80. How long-unused parts of the North Oxford canal are being brought back to life

Рет қаралды 205,160

7 жыл бұрын

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
There is a surprising amount of unused bits of canal across the UK, in varying states of decay. In this vlog I take a look at two separate (but geographically near) projects which are digging out and restoring parts of the original route of the North Oxford canal.
It has, quite literally, taken me months to film this one as the I had to shoot on several occasions at the second location so I do hope you like it!
With grateful thanks to:
The Old Mortonians: www.oldmortonians.co.uk
Clifton Cruisers: www.cliftoncruisers.com
Got a question? Read this!
www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/
Boat & Filming gear I use:
www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/gear/
Twitter: / cruisingthecut
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or / cruisingthecut
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Buying anything via this Amazon link gets me a commission to help me keep the videos coming. Thank you! geni.us/CtC_CanalBoats
Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZfaq music library

Пікірлер: 638

@rickmaggie1 2 жыл бұрын

I am an old retired cowboy here in Abilene Texas and for some reason, I too enjoy watching these adventures on the old British canal system. For me, it gives me an armchair adventure without having to fly over there to see for myself, thanks for sharing part of your life with us retired folks.

@Engineer9736 5 жыл бұрын

I find watching this the most relaxing thing on the internet currently. No agressive things like those yellow jackets and isis and what not, nothing that has to be accomplished, just watching nature and calm things being done.

@tonybenneworth8343 3 жыл бұрын

I think all canal users must sincerely thank all the volunteers for the time and effort it was storing these come out without them where would we be. Thanks again all the volunteers

@Vixduffield 4 жыл бұрын

The effort put into this vlog is evident - fantastic!

@scottsturgeon618 7 жыл бұрын

It's wonderful to see a bit of British history being restored and made available to the public. Bravo for bringing this to the world through KZfaq!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching :-)

@kucingpowergile 4 жыл бұрын

This is not a vlog. This is a documentary. Lovely content. Good job 👍

@matak99 5 жыл бұрын

This may may be the best Cruising the Cut vlog to date. Loved the story line and the history. Good editing too.

@34136TS Жыл бұрын

A documentary presentation that really does set the standard, very professional indeed.

@theodorenilson3280 4 жыл бұрын

Enjoying all your Vlogs, but this was something special. I hope the Old Mortonians succeed in their efforts to preserve the history of the canals.

@deepakgogoi5975 5 жыл бұрын

Fascinating story. So heartening to see a dead canal brought back to life again, that too through dedicated voluntary work.

@wadders65 3 жыл бұрын

I remember that arm in the early 1960s with the old boat rotting away, it only had sides completely rotted and filled with mud and water. We tried to reach it but were beaten back by mud and water. Obviously as boy adventurers we didn't know it was an ice breaker. Thanks for the vlog, O happy days, the locks and canal was our playground:)

@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian 6 жыл бұрын

A video worthy of broadcast on TV. Educational, informative and entertaining. Wonderful stuff. Thank you sir.

@toomanyhobbies2011 3 жыл бұрын

Better than TV because David refrains from politics and sensationalism. He cruises the canals and enlightens us on what he sees. He's a true journalist, the way they used to be.

@mxh5647 7 жыл бұрын

On a more serious note, I think that 'the world' will appreciate the fact that you did take the time to shoot this video. History in the making. Well done, that man.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@AdventuresOnBoatscom 7 жыл бұрын

Well done. You did a good job of balancing the photography, voice over and history to create a very compelling video. Thank you. -johnny

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@bethcross4628 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant vlog it's so interesting seeing parts of the canal network being bought back to life and being used! Your history of the North Oxford is fascinating and is worthy of a TV slot.

@samsharp99 7 жыл бұрын

This is great to see - I've moved into one of the moorings on the new arm and it's really impressive to think that only a few months ago it was a jungle!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

It really, really was...

@earlgreydionne1489 7 жыл бұрын

I love seeing how the older parts of the canals are being brought to life. Sometimes new fangled is just so boring. Bring back more canal I say! Thanks for the vlog, very interesting x

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@gjmob 7 жыл бұрын

Ian reminded me of Jessie from the Fast Show. "Today I will be mostly be clearing the canal".

@dmwi1549 2 жыл бұрын

So interesting how bits of canal are being re-established after almost 200 years. Seeing some of this canal system is definitely a bucket list item for my retirement.

@truckerfromreno 4 жыл бұрын

What amazing work people do. Thank you.

@annepegum3351 4 жыл бұрын

I sometimes think it's amazing we have any canals left in the UK given the historical fact of the "new" railway companies stealing all their commercial trade "back in the day", so it's especially enjoyable to read about these new (albeit small) restoration projects. And well done David for your persistence in filming this particular vlog !

@lornajaneadventures 7 жыл бұрын

This was amazing. I think it's the best video you've ever done (so far). I found it so interesting and appreciate how much work must have gone into creating it

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Awwww, fanks Lorna! Hugs to you and pusscat.

@darrannewman7113 7 жыл бұрын

very well presented, its nice to see old sections re opened.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

It is indeed. Cheers

@kathlucy603 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy these behind the scenes stories.

@mitchellmaytorena1137 7 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. It just goes to show how connected us humans are to our history.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@luanncrownover4 7 жыл бұрын

So very interesting! Glad to see that parts of the old system are springing back to life!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Lovely, isn't it?

@renozirk3279 7 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Kudos to the volunteers!

@tonybirdwell2917 5 жыл бұрын

Great vlog. It is wonderful to see that a small bit of history is being brought back!

@johnbrookes2196 7 жыл бұрын

Brilliant David. Good to see that people are researching the old network and are allowed to restore some of it.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks John

@rosagapi 5 жыл бұрын

I'm in love with this Canal thing..

@xistacio 7 жыл бұрын

Great to know that parts of history is being preserved, restored and rebuilt. Thanks for sharing this bit of your world! 80 Vlogs!!!! Congrats on the effort that you put in each one of it to make them great.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

I'll have to pull all the stops out for vlog 100 eh?!

@xistacio 7 жыл бұрын

They all have been great, so i bet vlog 100 shouldn't be any different. i came across your youtube chanel on your 3rd vlog and i have been following ever since. i just realized that this was vlog 80 (seemed like a round number) and just wanted to thank the effort and journalistic quality that you put in every vlog you make. i'll keep following as long as you keep posting!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm pleased you enjoy them.

@Every_Day_Adventure 7 жыл бұрын

Nice look at the history and its restoration.

@ElementofKindness 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! I just LOVE seeing forgotten architecture given a second chance!

@fixedG 5 жыл бұрын

This makes me terrifically jealous. We have the remnants of canals in the US. I enjoy hiking the towpath of the old C&O canal that runs along the Potomac and used to feed our nation's capital with coal. As nice as it is as a national park, it just seems a shame for it to be a long collection of puddles overgrown with reeds. It's not functional at all and it was once known as the Grand Old Ditch!

@readmedottext 4 жыл бұрын

there is a project to restore parts of the C&O. It's not in totality and I think right now is only around Georgetown, but it is a start.

@annarboriter 4 жыл бұрын

There's more money for nicer things in Georgetown than in Cumberland

@PopeKarul 5 жыл бұрын

The history behind all of this is amazing. I really enjoy your entire channel, thanks for introducing me to the canal network.

@CruisingTheCut 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, glad you like it

@timothygray7412 5 жыл бұрын

Best episode so far in my opinion, I wonder if you would do one about some of the mills and industry along the way? thanks for the channel its great!!

@rvertv 7 жыл бұрын

That's Cool.... So much history is lost... good to see people care... Nice Video !!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers Russ

@simonframpton2554 6 жыл бұрын

Very nice but how long is it going to be and how do you turn round to get out again you can't back up 2miles

@CruisingTheCut 6 жыл бұрын

Neither arm is more than a couple of hundred yards long

@elfinblues 7 жыл бұрын

How truly exciting to see water flowing in to fill up a restored section of canal, and how wonderful must it have felt to have been on that first boat to travel down there in so many years. Wonderful. The only other thing I'd like to have seen was a group of the workmen who'd re-dug the canal warming their hands (and maybe roasting a few nuts) on a flaming brazier, and watching with a satisfied grin, as the boat slid past them.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

The workers were busy getting on with other tasks, no time to stand and stare :-)

@for.tax.reasons 4 жыл бұрын

It's incredible to think so much work was done before it all stagnated :( such a pity! But it really is wonderful that the canal was dug up and used no matter how briefly after nearly two hundred years

@C11PDM 7 жыл бұрын

Really liked the history of this Thanks

@muppetdrummer 7 жыл бұрын

For me, living in the states, I found it interesting that school children will have a piece of their history to learn about with these finished arms. I am all about local history and loved your video. As always, cannot wait for the next.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@xsubsquid 4 жыл бұрын

Really well done. How 15 people could even consider pressing "dislike" is beyond comprehension.

@sherriemachart7592 7 жыл бұрын

great to see the old coming back to life! i too liked the locker tour. since i don't have a boat like yours and here in the USA i will never have ( boy i wish we had the locks and narrow boats here what great fun) it's like looking in to someone garage! lol keep up the great work! i know this took alot of time but we sure love it. THANKS!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@worngimimajosplaynholmes6907 4 жыл бұрын

Actually the northeast U.S. has 1000's of miles of small canal'!

@jedcartledge6888 4 жыл бұрын

How many canals are there in the States?

@brianmessenger 3 жыл бұрын

I'm only four years behind, so hopefully in coming weeks I will see a little more of how the restoration of this section of canal is going. This is one of the best videos of yours I have seen so far 👍👍

@CruisingTheCut 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The section at Hillmorton has sadly been abandoned for a variety of reasons. The section at Clifton is in use as private moorings.

@TheCrapcakes 7 жыл бұрын

The length and quality of these videos is fantastic. I've seen them all and can always put one one whenever I need a bit of a relaxing trip. Thanks!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@TheTheirishlad 4 жыл бұрын

The rebirth of a section of canal! really enjoyed that. thanks David.

@rontanser9369 2 жыл бұрын

Wow that was really good to see a little bit of old canal come back to life

@christophersibley8946 3 жыл бұрын

The best yet just what I like to see total reuse from scrub to flood😊

@01322521959 7 жыл бұрын

How interesting to see an old canal dug out and filled. Found myself with what felt like a quizzicle look on my face at the end.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Not sure if that's a good thing or not!

@Taffycat1 7 жыл бұрын

Such an interesting vlog! Well done to those dedicated volunteers who are working to restore the original route of the canal; and of course, to you, for showing us how it is all taking shape. The surrounding scenery looks gorgeous, so hope you will get to enjoy cruising along the newly-restored parts of the system one day. Take care. :)

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

They're just short arms so no cruising to be done along them as such but a lovely spot for sure.

@kmanison 7 жыл бұрын

Of course, today we do it with a back hoe. It makes you really appreciate the work they did to build the canals two hundred years ago with pick and shovel. A great vid, as usual, thanks.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Extraordinary to think of it, I agree!

@lucylane7397 4 жыл бұрын

Dug by Irish navvies payed in bear and meat

@kenlennon 7 жыл бұрын

And another informative and entertaining vlog.Thanks cruising the cut.Ken

@jamesc264 5 жыл бұрын

Really great Vlog. Excellent and interesting installment as usual. So good to see disused parts of the network coming back to life. Came to UK for a holiday in 2011 from Australia, saw narrow boats and canals. Fell in love immediately. A year later in 2012 moved over here and been here ever since. While I continue to work etc, narrow boats and crusing the network on an extended basis have always been somewhere at the back of my mind. Since I have discovered this vlog, that back of the mind has been pressing forward. Very dangerous. Has now led me to doing sums. We will see. Thanks again for the Vlog

@MichaelsMustang 4 жыл бұрын

Great vlog, these old arms are getting their second chance I hope it continues

@tonyblackmon6356 6 жыл бұрын

This is a very informative history lesson for sure. I never read about this in any history book. This is truly an important part of history I wish I had known earlier in life.

@CruisingTheCut 6 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@jamesgorman5692 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the effort you've taken in the making of this video.

@MorseB 7 жыл бұрын

This was fantastic. I love to see that these old canals are getting new life!

@pieter1102 7 жыл бұрын

Great to see some of the old restored and used again!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@leslierhodes5467 2 жыл бұрын

I have watched many of your videos sir and you my friend are creating history yourself as regards recording all of the works that’s going on people be able to look back on what you have done and say my goodness me thank you for saving what it was like before hand

@cucumberman1234567 7 жыл бұрын

I think if it wasn't for people like them nobody, me and you along with all the rest wouldn't be living the dream. it's how the first bit of canal was reclaimed. Lots and lots of volunteers doing it for one reason only, passion, pure passion. Come to think of it, it's the same reason we will all be living the dream tomorrow. I would get stoned with any one of them in a heartbeat because of that last point.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

I'll pass that message on ;-)

@kirkskaraoke6307 7 жыл бұрын

One of your best Vlogs! Good job!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

It's all down hill from here!! ;-) That one took ages and lots of effort.

@kirkskaraoke6307 7 жыл бұрын

It shows and thank you for all the hard work.

@derekclarke5456 7 жыл бұрын

GREAT Vlog,please do more soon.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Mmm, try my best - that one took ages!!!

@derekclarke5456 7 жыл бұрын

Your vlogs are always something to look forward to. Thanks

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@fredflintstone8048 4 жыл бұрын

I enjoy these videos that discuss the history of parts of the canal. I also enjoy seeing that there are people who live in such an economic state as to be able to volunteer their time to projects such as these restorations.

@Trimethopimp 4 жыл бұрын

I always find it fascinating to see old technology implemented in the modern day. Seeing the those boats floating down those freshly 'cut' canals, lined with all that mud and plant debris, it must have been fascinating for people in the 18th century to see these networks emerge and spread across the countryside. Great work on the video, top notch stuff.

@SailingLuckyfish 5 жыл бұрын

the effort and time invested in telling this story really shows. very informative and wonderful film. thank you

@jackcrack4249 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your film, I stumbled across it by accident and ended up watching the whole thing. So great to see local projects bringing so much happiness.

@marietjiehildebrandt1324 4 жыл бұрын

The history is fantastic

@cjohnson4342 5 жыл бұрын

This is fantastic coverage, thank you for the trip.

@JackBrown56 7 жыл бұрын

The production value of your videos is tremendous

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Very kind, thank you.

@lorispain1 3 жыл бұрын

Touch of the "Time Team" about this one!

@Bender24k 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent - 180 years wow! Happy to see that - thanks!

@credenza1 4 жыл бұрын

Fascinating and very well produced. Thanks.

@pedropedroztravels8272 4 жыл бұрын

Well documented David. Thanks for the effort.

@ncplantdoctor 7 жыл бұрын

I should think that this sort of video would be a natural for you, given your background in journalism. Here you captured and edited the good bits of the video and researched the back story and presented a concise and enjoyable bit of history for KZfaq which will also server to document a moment in current history. I hope that we will see more of these sorts of videos in the future; just think about 180 years without water and suddenly the canal is back. 180 years is several lifetimes. That is not frivolous. I hope this both rewards those who worked to restore the canal and to recruit and to encourage others to want to help. Thank you for your effort, too.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. These videos come along rarely because it's a matter of chance that I get to do them so, alas, don't hold your hopes for loads more!! Cheers

@terrystephens1102 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations David, a very interesting/educational episode- intriguing history of the original canals. 👍👏👏👏

@Gwril76 7 жыл бұрын

Brilliant film / article. We need too see more of this happening. Cheers for sharing.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@aaronlawrence666 4 жыл бұрын

You can certainly tell that you have experience in journalism in this video. Great quality and such an interesting story. Thanks!

@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674 5 жыл бұрын

Very cool thank you for the history lesson and thank you for taking us along on your adventure

@randallfield4036 7 жыл бұрын

Very interesting thanks for sharing. Its great seeing these old canals sections brought back to life.

@alanboman8860 5 жыл бұрын

A lovely optimistic look toward the future! Heart warming stuff and a great vlog. You'll "pass by" again in the future no doubt, to document progress.

@marvinehicks1463 7 жыл бұрын

Another outstanding video David. There are so many old canals that need to be restored.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Luckily lots of groups exist to do just that!

@geoffcampbell7846 2 жыл бұрын

Well, in 2021 I and I suspect many others will happen by this superb mini documentary and be skillfully transported back to enjoy the restoration of this historically important section of canal. You have left your mark here with this brilliant piece of work. Thank you.🙂

@richardbarrett6367 7 жыл бұрын

Another well done, informative, vlog! Thank you so much for all the work you put into making your vlogs first rate.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers Richard

@rolandwolf1327 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and it is really great to see that history is not fading away but restored, even if in parts. I was also amazed how shallow the canal looked like, for some reason I thought they would be deeper. As always it is a joy to hear the presentation and the camera work was professional.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Yes, being man-made the canals were dig just deep enough to float the boats and not much more!

@stevemusgrave2000 7 жыл бұрын

Delightful mini doc David. Thank heavens for people like you, who can put it together so well, to highlight the very good work of the voluntary forces along the canals. Big up to all.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@micheleoftheoaks5506 7 жыл бұрын

This is one of my favorites of your videos so far. Can't wait until you take your trip. I know there are more great videos to come.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

I hope so...

@lconcord 7 жыл бұрын

We thoroughly enjoyed this video. Your videography and journalistic skills make this project come alive on screen! How neat that there are volunteers and hire boat owners willing to dedicate their time to preserving this history. Awesome video!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I'm pleased you liked it :-)

@winfredstacy5843 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you again for an entertaining and informative video. The press for preservation and restoration is so heart warming. Keep the incredible videos coming!!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

@nbflyingfox4672 7 жыл бұрын

Great Video.. nice to see old bits of the cut being reborn. Thanks mate..

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@michaelpilling9659 4 жыл бұрын

I've reached Vlog no. 80 - What a wonderful story David. A fabulous film great camera work and excellent commentary. New life breathed into a canal is a very good thing

@ricdammar4605 7 жыл бұрын

A. Fascinating bit of film work there chap. Your journalistic background has stood you well. I love seeing the history of the canals. Hope you do more of this type of work. But then i love your travel videos as well. I find myself living vicariously through your channel. Keep up the great work and good luck on your upcoming canal adventure!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The history ones are tricky because usually there's no images to show (since the canals were built before photography!). So they happen only when circumstances permit!

@grannylyn757 7 жыл бұрын

how interesting! we love the history lessons you're so good at delivering!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@trwagner1 4 жыл бұрын

Great episode. I like to see restoring of old buildings, sites and also canals like this. I would love to see similar and followup videos. :-) Proceeding my view of your videos in order.

@arnman2093 7 жыл бұрын

Nice mini documentary!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

:-)

@simonhudson5033 7 жыл бұрын

One of my favourite canal vlogs so far. Great to see abandoned sections of canal coming back to life.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers Simon

@johnwigglesworth7961 7 жыл бұрын

Another great vlog David well done. So glad we are based in this area with so much to see and so much going on.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Cheers

@wilkiepup1 7 жыл бұрын

Very enjoyable! Thank you. Never take your beautiful country for granted. Some of us would live there in a heartbeat!

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

It can be lovely, indeed.

@janebrown3587 5 жыл бұрын

Great information, thank you so much for this video - I love learning about the canals, the canal boats and life aboard :) I'm off to research some more of this particular canal and to see the progress. I found this video this morning, but see that you uploaded it two years ago. I seem to be jumping around and never watching in order. So much fun to discover a previously unseen video from Cruising The Cut! :D

@nairbllebpmac4179 7 жыл бұрын

I always look forward to your videos. They never cease to entertain me. I appreciate the fact that you share not only your life on the canals but history as well. Please keep doing exactly what you are doing. I hope your trip this spring brings many more episodes of your vlog.

@CruisingTheCut 7 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them. Cheers