Boating the HIGHEST CANAL AQUEDUCT in the WORLD! - Ep.3
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This canal series has been your best episodes ever. This is fascinating and looks like so much fun!
Thanks Patrick!
Cool my pro man😎
If you like the narrow boat stuff I recommend watching Cruising The Cut
❤❤
I liked it too and I've watched a lot of narrow boat videos. I want to see this and I went to the website but they need to be more informative about prices. The price range should be presented with the specs of the boat.
I did this trip with my grandma when i was 12 years old. I am 38 now, my grandma has passed and I still remember that trip like it was yesterday. It was hands down my favorite trip i have ever been on. Thank you for this upload.
I had a trip in a narrowboat drawn by a horse on the Kennet & Avon canal. At one point the owner asked everyone on board to stop talking. It was so quiet it was sublime
Really that’s cool my man your a pro😎
Yeah, wish captain bitchy would can it for a bit.
I live in malaysia we dont have narow bouts😢
@@Danny23334 The big reason for narrow boats existing is the canal structure and its use for industrial transport. Malaysia is mountainous and didn't start industrializing until after semi trucks and trains were invented. Y'all have your own historically cool stuff, but just not really built for narrowboats. If you want a similar experience, you can look into renting a coastal cabin cruiser and make it a sea/river journey.
The reason the 5 miles of the canal from Trevor to Llangollen is so narrow is because it wasn't originally built for boats to go along it, but purely to supply water to the canal from the Horseshoe falls. From Trevor it flows the whole length of the canal (39 miles) into a large reservoir in order to supply water for residents in the nearby town of Crewe.
It is worth reading the Wikipedia article on the "Ellesmere Canal", which is what the canal here was originally called. They ran out of money with the canal half finished (that happened to several other canals) but managed to give a purpose to what they had built by a new canal east of Whitchurch to near Nantwich (no big engineering structures needed) and the ingenious use of the link up to Llangollen to give it a water supply. Reality is that the aqueducts where built for a mainline that never happened and as part of a (to use more modern parlance) business case that probably never added up even if the canal age had not ended prematurely. Without the rash original plan they would not have bothered with the Pontcysyllte - far too expensive. Yet because of that mistake we get one of the greatest engineering achievements of that time.
Mr Telford , and Mr Jessop , take a bow , .....we couldn't build that today , but you did it
This series has inspired me to add a new item to my bucket list - great adventures with a mix of holiday relaxing in between!
Ben, go for it! It’s amazing and definitely worth it!
Just be warned, if you take a canal holiday, it won’t be your last! 😊
I will say not many places or journeys have inspired me to travel again ( It has been 7 years since leaving Australia), but viewing this journey on the canal system has reignited that 'travel nomad fire' inside my soul and I WILL be doing this!! If only we could jump into our screens haha.
Haha! Glad to hear it, Dane. The same thing happened to me when I first learned about the canals. They're fantastic. Enjoy!
My mother would tell me about going to school in Dublin in the 50s, she used to cross the canal by jumping on and off Guinness barges as it was quicker than walking to the bridge or locks. I could well believe kids hung off the side of the railings to save time going to school 🙂
I grew up in Ellesmere, where this video ended. This video shows a tiny proportion of the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union. The best thing to do is start nearer the start of the canal, traversing the locks and natural beauty, stopping in to the Montgomery canal and walking where it used to go, using Llangollen as as the pinnacle of the trip. That marina at the end never used to be there and it used to be a nightmare. You have to walk up to the horse shoe falls and see the horse shoe pass. My late father used to fit-out canal boats on the canal-side and we would use them for a year before selling them on. I have been up this stretch more times than I can count. One of my favourite spots on the Llangollen canal having grown up on it, is just around the corner from Ellesmere, (and I can’t believe you just missed it) Blakemere. Here the bank between the canal and the mere (big pond) is only about 10 meters, and it’s so picturesque and peaceful. The rhododendron bloom is a sight to see. Love the videos, lots of nostalgia, need to get myself back on a boat.
I caught myself holding my breath at a couple spots. 1795 finished in 1805 and still works. Amazing. Oh and I don’t think I would ever want to leave that beautiful little town. Great canal trip, thanks for bringing us along!
The husband I did this bridge and route May 2022 , loved it so much going back for a longer vacation from the states
It’s beautiful isn’t it?
It really is!
This is now on my bucket list. This would be so fun! Thank you for taking us on this journey.
It’s so fun and should be on your bucket list!
You've shown us that you have to be in good shape for these canal trips or else be stuck behind a bridge, and you'd better not be afraid of heights when crossing that amazing aqueduct. I still find it hard to fathom a canal too narrow for two boats to pass each other. Great trip!
Many places in the Scottish Highlands have a similar road system - one carriageway and marked specific passing places at intervals. It engenders a degree of courtesy and neighbourliness which extends to everyday life. The deep southwest of Englandshire has a similar system but without either the marking or the courtesy (in my experience).
I am thoroughly enjoying this 'longboat' series. Y'all just look like you're living your best lives. I am still waiting for the tour of Mik's & Nicole's boat.😉
Longboats are for Vikings. Narrowboats are for British canals 🙄😂🤣
Mike acting like a horse so he could marvel at and show us how the bridge works like: *"A small price to pay, for salvation"* Between you and Nicole, you're definitely more of the history and geography person! Love how passionate you are with learning history. History is so important, especially right now. History is who we are and why we are the way we are. And no volume of history is insignificant, even the worst chapters
I didnt know you could rent these boats like this before this series,; I thought most people lived on them full time. And now I feel like I'm gonna have to do this one day. What a unique way to explore the UK.
As I understand it the Llangollen Canal was never finished, it was supposed to continue north from the aqueduct towards the industrial north west. But an easier and cheaper route to the east was completed first, making the Llangollen Canal uneconomic. The branch to Llangollen principally built to supply water to the main canal and never expected to have significant traffic, so could be so narrow.
That's exactly why such an expensive structure was built at the end of the canal. It was intended to be in the middle of the route, but the route was never completed. Without your explanation, the narrow canal width is rather puzzling. Makes perfect sense on context.
Who knew longboats could be so much fun? It just feel magical. The lush green hills and valleys with animals, the soothing waterways. I could easily live on one of these boats. Thank you for the adventure. I find myself thinking about the next video about halfway through the week. Great work!
Who knew these canal boats could hold so much comfort. It's very much a skinny houseboat! Being I'm in a state off the Mississippi river it makes me wonder how one of these would do on it?
I love this series so much. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing people enjoy the canals. Cannot wait for my turn some day!
This has to be the pinnacle video for DownieLive! So much good content here!
Isn’t it just amazing! We just did the same trip across the aqueduct. After 17 years of living in Singapore and Texas , we sold up and moved back home to the UK and have been living aboard our narrowboat full time for over a year now. Best decision ever! So glad you got to experience the beauty of the UK waterways. Such a different way to see our beautiful country. Really enjoyed your canal series ❤
My wife and I have done Viking river cruises but this looks next level. This was great. Thank you for posting.
This boat looks so beautiful! Blue, my favorite colour, the cozy living room and fireplace! And the acqueduct (spelling?) was stunning. The tunnel in the next episode looks epic, can't wait!
Good video! I was in Wales in October and did the Anglesey coastal hike from Holy Head to Baumaris and then made a pilgrimage (by train) to Llangollen and the Pontycycylte and then on to Chester and points north. You might say that I'm a Thomas Telford 'groupie' and have made a point of trying to cross every structure he designed. So far it is the old stone bridge in Drumnadrochit and the Menai Strait bridge and this grand aqueduct. Still some others to cross -- he built things to last. I stayed in Llangollen for a couple of days -- great little city although it would probably be overrun with other tourists in the Summer. Sadly I didn't have a boat and had to be satisfied with walking back and for a few times and grabbing some pretty decent drone footage.
I cant wait for the last episode! I cant decide if I like these, or the Train rides from the most southern to the most northern station.
I really appreciate Nicole’s explanation of why they pass on the right by boat. That makes so much sense! Genius!❤
Not true though
It’s incorrect though, 168 countries drive on the left side of the road!
It's the grown up version of those little boats that went round and round at the county fair. I'm so glad I found your channel!!
Fantastic. I have kayaked across this, the first time was AWESOME. The other times were equally awesome but for a different reason. I was a member of a Kayak club and guiding first timers over and seeing their reaction was a privilege. Thanks for refreshing such memories'.
10 years ago we inspected the underside of every arch using a cantilevered CCTV system mounted on the front of a narrow boat....this is an amazing structure and you should search out the construction method!!
Here in England when I was a teen, our school had its own boat. We’d all get a week long trip, learning how to navigate & use locks etc. I loved it! Well, except when the teacher moored us next to a dog food factory……😂
This just keeps getting better! It was nice to meet Rachel. 1st for me to see black sheep too. The town was adorable, very inviting. Peaceful. I'm really enjoying the history of these boats. Neat how the road lifts, how the channels work. Looking forward to next week.
I commented on your last episode of canal adventure, Vlog Ep.2, and can't resist in doing likewise with this one - superb coverage of our UK canal system highlighting the amazing fact that it still exists in the modern world 200+ years after development. In no small part to the Canal & River Trust and the myriad of unseen volunteers who maintain and assist in such waterways that we all enjoy. Having holidayed in western Canada for over 23 years I'm delighted you have likewise enjoyed our UK hospitality, scenery, and friendship in todays turbulent world. Onwards to Episode 4 .
Really appreciate your attempt to pronounce the Welsh names! Llangollen isn't an easy one
I really like that you show achievable travel gems.
That's some Secret Garden level scenery there. Absolutely beautiful! The horse drawn boat looked like a fairy tale and it blows my mind that something like that exists. That trip across the aqueduct reminded me of the old timey water log rides in amusement parks, only with a much better view. How incredible that something like that was built so long ago. It cracks me up that you can jump out of the boat and walk along the path just whenever, like when the ladies went for a walk while you parked the boat. Too funny!
My ancestors are from Wales and I’ve always wanted to explore the canals. Outstanding video! What beautiful landscapes
I'm really loving this canal series even more than your train stuff. I have watched thousands of travel videos and never seen anyone take a multi-day canal trip! Thank you for showing this unusual form of travel.
10:27 It’s like Captain Planet: You’ve mastered Fire, Water, Wind, Heart and Earth.
I shared your video with a friend in Scotland. He is hooked.
Haha! Thanks! 😝
This series gets better and better with each episode!
Greetings from Arkansas! I like how you add cultural tidbits such as the Welsh pronunciation of Llangollen with the double "ll" as "cluh". That aquaduct is a trip! Your adventures are filled with these small items that build the big picture so well. Thank you!!
Thank you! 😃
I’m here for Michael Downie’s ‘Cribs: Fitzroy Edition’ Era.
Love you adventures but , I really love your outlook! Such a positive experience! Thank you for being you, I appreciate you!
We did our first narrowboat trip on the Llangollen back in 1981 and fell in love with cruising. Over the years since, we have racked up over 3,000 miles on the UK and French canals. Every time I see a video of a boat going over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, my knees still get weak. Enjoyed your vlog.
Another one above the heights! I could see you two being permanent tour guides in Wales!
The longboats in the UK have always fascinated me in a very abstract way......the thought of having enough water everywhere that you can travel inland via waterways is a bizarre one for an Aussie.....its amazing to be able to "travel" these historic canals without having to leave the comfort of home. Thanks again for an awesome experience, cant wait for next week.
Despite being a country that is extremely 'blessed' with too much water, we fly into a panic when we have a two or three weeks without rain in the summer, and the grass starts to get a bit brown. I have a canal at the bottom of my garden and barely give it a second thought. The narrowboats kinda tail off in the winter months for a few weeks, but I always find it a small thrill when I hear the first one of the year in about February. I figure that it's not aways so green. It's now winter here and the canal at the end of my garden had a few mm of ice on it, but this is easily broken by a 8 ton narrowboat.
Narrow boats not longboats.
So nice watching you get excited about our canals. I sometimes meet Americans who have bought barges to live aboard and explore the country, it’s such a great way to see the best parts of the UK while avoiding our nightmarish road network.
lovely to see you experiencing the beauty and history of llangollen. brings back so many memories having spent a good few summers there when i was younger.
"You are all clear.....*bump* well not on this side" lol
😂
I've not finished the series yet - and I've never been "out on the water" BUT I grew up next to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal (Standedge Tunnel Edge) I feel this has been the most authentic and quintessential canal experience you have had yet! Beautiful to see you guys experiencing this 😊😊
I've watched a lot of narrowboat KZheadrs and I've never seen that cool bridge that lets the rope stay on the boat and horse. That was really interesting. I'm excited to see you guys do this tunnel, it's what I've been waiting for since the trip started. It is INSANE how long it is, I can't wait to see what you think.
Thanks Jeffrey! It's a very cool tunnel! Coming soon!
Again, so enjoyable to watch! I admire how each of you tackles this new adventure as though you’ve traveled by long boat for years. This may be a US vs Canada thing, but I grin each time I hear “cow field” rather than pasture. 😊
The other interesting thing to note here on the Pontcysyllte is that the entire length on the southern side from the aqueduct to the turn just before the lift bridge is fill from material that was dug out in other sections of the canal's construction and transported to the site so that the length of the aqueduct could be shorter. You can kind of see it in the shot starting at 14:27. If you look at it in Google Maps in satellite view, Gate Road is about even grade with the canal at the turn/lift bridge, but drops considerably to the valley below. The tree covered area on both sides of the canal in that stretch is all man made. Additionally the house in the trees at the 15 minute mark of the video was the house of Thomas Telford, the engineer of the aqueduct. It was built there so that he could lookout from the house and see the progress.
Myself and the wife have done the Llangollen twice now, but only in a 45ft boat, we love the canal, best time to go is first week of September, prices drop, and it’s so much quieter, we came from just outside Whitchurch , which was right at the start of the canal…..about 14 miles from where you picked you’re boat up, we had hand held radios to get through the narrows, it made it so much easier…….love the marina basin at the head of the canal, great place to overnight ……fantastic video, Thankyou👍🇮🇲. Ps , our boat was a bit posh, it had a jacuzzi bath onboard with led lights, and a four post bed.👍😃🤘
I love your videos so much. They keep making me think about how much I've always wanted to just explore and see the world before I get too old to or something. I never even knew canal boating was a thing nevermind something as awesome as it is. The views and community seem vastly unique in the best ways.
I'm running out of words to describe the awesome job you do(and the awesome job Nicole does at keeping the spiders away).... Thanks again and be well !
You always do an excellent travellog Mike. The 1st I saw was with trains, going up to Alaska - just brilliant so I want to buy tickets. Now you're doing the same but with narrowboats, very well done. You do very good adventure guides ...
We are sure enjoying your Narrowboat journeys in the UK. Outstanding scenery! Great job Michael, Nicole & Rachel. Awesome! We're watching from Arizona
Wow Mike! This series was my favorite of all your videos. What a fantastic adventure you had. I've seen these UK longboats before and would love to do it. I like that you included the history too. I hope you will include Nicole in future videos, she's lovely! 😍
You should do a travel by train: UK
Good idea, Thomas!
@@DownieLive Just wait a while until the strikes are finished then you should be OK and not stranded at an out of the way Rail Station, but one trip I would say would be worth it is the Fort William to Mallaig. Scotland aka The Harry Potter Line. Look out for the "Neptunes Staircase Locks" after leaving Fort William.
Mike has already been on several British trains, you'll find them in his past videos. At least one of them includes a little blue 0-6-0T with a very prominent # 1 on its side.
You honestly have the coolest life ever. I love being able to live through your videos and see the world. Thank you for that. I'm glad you don't take any of it for granted either.
Loving this series! This is something that I would love to do someday.
It’s amazing Renette! You’ll love it!
I first knew about this aqueduct when I was a small child on a family canal boat holiday. We were up in Cheshire somewhere and I so wanted us to go out there but even as a 6-7 year old I knew it wasn't going to happen. I did get there about 20 years later and walked it on foot. I'd love to cross it by boat but even walking it made a little childhood dream come true! Now I just need to persuade my son Charlie into the rewards of a canal boat trip...
Modern narrowboats are made with sheet steel. The bottom plate sticks out about one inch past the sides so any sideswipes will scrape the bottom edge instead of leaving scars along the sides.
Good to know. You’ll see why next episode… 😳
Great to see you, Nicole and Rachelle enjoying 'the slow life' of the British Canal System. Haven't had a lot of time lately to view KZhead but I'm piggin' out now. A complete contrast to the rail and adventure videos of the past but a wonderful choice. On this episode, I see you come close to the Llangollen Heritage Railway and there's a brief glimpse of a Class 158 at the Chirk Aqueduct and railway viaduct but you stayed with the Canal series script. Now if I get a chance to go back to the UK, I will have to try out at least one longboat canal trip. The nearest I got to a longboat on my travels four years ago was walking along part of the Grand Union Canal in London between Paddington and Warwick Avenue after a round trip by train to Oxford. Looking forward to your next episode next weekend. Oh, and if I don't get to see it due to the Season activities, hope you, your family and friends have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hoping 2023 allows for a better world than what we have experienced over the last three years. Cheers from your friend in Melbourne.😀
Yeah, pronunciation of "ll" tends to differ between languages. For English it's of course like l, in Spanish depending on the variety it's either like a y, sh, or j sound, and here for Welsh it's "thl". I first learned about how they say the double l when learning how to say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch...the infamous Anglesey village whose name looks like it was smashed on a keyboard. It means "St Mary's Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel Near to the Rapid Whirlpool of Llantysilio of the Red Cave". Why? Because it was a publicity stunt in the 1860s to attract people to the area, which worked as everyone now knows about the place.
Again, a great video! I live in Chirk and went to school in Llangollen….. you missed mentioning Castell Dinas Bran, a 12th century medieval ruin that’s purportedly the last resting place of the holy grail….. you were parked very near it when you stayed in Llangollen (it’s the ruined castle on top of the large hill overlooking Llangollen) Llangollen is also the site of the International Eisteddfod, which is a festival featuring folk music and dancing from all around the world… The canal tunnel that you went through in Chirk is locally called ‘The Darkie’ (you went through it, so you know why), but if you go there in the summer (when the light is at the correct angle) you can see that the entire roof of the tunnel is covered with spider web - so you’re basically sailing through a spider nest that is nearly 1,400 feet long (the length of the tunnel). Yuck… lol
You always make each one of your trips extra special. I love all of the info you share that makes it special for anyone else that would like to travel that way in the future. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making your videos not only informative but also very entertaining.
Another great adventure !!! This is something my family would love to do. Thank you, Love to you and Nicole.
Our family has been really enjoying your canal holiday. Very picturesque and handy having pubs on the banks if they were serving food. Some parts look stressful. Great footage, editing as always. Wonderful video
Thanks Michelle! It's such a fun experience. Occasionally challenging, but always worth it.
I so appreciate this series not only for the original and authentic content but also for the thoughtful, genuine, and engaging commentary.
So, awesome! That aqueduct was incredible; and more incredible, it was built a long time ago. Loved this journey with the two of you (and friend)!
Amazing series! Thanks for making this possible for us to learn new stuff and watch you guys adventure!
Another great episode of life on narrow and shallow waterways...pretty incredible as I have never heard of these. I look forward to the next episode and how you and Nicole fare. Keep up the great work!
Some of the best walks in the uk are definitely by the canal.
This is amazing… I love Country House Gent, viewing him since learning to work on Range Rovers, Robbie Cummings…fantastic. Cruising The Cut…Kent News Reporter, turned tiny home rogue. The canals are totally Peaky Blinders… Love it! Bravo! Fun to see. Happy you were brave enough to give it a go. Thank You! 🎄
I am loving this series! I had no idea this was even a thing. I have been on houseboats in the US all my life. This is now on my list!
When I was 16 (since 24 years ago) I spent a week on a boat on the Llangollen canal and had the wonderful opportunity of piloting the boat across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You've brought some lovely memories back, thank you.
Super jealous of your adventures, you're killing it out there bro! Love the positive energy!
You all are just the BEST. I'm going to be planning a trip for for hubby and myself and your videos have been SO helpful. We have a deep sea fishing boat/business in Bermuda...BUT we shall see how the Captain handles the Canals...and if you ever want to venture out to our tiny island you must let me know. Cheers, Jen
Thanks for taking us along!!!! A dream to take a boat on the canals once again before I get too old!!!!!
Another wonderful adventure Mike! Thank you so much for showing me things that I never knew existed. Even at my ripe old age of 72 I have so much more to learn and I ain't done yet. Now your part of my training.
Love living vicariously through you! What an amazing series so far! Thanks for sharing!
I started out watching your Amtrak adventures. Now Im enjoying watching your canal adventures. Very cool!
Interesting back ”roads” perspective of my favorite country! Thanks for the slew of sneak peeks!
I think Rachel found her calling! She picked up that in no time at all! That was exciting going over the aqueduct! So much fun!
Everything about this episode was fantastic! Loved, loved, loved it!
I love this part of the UK and think you did a marvellous job of showing it to your audience. Really nice video which made me a bit teary at times. Thanks.
Rachel did such a great job. Nicole can do anything. You were hooked up! I'm having a great time at the end of the year binge watching your videos. Gotta love those 🐄 🐑💕
Downie I've been obsessed with your channel since the first time I watched a couple months ago. I love your videography, story telling, and editing. I'm excited to see where else I can travel with you as you explore the world in unique ways. Also I love that you blog all the great moments, but the intimate more personal moments that you share you keep them private. Can't wait for the next one
Thanks Erick!
I live in Wales and have been on that canal...such a lovely pace if not a bit hairy here and there...love your enthusiasm and it's great to see Wales getting some positive "press"
Another great episode Mike! Great series and channel, look forward to the next adventure. Your positive, engaging attitude is the best.
Wow, I’d love to be there! That longboat is gorgeous and spacious. Crossing that aqueduct seems magical. Thanks again for this wonderful trip! Until next time.😊⚓️
Nice stuff fella, grew up with the Chesterfield canal at the bottom of the garden, it's still the most pleasant way to walk through town, a little bit of nature through the heart.... To the heart... Y'all take care now, all the best to you and yours from North Nottinghamshire UK
Wow! How beautiful and bucolic! What a great adventure.
I love all of your attention to detail with the history and infrastructure! Next you should do the falkirk wheel boat lift in Scotland
You all had way too much fun. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for showing us your journey. Can hardly wait for part four.
Just another fabulous trip in the canals. I am really looking into doing this. Love it!
The aqueduct, the scenery, it’s all amazing. And Rachel did a great job as narrow boat pilot.
We agree!