrow boat going through a tunnel in England in a book I liked years ago. That's what brought me here.

  • @drindajacobs5278
    @drindajacobs5278 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    That tunnel scares the beans out of me, you are braver than i am. I would avoid it like the plague.

    • @princesskateforthewin
      @princesskateforthewin ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree! The real thing would scare the beans out of me. The video doesn't scare me, though.

  • @8Clips
    @8Clips 5 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    This might be the most British video I've ever watched.

    • @orjan6110
      @orjan6110 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      whys that

  • @LetumComplexo
    @LetumComplexo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I'll never understand why this ended up in my recommended video list, but it was an interesting glimpse into something I'd never considered doing before. Cheers.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      TH-cam can be odd like that sometimes! Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @JK-tu1xx
    @JK-tu1xx 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    TH-cam, I don't know how I got here or what made me click this video but I'm onto you.

  • @rogertancock5616
    @rogertancock5616 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have cruised this tunnel 5 times, and it is always a good feeling to reach the end. The last time I went though my hat was knocked off my head. So glad it was my hat and not my head that hit the roof.

    • @bill45colt
      @bill45colt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      roger,,,sorry,,,i misread your post. At first reading i read,,,i have cursed this tunnel,,,,I still wonder if id have written comments in my terms!! There are more brave limeys there than i had imagined!! many regards,,,we are jealous of your adventures!!

  • @Thekaiserwill
    @Thekaiserwill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    “I’ve checked the weed hatch”
    You know what? This whole cruising doesn’t seem that bad after all...

  • @nsn73
    @nsn73 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Whew! I felt like I was going through that tunnel with you, my heart was pounding.

  • @AntPDC
    @AntPDC 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    "Hello, and welcome to the vlog": always a prelude to something wonderful! Thanks for these marvellous pieces David - the more so given that you do it all single-handedly: steering the boat, doing the locks, filming, editing, and above all, your ever-enlightening commentary. It's a rare delight to watch your progress along England's canals.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you. When you phrase it like that, it is quite remarkable ;-)

    • @AntPDC
      @AntPDC 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      CruisingTheCut I'd just add that you have planted a rather disturbing seed of an idea in my partner's mind...
      I hold you entirely responsible, but in a good way. Best wishes, and keep them coming please.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Uh-oh...

  • @andymiller4971
    @andymiller4971 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Been through this tunnel with chas hardern boats, it's certainly fumey in there, glad i experienced the harecastle tunnel... Once done never forgotten.

  • @LayerTwentySeven
    @LayerTwentySeven 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Man... I just found this video and for some reason it's really relaxing

  • @quaaludes7898
    @quaaludes7898 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    checked the weed hatch, where all the weed is kept

  • @djmeowth
    @djmeowth 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm not sure why TH-cam sent me here, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It's almost like a scene out of Jaws or some other boating-related thriller, right in the middle of the beautiful English countryside. Fantastic job.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I also don't know why TH-cam is suddenly recommending this (old) video to people so much but it's getting stratospheric views all of a sudden! Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Many more on my channel too :-)

  • @StookyBill
    @StookyBill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    youtube recommended this video for me and in 10 seconds i knew i would enjoy this. subbed

  • @wigjohn
    @wigjohn 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hi
    I n the late 1950’s me and my friends played along the canal and the adjacent railway line (since moved through a shorter rail tunnel). Apart from scrumpy apple picking in the garden of the house close to tunnel entrance and getting chased away, further back towards Tunstall was a pig iron smelter called Goldendale close to the canal. Most of the iron was a mixture of iron ore and any reclaimed iron particularly redundant WW2 munitions. We would climb over the fence and look for 2inch mortar bombs and Mills grenades. Of course they had no fuses or explosive left in them. A visit from the police with a stern warning not to enter the site again, or I would be prosecuted. Sadly my collection was removed from our cellar.

  • @cristelvideo
    @cristelvideo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Did Harecastle tunnel in 1973. In those days, at weekends, there were no tunnel keepers and the rule was from dawn until 12pm go north, from 1pm to dusk go south. We entered the tunnel northbound at 6am and kept tooting the horn in case someone was chancing it southbound. Luckily not.
    Interesting but damp experience. Loving your vlogs. Bringing back many canal cruising memories.

  • @davidrenton
    @davidrenton 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    reading about the Harecastle tunnel which opened in 1820 and is 1.5 miles long, because it has no tow path , i.e for horses to pull the boats though, the boatsmen had to 'leg' their way through the tunnel, i.e lying on top of the boat and using their feet to push against the tunnel walls.

    • @terencejay8845
      @terencejay8845 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I recall John Noakes having a go for Blue Peter.

  • @gillgregory6327
    @gillgregory6327 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The first time I went through Harecastle, I was so worried I would break down (it was a new boat so there was no reason it should) but I was stressing about it anyway. My boat was fine, but the boat in front who had been winding me up, broke down and we had to tie the stern of their bat to mine and I pushed them through! An experience not to be repeated!

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Oh my word!!! That sounds awful!!

  • @orangelion03
    @orangelion03 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    One of my fondest memories was spending an entire day cruising the Wey from Godalming, north past Guilford, on a canal boat our friends rented. My first trip to England in 1995. While working through St Catherine's Lock, watched as a Concorde flew overhead. Enjoyed your video immensely as it brought back that day.

  • @Coldock
    @Coldock 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Been through this tunnel a couple of times back in the early 80's. We used to always do canal holidays as part of our Church youth club. A true story that came from friends that boated with us is that the tunnel is well haunted. They were on a family holiday and went through the tunnel. Their 3 year old daughter saw a man painting white lines on the walls. She told her mum but there was obviously nobody there. When they came out the other end they asked the tunnel keeper about the incident. He smiled and said. Yes it is usually the children that spot the ghost in there. Love this channel. Just wish I could afford a boat. Keep up the great work. Regards Colin

  • @melvynbryan4460
    @melvynbryan4460 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brings back memories, used to be the Tunnel Keeper

  • @NEOGEO1966
    @NEOGEO1966 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is the worst MRI scan of all time.
    Hats off to Cruising the cut.

  • @simonangel871
    @simonangel871 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We went through Scarecastle on a hired Freeman 22 mk1 narrowbeam in 1967. It had the remnants of a towpath with bits of scaffold tube sticking out! Those were the days !!

    • @suzyqualcast6269
      @suzyqualcast6269 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So - once there was a towpath right through, before collapsing occurred ?
      Bad luck to the first one through post any further central sinking of the u/g construction.

  • @annettefournier9655
    @annettefournier9655 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Holy mother of Bob!! I was having a mild panic attack just watching you. Good thing you were multitasking to much to be preoccupied with how scary that was. There's the journalist spirit! Well done you.🙋🙌👏

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The sacrifices I make for your viewing pleasure... ;-)

  • @NicholasFerrar
    @NicholasFerrar 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I found myself actually ducking down as I watched! Great video.

  • @4sstg
    @4sstg 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I see what dedication and skill you must develop to cruise the cut and manage the tunnels and bridges and locks, and moorings. The tunnels are scary. Aqua ducts really terrifying, some of them but I love watching you do it all. The countryside is beyond words.

  • @darlenecarman303
    @darlenecarman303 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've just found your vlog. Wow I just love listening to you and sharing your adventures. I love your voice and your descriptions of everything you are doing and seeing. I believe I have watched 99% of your vlogs in the last 3 days. You are serious, funny, honest, and adorable too. I too love your editing and the wonderful quality of your videos. Keep them coming. And continue to have a glorious time on your beautiful boat.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you Darlene, what lovely things to say; I really appreciate it. Cheers!

  • @5tinykitties
    @5tinykitties 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A really exciting vlog today! Thank you for taking us with you.

  • @katherinekinnaird4408
    @katherinekinnaird4408 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My goodness I find myself ducking to help you get through that tunnel.

  • @therealslimshady3662
    @therealslimshady3662 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I kept understanding "Scarecastle Tunnel" and just accepted it.
    Scarecastle Tunnel is alot more fitting than Harecastle

  • @robinbutler3333
    @robinbutler3333 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Never blinked once I'd bet. More thrills than a rollercoaster!

  • @SK22000
    @SK22000 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Good grief that is terrifying

  • @bl7355
    @bl7355 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    En excellent video which has inspired me to give this tunnel a try.
    By the way, you are finding it so easy to steer because of something called "bank effect" which means as you get closer to either tunnel wall, the speed of your hull creates suction, pulling the stern in towards the wall and thus turning your bow away.

    • @seraphina985
      @seraphina985 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like bernouli's principle to me though with a weird change in name lol.

  • @johnbrookes2196
    @johnbrookes2196 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I kept ducking watching this loved it

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      It was ducking nerve-wracking!

  • @TheThor2745
    @TheThor2745 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love the little bit of music at the end of each video... I am becoming very addicted to these David... Now we just have to get canals in Australia and we are set....

  • @dianemorris6904
    @dianemorris6904 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi David, you are our hero. My daughter and I are claustrophobic and watch this video with trepidation. My daughter has just said again that she would not make it through. Hubby is a truck driver as I have told you before, going through tunnels in the semi are not a problem so he is quite impressed that you take your narrow boat through. I am most impressed with your acknowledged nervousness about going through Scarecastle. You are making a vlog which you could edit out your uncertainty. BUT you go through anyway. Courage at its highest. I will give the Aussie vernacular to express your maturity and disregard for the perceive lack of manliness that expressing doubt could have viewers mumbling under their breath. As we always told our son growing up in circumstances where peer pressure could have you behaving stupidly : ( pardon my terminology here ), you have proved that you do not have to show how big your dick is to behave with confidence in your self esteem. Thanks for your display of real manliness. Cheers

  • @rext8949
    @rext8949 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That low ceilinged tunnel reminded me of an MRI scan I'd taken a few months back. It stretched endlessly and I almost freaked out.

    • @princesskateforthewin
      @princesskateforthewin ปีที่แล้ว

      I fervently agree about the MRI. I've had MRI scans and I hated them. But this is just a video, so I don't find it scary.

  • @chazzftw9313
    @chazzftw9313 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    There is a tunnel near me and it is between drayton manor and sutton. it actually seems lower than that but it is way shorter. it has also got a path aswell but the roof is really low on the path so you can’t really cycle through you have to walk. the cieling is also covered in cobwebs and spiders and it’s really dodgy aha. nice video

  • @GrooveFederation
    @GrooveFederation 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    i thought watching this would be a tad easier than doing it in real life but nope it's still as claustrophobic as it's ever been, i've been through more times than i can remember when i was a child and still to this day i have to go inside the boat when in the tunnel #shudder

  • @BLACKTHUMB01
    @BLACKTHUMB01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wearing Life Jackets, on a Boat...what an absolutely super idea.

    • @kingscott172
      @kingscott172 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      SEAN HAHN oooook... nice to know buddy

    • @ramblingrob4693
      @ramblingrob4693 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Its a canal not a motorway or river or sea.. most don't on broads.. I did but felt like a right beginner with other boats bigger passing without

  • @noosebrother
    @noosebrother 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    we took a boat trough on our holidays one time and i loved the bit where they closed the doors and turned on the fan. as we were the first boat through we could see the whole tunnel fog up as the fans kicked in. interesting experience. we didn't have a light like yours on that boat so we didn't see the arches that clearly but i am still itching to take a boat the other way as well just to see if it is just as scary the other way round.

  • @lmerry213
    @lmerry213 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I was unaware of the beautiful canal system of the UK until I happened across this video! In the last couple of days I've watched dozens of your vlogs, all the while becoming increasingly enchanted with the idea of spending some time roaming the canals. Cheers from the decidedly canal-less American southwest!

    • @davidharris6581
      @davidharris6581 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ditto to everything you said for me.

  • @burgesspaul1
    @burgesspaul1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I live close to the tunnel but never been throw it, thanks for that experience

  • @bnadvornik
    @bnadvornik 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Holy CRAP! That is sooooo claustrophobic. Amazing bit of engineering.

  • @theodoretwombly9200
    @theodoretwombly9200 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I really enjoyed the tunnel, thank you for your beautiful videos

  • @playalle1
    @playalle1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    just found this channel, weirdly relaxing. keep it up!

  • @pootle2768
    @pootle2768 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was scary. I am claustrophobic and was panicking for you even though you seemed calm and in control! Fantastic vlog - thank you

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was oddly calm, perhaps distracted by filming!

  • @juliephelps2026
    @juliephelps2026 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm really impressed at you driving AND filming through the Harecastle! Well done!

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was quite impressed with myself too ;-)

  • @waynefarrellvoiceovers
    @waynefarrellvoiceovers 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Very well shot video. As a pilot, I’m impressed at how well you steered the vessel through. Great job!

  • @lornamccarthy9495
    @lornamccarthy9495 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My claustrophobia could never... 😨

  • @georgeblankinship4745
    @georgeblankinship4745 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    David, Even though I am a dedicated sail boater, I am fascinated by long boats cruising the cut. What a grand life.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cheers, glad you like it. Not longboats though - narrowboats.

    • @georgeblankinship4745
      @georgeblankinship4745 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry you are correct.... but you must admit they are long also

  • @tomdallas1211
    @tomdallas1211 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    HOLY CRAP tunnel vision. Awesome video David.

  • @curtbonnell4308
    @curtbonnell4308 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I would have to sit inside the boat to go through that tunnel, YIKES!!!~!!!!!!!!

  • @Waveluth
    @Waveluth 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I'm sorry to ask such a dumb question but being from the USA these narrow boats are completely new to me.
    My question:
    It seems that MOST of the canals and locks and tunnels are set up for narrow boats of @ 7'-0" wide right? Okay then, why are there so many wide body canal boats at 11'-0"" wide. How do they navigate the locks etc? Or do they? Are they stuck in designated areas only?
    What a shame if so. The extra room is great but loss of mobility wouldn't seem worth it. Am I missing something? Sorry I just know the answer. It's all so darn interesting and England is so very beautiful. I'll never be able to travel to see it in person so watching these videos from you Narrow boaters is a real joy to me. Thanks again.
    Cape Cod , Ma

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The canals in the Midlands are all narrow however those in the north and south of England are wide. Wide boats are therefore "stuck" in the top or bottom of the country but within those areas there are substantial amounts of canal to navigate. See www.aqualinemarine.co.uk/where-to-cruise/

    • @lewis72
      @lewis72 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hadn't realised that a wide beam would be stuck as such. If you use the Wash, you can almost get from one to the other, apart from a narrow section just West of Northampton or an *unrestored section between Bedford & Milton Keynes.
      *unbuilt

  • @NavyDood21
    @NavyDood21 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the first video of yours that I saw, I still love coming back and watching it every so often. Not sure why your channel got put into my recommendations but I am really glad it did.

  • @jasonj5345
    @jasonj5345 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    From the sound of the engine to the moment you exited the tunnel i was trying to keep my balance on the side of the armchair :) Thank you so very much for what i consider the best channel on TH-cam.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow, thank you! Much appreciated.

  • @alexritchie4586
    @alexritchie4586 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I have no idea why TH-cam brought me here, but I'm glad it did 🙂

  • @lilbatz
    @lilbatz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I don't know how you did it. MRI machines give me panic attacks, and just barely made it thru this vid. Between the diesel fumes and that inches away from my head, would have lost it.
    You're my hero💕👍

    • @NEOGEO1966
      @NEOGEO1966 ปีที่แล้ว

      This video can give you a panic attack, it's like being buried alive. Cruising the cut has some serious guts.

    • @princesskateforthewin
      @princesskateforthewin ปีที่แล้ว

      @@NEOGEO1966 the video doesn't scare me but the MRI did. I've had several MRIs for my brain, and it never gets any easier.

  • @horsleys1
    @horsleys1 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love the videos. I think I'm addicted now. One thing that I haven't sorted out though - how exactly do the locks work? I see you with a crank handle. I guess that's opening gates to adjust the water level? Are there water pumps at each lock? It would be very interesting to see you explain the different types of lock gates/doors, and how that actually operate. You see, I'm physically sitting in my recliner in west Texas, USA but, mentally, I'm traveling 'the cut' with you along canals that my ancestors may have traveled before they immigrated in the mid 1800's.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi. No pumps. The water has two levels - entry and exit level. It's held back by gates at either end of the lock, each gate has paddles to let water in (at the higher end) or out (at the lower end, it's purely gravity based).
      Thus when you approach a lock to go down, the lock needs to be full - if it isn't, you open the top paddles with the crank handle (aka "windlass") to let water in until it's full at which point you can swing open the gates and let the boat in. Close the gates and paddles behind you. Then open the lower paddles and the water drains out taking the boat down whereupon you can open the lower gate and take the boat out, again closing the gates and paddles behind you.
      Going up is the reverse process.

    • @horsleys1
      @horsleys1 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. I can assume then that the the stretch of canal at the very highest altitude of your journey would be replenished by rain runoff or underground springs, etc.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ah, right, well yes there are pumps that replenish back to the very top (plus large reservoirs)

  • @nairbllebpmac4179
    @nairbllebpmac4179 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another excellent addition to the vlog! The combination of your voice and editing make these videos really relaxing and enjoyable. Kudos for you for making it through the tunnel unscathed. The gentleman who died in May of 2014 was Michael Holgate. Apparently he had just retired, bought a narrowboat, and was planning to spend his retirement cruising with his wife. I am pleased that you take safety seriously. As always, thank you for sharing.

  • @matak99
    @matak99 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    An interesting vlog indeed, Just a side note: I notice that you are adding more detail and history to points of interest along the way; this makes the vlogs even more interesting. Keep up the good work :)

  • @Inrezairo
    @Inrezairo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ah, this reminds me of my boating, I was a single hander too most of the time so your concerns are very familiar. I've traded steel and water for brick and mortar but I still really enjoyed my time on the cut and this brought back the memories ... and fears.
    Good TH-cam recommendation!

  • @cornishviewnorth8994
    @cornishviewnorth8994 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great title cos it really was scary; you conveyed it very well. Always glad to see a new video posted and that was one of the best. Hats off to you and Robbie, it takes courage to meet all the challenges of a single boater. Those rung ladders in locks give me the creeps.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      They really can be quite slippery!

  • @cbcdesign001
    @cbcdesign001 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Marvellous. I love Harecastle, always an interesting experience. That high section of locks caught me out when I cruised that section single handed too. On one occasion a cross wind pinned my boat to one side of the canal near enough where you had that nice view. No amount of pushing the front end off hard worked, the wind just blew the bow back hard against the canal side by the time I reached the stern. In the end I found a large tree branch, pushed the bow out, used the branch to keep it out towards the middle by wedging it between the hull and the bank then powered the boat away from the tow path. I was pleased with my ingenuity!

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The wind can be a right nuisance!

  • @ryanexsus
    @ryanexsus 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That tunnel was insane!!

  • @bill45colt
    @bill45colt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Id think the tunnel entrance could be well served to have added a psychiatrists office somewhere along side at the entrance to check the mental stability of any captain daring to enter!! Yet, on exiting, David simply calls it interesting?? 3000 meters?? Thats similar to the name of a movie i once saw called, "To Hell and Back", it seems it was every bit that long. Isnt there a bus line on the bypass route?? I think Ill take that with the rest of the sane crew, and leave the transit tunnel excitement to the brave. I wonder about the construction of this, how many laborers, how many brick, how long did it take, and the foundation preparation and calculations needed to insure final water surface clearance,,,,Oh well, at the very least you did redeem your misadventure by the follow ons of beautiful views and stories on the other side...Thanks for another GREAT video!! Im announcing your site to my friends if thats ok, i want them to share in the fun!!

  • @debsmith7050
    @debsmith7050 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    .....not sure I could go through that tunnel!!! WOW !!! What a busy day - but fun and certainly beautiful

  • @Brian-1948
    @Brian-1948 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video as usual, thank you. Seeing heartbreak hill brought back memories of a holiday many years ago. Check out the 'strapping post' on the single upstream lock gates, slip a short loop over the post on the gate as you slowly go into the lock and the boat will both close the gate and come to a halt. Saves a little bit of work.

  • @KrisDouglas
    @KrisDouglas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    8:28 you caught us having lunch on our boat trip!

  • @encalica853
    @encalica853 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I've never really been into canal boat videos, but this one was very enjoyable. It popped up in my reccomended section which is fairly mainstream, so I reckon lots more people are going to find the video.
    Just out of interest, have you ever done Five Rise in Yorkshire. They're the nearest canal landmark to me

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have not been up that way yet.

  • @WinstonOBoogie_
    @WinstonOBoogie_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of your best videos since I started following you.

  • @Wextopher
    @Wextopher ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As horses were used to propel narrowboats laden with cargo, how on earth could a narrow boat be propeled through Hardcastle tunnel. Then I remember that you mentioned it was the third tunnel.
    If you thought it was tight, think of laying on the roof and walking your boat along the roof.
    From Wikipedia;
    As the tunnel had no towpath, boatsmen had to leg their way through the tunnel. Legging was done by lying on the roof of a boat and using the feet to push forward against the tunnel walls. It was slow hard work. Travel times through the tunnel averaged three hours. While the narrowboats went via the tunnel, boat horses were led over Harecastle Hill via "Boathorse Road". A lodgekeeper (now Bourne Cottage at 53°4′57.26″N 2°14′35.75″W) monitored the movement of the tow-horses, who were often led by boat children, as they crossed the high ground between Kidsgrove and Tunstall.

  • @TheForeignCitizen
    @TheForeignCitizen 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I would absolutely love a chance to go through that tunnel! That looks terrifying and exciting at the same time!

    • @philipcuthbert8803
      @philipcuthbert8803 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Brought my first boat last october from northwich move down to stoke thought it never steered a boat in my life before but when i got though it i wanted to turn around and do it again it was the best part of the trip

  • @vlad48329reborn
    @vlad48329reborn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow! That's one heck of a tunnel. Feels like I was just on a roller coaster or in a haunted spook house, and that's just as a viewer! OoO

  • @duckiegirl58
    @duckiegirl58 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I didn't realize it, but I was holding my breath the whole way.

  • @simplefoodsimplelife9632
    @simplefoodsimplelife9632 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    My word is right! I could feel the tension in the tunnel. Great job!

  • @bmolitor615
    @bmolitor615 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Dude. You are in fact becoming an intrepid rock-star of all narrow-boat/canal challenges. (and I know from the titles that you go on the Thames in future videos.)

    • @bmolitor615
      @bmolitor615 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      also! AQUEDUUUUCT!

  • @billroberts4910
    @billroberts4910 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    That tunnel...I’m not claustrophobic but I was panicking a bit when you got to the lowest point.

  • @richglenn3729
    @richglenn3729 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    A cup of coffee and 10 minutes on the canals. Wonderful way to start a day. Thank you.

  • @GhostsOfThings
    @GhostsOfThings 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow! I was amazed at how small that tunnel got, and when you said the whole thing took half an hour I couldn't believe it! What an experience - thank you for sharing it with us!

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      35 mins all-in; yes, we didn't hang about!

  • @dannettepeters1507
    @dannettepeters1507 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Interesting tunnel? Bloody hell; that was like driving into a wet coffin! Don't know how you managed the boat through. Too creepy for me; but great video of a near death experience!

  • @ElAnvaBar
    @ElAnvaBar 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Dear sir,
    I think a "meerpen" (dutch) might suffice your needs to vasten your boat to the side of the canal.
    It's a steel spike with a ring. Intended to put in an angle into the ground away from the water, after which you can tie a rope to it. I don't know and can't find the english word for it. But a google search will show the right images.

    • @pingpongpung
      @pingpongpung 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      This: www.jonesboatchandlery.co.uk/mooring-pins-stakes-spikes/

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have mooring pins, all narrowboaters do. However, leaping off the boat with pin and hammer, banging it in and tying to it then having to wrench it out again just a few moments later is exactly the kind of hassle that a conveniently-placed lock bollard would avoid! ;-)

  • @pamelarobinson1379
    @pamelarobinson1379 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I enjoy your episodes so much, it's better than Netflix. That last tunnel was claustrophobic for me! I look forward to your next episode. You are a joy to listen to. Best wishes with all your travels from a fan in Maine.

  • @billr8667
    @billr8667 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just discovered this entertaining VLOG, which you shot before I became a fan. After you completed the tunnel adventure, plus shopping, plus laundry, I am a tiny bit disappointed that you didn't reward yourself with a cheese sandwich lunch while your boat was moored.

  • @jobsgarage
    @jobsgarage 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I did not think I was particularly claustrophobic until I saw this.

  • @allenatkins2263
    @allenatkins2263 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You know, in the back of your mind, that some terrifying creature lives in the tunnel.

  • @sarahmartella3381
    @sarahmartella3381 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done David, Going through the Tunnel.It is a feat of engineering....We lost a fender going through.We both thought we would never 'See The Light At The End Of The Tunnel'! Keep the Vlogs coming David they always make my day.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Sarah; how annoying for you to lose that fender; hope it didn't damage anything when it ripped off. Cheers

  • @ben31tube
    @ben31tube 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That tunnel would not be fun! That is crazy! A claustrophobe's worst nightmare! The nickname seems to fit.

  • @swamprat69er
    @swamprat69er 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Not a tunnel for the claustrophobic. Good ride and nice piloting.

  • @mcboney1489
    @mcboney1489 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for such a interesting upload. Seriously tight squeeze though the middle of the tunnel 😮. Definitely worth a subscribe 👍🏾

  • @MichaelsMustang
    @MichaelsMustang 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The tunnel was quite an experience on my screen so I can only image what you were thinking then you showed us your face and it was clear. GMTFOOH I am surprised the inquest did not recommend hard hats as well, the victim was either unconscious, in capable of swimming or could not swim, the hard hat would help as far as the head injuries.

  • @ferguscarroll5520
    @ferguscarroll5520 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    No idea why youtube is recommending this stuff to me, but it's unexpectedly enthralling! Great stuff, you have a very good presentation style.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ha, yes TH-cam is odd like that. "Unexpectedly Enthralling" - I may have to put that on the t-shirts ;-)

  • @rud
    @rud 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A little known fact. 1 out of 100 boats never makes it out. It just disappears somewhere in the tunnel. Many attempts have been made to set up cameras and capture this but it has been unsuccessful. They fail recording, have a lapse in time or some other malfunction.
    When the diesel fog gets to dense, it is usually the time where the boat goes missing.
    Some experts thinks that the orange oxide colour actually are the remains of the boats rather than iron from the rocks.

  • @BarneyLeith
    @BarneyLeith 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Went through the Harecastle both ways in the summer of 2018 in a 70ft boat. The top of my hat scraped on the lowest part of the tunnel as I was steering through as we went through southbound and bears the soot marks to this day! North of the tunnel is a beautiful section of the T & M and we moored overnight at Red Bull, not far from the pub, but far enough away to have a peaceful night's sleep. There were six of us on the boat, so we were well crewed for the locks. This was a repeat of a cruise my wife and I did with my children on the T & M and the Caldon Canal some 30 years ago.

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      That sounds like the right number of crew for Heartbreak Hill!

  • @Riddlestar01
    @Riddlestar01 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    You really did it. no tunnel fever. It is nice to see the sun still shines.

  • @JardineraAnge
    @JardineraAnge 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Phew! That video nearly brought on a panic attack! Well done David and thanks for making it so atmospheric with your commentary!

    • @CruisingTheCut
      @CruisingTheCut  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oops, sorry about the panic! Glad you liked it.

  • @kevgermany
    @kevgermany 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    If anything will stop me getting a boat, it's this and the aqueducts...
    Not surprised about needing laundry done. I'd need new undies by the time I got in.

  • @geoffwalker315
    @geoffwalker315 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I never did fancy caving!!

  • @judyhopps9380
    @judyhopps9380 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lived in Kidsgrove and walked past the tunnel for over a decade. I finally got to see inside of it. Thank you.

    • @SmurmBreep
      @SmurmBreep ปีที่แล้ว

      Same story here, I don't know what I expected from it, definitely meets the haunted vibe though.