I had my doubts that a 22-minute video inside a tunnel would be interesting, but you proved me wrong. I smiled the whole way through - as I do with all your videos. Your delight and wonder are infectious (in the best possible way) and your authenticity, kindness, and humour shine through all your videos. Congrats on your excellent work, Mike. Carry on - and happy holidays from a fellow Vancouverite. 🙂
@@DownieLive The lovely laughing you prompted at 6:20 made me want to hug them. These British narrow boat people are wonderful, aren't they? Thanks for doing this narrow boat series, Michael! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and family and the sweetheart Brits, too! ❤😄
@@DownieLive In case you haven't noticed m8 a scammer is saying he is you. Just had a msg. It's on your UK canal feed. Merry Xmas to you and your family m8 🇬🇧🇨🇦
As a Brit I love our canals. I've done it twice now for a holiday and loved it. This channel can only promote it even more. I highly recommend it. Also the guys that look after the canals deserve so much praise for the way they look after them. The majority are volunteers as well. Great series m8
This is such a mixture of feelings... The joy of real Yorkshire accents, the fascination of learning so much and the horror of the claustrophobia!!!!!!
The most amazing part of the story is a 12 year old boy having the responsibility to walk across the Pennines four times a day in all weathers for 37 years!!! These stories should never be forgotten, as this great country was built on the back these people and they were a different breed!!!
People are a product of their environment and if you put modern day people, especially children that dont know anything else into rough circumstances like that they will adapt fine. Humans havent changed that much.
As a retired Cameraman I am constantly amazed at how well you use that camera of yours even in tight places like a tunnel !!!. I have watched MANY vids on the English canals and coverage of the Standedge Tunnel but none of them were as informative as your coverage. For a " one man show" you do a fantastic job. I guess Nicole declined to do the trip with you, pity she missed a great journey. Max. Australia.
What a brilliant youtube description. We came from New Zealand in 2019 and spent 5 weeks on the UK canal system. We also travelled through the tunnel twice, because the Southern Peninne Ring route was not able to be traversed because of lock closures on the Rochdale canal. I had to steer the narrowboat through each way, the first time our chaperone was Trevor and the return journey was with Alaister. Great to see Trevor again. The Canal & River Trust guys are such a dedicated and knowedgeable bunch. I wonder if Trevor is still driving his MGB?
These guys are such lovely goofballs but you can tell they know their stuff and don’t play around with their job. Fascinating to see the workers aspect and knowledge.
That was absolutely fantastic mike. I dont know what you do for a living but i would certainly back you all the way as a tv presenter! I love the way you listen to the info which is being told to you and you remember it. Fantastic
The train, the British canals' killer, coexisting side by side with the canal...the peace we love to see. Maybe the shortest route is not always the easiest, but the fact they built it anyway showed their dedication to a thriving canal. I like the more natural part of the tunnel without reinforcements, it just looks cooler that way. Definitely beautiful. Quite a brilliant feat that they managed to do this canal tunnel More info on the railway tunnels, they were built by the London and North Western Railway, the ancestor of the West Coast Main Line, for their line between Huddersfield and Manchester. The Huddersfield Line is now operated by services like TransPennine Express and Northern Trains, and cargo like DB Cargo UK.
I'm impressed by the attention to safety that has been exhibited throughout the journey. There were always volunteers or paid staff there to help boaters at key points - and friendly boaters along the way. It didn't feel as though you were ever just cast adrift to sink or swim. The canals seemed well maintained, too. The time, attention, and funds that go into preserving that canal system make it clear how highly Brits seem to value it. As an American, I am jealous. I've been to many state and national parks, here, and the most hands-on approach to safety I've seen are posted signs, paper-and-pencil checkpoints along backpacking trails, expensive paid guided tours, and, once, in Yosemite, a required video about bears. Our attitude seems to be to say: "Good luck and watch out for the bears!" The fact that you had professional helpers at key points is amazing!
The amount of safety through the tunnel might seem excessive to some but a few years back someone died in a shorter tunnel elsewhere. He banged his head on the tunnel roof when stood at the rear of the barge. He fell off the back while his wife was at the front. She soon realised he was missing but couldn't find him in the pitch dark. Police divers eventually found his body. Hence the reason if you take your own boat through it's mandatory to have a Canal & River Trust 'chaperone'.
I remain amazed by these canals and their boats. But, this longest, deepest, highest, tunnel canal was absolutely incredible. Thank you, once again, for bringing us along, to experience this journey, with you. Now, I have a new Bucket List item.
Mike, that was amazing! I previously knew about the canals in the UK via other RUclipsrs and of course your narrowboat series. However, I didn't know about this tunnel. Amazing ride and how they accomplished building the tunnel!!! If it took you guys 2.5 hours to go through the tunnel, I can't imagine how long it took for the men to leg a narrowboat along. Thanks for bringing us on this wonderful narrowboat adventure. I can't wait to see your next series!
I grew up very near to this tunnel and remember as a child standing at the Marsden end and hearing about the work underway to reopen it for the first time since the forties. Great that you've shown the world how spectacular it is inside.
That looks like both a fun and exciting experience along with a slightly terrifying experience. I can’t imagine how hard it would be for those men to use their feet to push their way through for that long. That’s pretty incredible.
Coal miners often would work 12 - 14 hours a day on their backs or their sides, as they’d only have between 36 or 40 inches squared, working away with the pick axe. So, y’all can pretty much imagine how much upper body strength they acquired 😮
I've seen this tunnel in another video and your video made me love it all over again. Your inquisitive nature, saying/asking the right things to open up the people you're with, and your sheer joy and appreciation is super wholesome to see. I also love how incredibly eager these gentlemen are in sharing everything -- opening up the battery compartment, all the stories they tell. Love it!
I’ve stood and stared at the entrance to that tunnel many a time. And just find it an incredible piece of engineering-extraordinary! Can you even imagine someone saying, ok guys, dig me a tunnel please, by hand, three miles long. Absolutely incredible. Thank you for the video experience- fabulous!!
I've watched other RUclips narrowboating content creators go through this tunnel. It never gets old! And your enthusiasm is your particular uniqueness I enjoy. I would absolutely take a through tunnel tour boat guide from the Canal Trust. Especially if they had a geologist. I've never seen the natural rock of the tunnel highlighted that way. Fascinating!
Your videos inspired me to go narrow boating and it led me to going on a 2 week trip to Ireland and whales were I saw amazing things even when we weren’t narrow boating thanks for bringing me out of the us for the first time
If you build it, they will come. In this case, DownieLive! But seriously, this is amazing! They knew this would be the shortest canal route option and understood it would take a lot of work to build under the Pennines, but they took the risk and did it anyway. And you get a free shower too as a bonus for going through it! You're right, it DOES look like modern art...canal builders did modern art before it was cool! 😂 What a great bonus for the canal series, Mike! History, geology, and just magic!
I feel like, even if I wasnt already interested in narrow boats, I would still watch this video. Seeing the CRT people loving what they are doing makes it that much more enjoyable. Really loved it when the dude got soaked with the water and was just laughing. You could tell he enjoyed his work. It would also be really interesting to watch a demonstration of someone legging a boat, at least part way through a tunnel like that.
Watching these videos is truly bringing out the kid in me again. Something about the tunnels and bridges, and then the incredibly blissful look on your face as you were experiencing it. If these videos aren’t enough to let the rest of the world know that they need to squeeze every little last bit of juice out of that orange of life. To never take any second for granted, and make every moment count. None of us know how long we have on this earth, and there is no time like the present to go out and experience the world step-by-step. If you can’t fly or sail to the UK to experience what you see in these videos, then simply go down to your local park or conservation area and experience nature around you, through the eyes of your inner child. Every second of every day is another blessing… Use it to your advantage, and don’t let anything get in the way of your own experience. I always say… live life every day as if it was your last and love like it was your first… carpe diem and make it extraordinary.
This video aired in Australia on Christmas Eve so Merry Christmas Mike, Nicole, DownieLive crew, family and friends. Yet another great video. Really been enjoying this series.
New subscriber here from Windsor, Ont. Canada. I found your channel from watching The Wynns and their narrow boating experience. I couldn't stop watching your videos on this journey....I had to watch them all in one sitting! Phenomenal footage. Loved all of them! Cheers from Canada!
Wow, I now want to ride boats like this along the canals, stop by a pub etc. except on a Monday of course. Great 5 Episodes, I never knew this existed. Amazing.
I have really enjoyed this series. Thank you for taking us along with you. It's so interesting seeing how things are done in other countries especially when you've never been able to even get out of the US. You bring other countries alive in your videos
I didn't even know about these canals until these videos (I'm American), but now I'm obsessed! It looks like a lot of fun! Also, I was looking into the prices for renting one of these and they're actually pretty affordable. I've been planning a UK trip for a long time and this is definitely going on the list. I'd love to do this tour, too. The volunteers that put the work into keeping these canals working and well-maintained are just as commendable as those who originally built them. Also, I could hang out with those guys all day listening to the history. There's such an interesting history behind them that I didn't even know about until this video series. Thanks for sending me down this narrow boat rabbit hole, Downie! 😆
Volunteer organisations are the ones who bring the disused canals back to life but the canal system is maintained by paid staff of The Canals & Rivers Trust. There's quite a lot of serious civil engineering involved, for instance, when canal banks collapse or renewing of lock gates in solid oak (they only last 25 to 30 years). All boat/barge owners pay an annual licence that goes to funding this work.
Dear Michael and Team. Another Amazing adventure!!! 💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺 This series has been so exciting and educational! Thank you again for taking us with you 💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺 Be well and stay safe to you, your family , friends and team. Happy Holidays!!!
Too cool. This series was fun to watch. If you ever want to do Downie Live by Truck, you could see what it’s like to be a truck driver, and go down into the caves of Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, to pick up and deliver freight.
Brilliant. I lived and travelled on a narrowboat for 5 years. Tunnels were not my favourite part of the network, but sometimes a necessity. However, these guys and this boat have changed my opinion. Well done all.
Larry325 said most of what I'm thinking. Thanks Larry. Weather or not. I have been on the seat of my pants through out all your adventures I have enjoyed traveling with you .We are right beside you all thru your adventures. Thank you this is the only way I can travel due to health issues. Thank you again and your subscribers are some fabulous people to travel along with.
What an incredible series! Great mix of education and entertainment and most impressive is that after this long on RUclips, you are still thoroughly enjoying it and not just going through the motion.
Mike, thanks for an amazing series. I first discovered the canals here in England back when I was maybe 6 or 7 years old on a family holiday, and it left an engrained memory. This tunnel was something else though, what an epic trip. You seem like you had an amazing time on the canals here, your enthusiasm is to be applauded 👏
That was so fun. Missed your "don't know where I am going next..." line. Especially since I really wonder where you are going next. This was super fun and interesting. Who knew? Thanks for taking us along.
That was a fascinating trip however one that I will not be doing as going underground for me is just not on, nor being in a small tunnel for so long & I was watching all the time for the light at the other end so that I could take a deep breath of fresh air & see the sunshine again. So thank you for being willing to do the trip for me & show me what it looks like inside, it was incredible even though I had to keep reminding myself that you did make it through or else the video wouldn't have been posted...and then you repeated the process back through again!! I would have walked over the top!
Hi guys, wow what a Serious engineering feat that they did to build this tunnel through the mountain. Thanks for the video absolutely enjoyed it Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 from the big island 🏝️
Thanks for such a great series. 138K views in 3 days. Ep. 4 is near a half million. Undoubtedly the tunnel will see more visitors thanks to you. I think I shall call you my travel magnet, because most of your adventures are on my short time bucket list. Happy Holidays.
I love going on guided tours like that, where the tour guides clearly love what they do and love to share their knowledge. Top blokes. Fascinating stuff! 👌
That was incredible! I'm not claustrophobic - until now. It is December 24, Christmas Eve Day. This is the best Christmas present one could receive. A once in a lifetime experience. Thank You. Oh, that bit on claustrophobia, now that we have come out of the tunnel and can see daylight and sky my anxiety level has dissipated to nil. Have a Happy Holiday and healthy and prosperous New Year.
Grew up and went to school very close to the tunnel but never been all the way through as they didn't do through trips, really cool to see a video showing off the whole trip like this, great vid
Downie you probably won’t see this but I discovered your trip from Florida to Alaska by train and I’m now here and following👍 very refreshing the content you put out 🤙 keep it going!
Thanks for this canals uk series. I've travelled some of them but you have shown and given me information I wasn't aware of. Love the way you've interpreted the journeys. Terrific. Thanks again.
I loved this video with u and this crew! Their passion for guiding people and sharing their knowledge of the tunnel is to me so fascinating. I hope they are able to get the field trips going again. I'd of loved this trip when I was in grade school or even college.
Terry loves his job huh ? Lovely to listen to and full of anecdotes. Fantastic video ! I have taken my parents narrowboat through Blisworth which is quite long but double width so you have to be ready for oncoming traffic. Never got to go through Standedge so this video is giving me a great insight. Thank you for posting this. Love your vids
That’s a spectacular view of the tunnel, how it changes. You did well with the driving, Mike. A unique canal experience. Thanks for another fine video.
Excellent video and series. Well done! It took me back to a canal boat holiday through the Potteries when I lived in England ... nothing as splendid as some of the features and machinery/construction you got to experience!
Stunning presentation as only a dinky di Canuk can do and carry it off so well. Ditto the other Canal trips. I am humbled. Hope "The Nicole" never looses That Sassy Attitude. The GB Canals need to confirm an Honorary Medal on you both. --- An olde Aussie in delightful Goolwa, South Australia.
Truly amazing, Mike, how you can make a trip through rock cloaked in darkness interesting. Your warm and genuine spirit validates the work and years of investment of all those around you in these journeys. You uplift us all. ❤
@@DownieLive You are the best travelogue host. Your enthusiasm, easy manner, and that smile while providing a most interesting narration makes watching your episodes such a pleasure.
This popped up on my RUclips suggestions. Thank you for showcasing our industrial heritage to your subscriber base. I loved that he had to explain the deep pocket joke to you.
Wow what a brilliant video I'm a Yorkshire man and have been on the train loads but never been on the canal what a strange but beautiful place hope you enjoyed yourself 👍👍👍
Merry Christmas from Australia Mike, wishing you and yours a fantastic festive season and a wonderful year ahead. Thank you for a year (and more of course) of interesting, fun and different videos taking me places I didnt know existed by means of travel that I will never get to experience........your channel is a great way for me to see the world without having to leave the comfort and safety of home. I literally cant wait to see where you take us next.
I'm sorry my dad's no longer around to see this lovely, fascinating video. As a Lancastrian, historian and canal lover, he would have absolutely loved it. And he would have had yet another excuse to make (friendly) fun of Yorkshiremen! Thanks so much :)
What a fantastic series, Mike! This tunnel was amazing and, as someone who studied civil engineering eons ago, I always marvel at how some of these projects were constructed with the technology and tools available to them at that time. And they're still standing and being used over a century later. Again, great job!
I have enjoyed all of your videos and your trips, including your canal trips and I was surprised to find out that this tunnel journey was might favorite of the canal voyages. The history, the engineering and the various sections of brick , rock and cement was captivating. The crew were obviously very knowledgeable, nice and accommodating. Good job!
To say "Wicked cool" is an understatement! That is one awesome feat of engineering, luck, and luck. 26 feet off? Minor adjustment. LOL Thanks for taking us to a place I never knew existed...and if someday I find myself with a few days in the UK...I might just go rent a narrow boat. Ok, I know, I would have to plan that...haha.
So cool to see all the different geology. Crazy to learn about the guy who worked it for that long. He was definitely dedicated. Thanks for sharing another piece of amazing history with us.
I had my doubts that a 22-minute video inside a tunnel would be interesting, but you proved me wrong. I smiled the whole way through - as I do with all your videos. Your delight and wonder are infectious (in the best possible way) and your authenticity, kindness, and humour shine through all your videos. Congrats on your excellent work, Mike. Carry on - and happy holidays from a fellow Vancouverite. 🙂
Why thank you very much!
@@DownieLive The lovely laughing you prompted at 6:20 made me want to hug them. These British narrow boat people are wonderful, aren't they? Thanks for doing this narrow boat series, Michael! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and family and the sweetheart Brits, too! ❤😄
@@DownieLive In case you haven't noticed m8 a scammer is saying he is you. Just had a msg. It's on your UK canal feed. Merry Xmas to you and your family m8 🇬🇧🇨🇦
Would you like to watch the entire 3 hours?
I can send you the footage.
@@DownieLive that would be cool ngl
As a Brit I love our canals. I've done it twice now for a holiday and loved it. This channel can only promote it even more. I highly recommend it. Also the guys that look after the canals deserve so much praise for the way they look after them. The majority are volunteers as well. Great series m8
Love their dialects
There are many excellent narrow boat channels that I watch from Canada, maybe one day that would be fun.
@Downie_Live..... Its Xmas m8. Leave your scams till the new year at least. Bah humbug 👎👎
I live on the canals. been my dream since I was 2 and had my first holiday!
You really do have a fantastic canal system. We have something similar in Ireland but it's nowhere near your's.
I love how stoked these guys are. Even the old hand had a stifled smile
Volunteers. They regularly advertise looking for a few more probably looking for a dedicated few (Should anyone be interested!)
if it was americans or china they would all be screaming going through it.
I’m actually a train driver and drive through the tunnel parallel to that each day.
It was interesting for me to get a bit of history of the tunnel.
Respect,how lucky are you.
@@colinmiller5502 why 2 comments
Being the driver of a train, it would make sense for you to use the railway tunnel and not the canal tunnel.
@@lewis72 if they found themselves in the canal it's a sure sign that mistakes have been made.
@@lewis72😂
This is such a mixture of feelings... The joy of real Yorkshire accents, the fascination of learning so much and the horror of the claustrophobia!!!!!!
Aye, it's a smashing accent
The most amazing part of the story is a 12 year old boy having the responsibility to walk across the Pennines four times a day in all weathers for 37 years!!! These stories should never be forgotten, as this great country was built on the back these people and they were a different breed!!!
Neil
I know right the way that this channel puts the back story in and it's done so brilliantly
People are a product of their environment and if you put modern day people, especially children that dont know anything else into rough circumstances like that they will adapt fine. Humans havent changed that much.
Especially when you understand that the canals were all dug by hand, by men with shovels. Called Navvies.
I wish I was a 12 years boy for 37 years.
Those lads running the tour were top notch
100%
How many tickle’s does it take to make a octopus laugh? Tentacles!
@@jonijenningsstickney8559 Class!
Absolute legends.
I love watching videos about men who know what they're doing.
As a retired Cameraman I am constantly amazed at how well you use that camera of yours even in tight places like a tunnel !!!. I have watched MANY vids on the English canals and coverage of the Standedge Tunnel but none of them were as informative as your coverage. For a " one man show" you do a fantastic job. I guess Nicole declined to do the trip with you, pity she missed a great journey. Max. Australia.
Thanks Max! Glad you appreciate it!
What a brilliant youtube description. We came from New Zealand in 2019 and spent 5 weeks on the UK canal system. We also travelled through the tunnel twice, because the Southern Peninne Ring route was not able to be traversed because of lock closures on the Rochdale canal. I had to steer the narrowboat through each way, the first time our chaperone was Trevor and the return journey was with Alaister. Great to see Trevor again. The Canal & River Trust guys are such a dedicated and knowedgeable bunch. I wonder if Trevor is still driving his MGB?
How long did it take you to go through the tunnel? I heard it was an hour and a half. What an experience!
Everyone I know who has done a UK canal holiday has loved it . I'm looking forward to experience one next time we're in the UK.
FYI, Trevor still has his MGB. It was there today looking as clean as the day it was built!
These guys are such lovely goofballs but you can tell they know their stuff and don’t play around with their job. Fascinating to see the workers aspect and knowledge.
As a Yorkshireman that now lives elsewhere, this was a great watch. I’m now pining for home. A great set of narrowboat videos.
Same can't wait to go back soon. Lovely place is Marsden
That was absolutely fantastic mike. I dont know what you do for a living but i would certainly back you all the way as a tv presenter! I love the way you listen to the info which is being told to you and you remember it. Fantastic
The train, the British canals' killer, coexisting side by side with the canal...the peace we love to see. Maybe the shortest route is not always the easiest, but the fact they built it anyway showed their dedication to a thriving canal. I like the more natural part of the tunnel without reinforcements, it just looks cooler that way. Definitely beautiful. Quite a brilliant feat that they managed to do this canal tunnel
More info on the railway tunnels, they were built by the London and North Western Railway, the ancestor of the West Coast Main Line, for their line between Huddersfield and Manchester. The Huddersfield Line is now operated by services like TransPennine Express and Northern Trains, and cargo like DB Cargo UK.
I'm impressed by the attention to safety that has been exhibited throughout the journey. There were always volunteers or paid staff there to help boaters at key points - and friendly boaters along the way. It didn't feel as though you were ever just cast adrift to sink or swim. The canals seemed well maintained, too. The time, attention, and funds that go into preserving that canal system make it clear how highly Brits seem to value it. As an American, I am jealous. I've been to many state and national parks, here, and the most hands-on approach to safety I've seen are posted signs, paper-and-pencil checkpoints along backpacking trails, expensive paid guided tours, and, once, in Yosemite, a required video about bears. Our attitude seems to be to say: "Good luck and watch out for the bears!" The fact that you had professional helpers at key points is amazing!
The amount of safety through the tunnel might seem excessive to some but a few years back someone died in a shorter tunnel elsewhere. He banged his head on the tunnel roof when stood at the rear of the barge. He fell off the back while his wife was at the front. She soon realised he was missing but couldn't find him in the pitch dark. Police divers eventually found his body. Hence the reason if you take your own boat through it's mandatory to have a Canal & River Trust 'chaperone'.
I remain amazed by these canals and their boats. But, this longest, deepest, highest, tunnel canal was absolutely incredible. Thank you, once again, for bringing us along, to experience this journey, with you. Now, I have a new Bucket List item.
Mike, that was amazing! I previously knew about the canals in the UK via other RUclipsrs and of course your narrowboat series. However, I didn't know about this tunnel. Amazing ride and how they accomplished building the tunnel!!! If it took you guys 2.5 hours to go through the tunnel, I can't imagine how long it took for the men to leg a narrowboat along. Thanks for bringing us on this wonderful narrowboat adventure. I can't wait to see your next series!
I grew up very near to this tunnel and remember as a child standing at the Marsden end and hearing about the work underway to reopen it for the first time since the forties. Great that you've shown the world how spectacular it is inside.
I grew up in Huddersfield, so i'm very familiar with both the rail and canal tunnels.
That looks like both a fun and exciting experience along with a slightly terrifying experience. I can’t imagine how hard it would be for those men to use their feet to push their way through for that long. That’s pretty incredible.
Well they are British, need I say more. Ingenuity at its finest. 1841 must have been a hard time for the people who dug those tunnels.
Coal miners often would work 12 - 14 hours a day on their backs or their sides, as they’d only have between 36 or 40 inches squared, working away with the pick axe. So, y’all can pretty much imagine how much upper body strength they acquired 😮
That’s super cool! Love the folks that took you along they were so knowledgeable and friendly
I've seen this tunnel in another video and your video made me love it all over again. Your inquisitive nature, saying/asking the right things to open up the people you're with, and your sheer joy and appreciation is super wholesome to see.
I also love how incredibly eager these gentlemen are in sharing everything -- opening up the battery compartment, all the stories they tell. Love it!
Something peaceful and relaxing about watching canal boat videos, the pace just slows down. I love it.
I’ve stood and stared at the entrance to that tunnel many a time. And just find it an incredible piece of engineering-extraordinary! Can you even imagine someone saying, ok guys, dig me a tunnel please, by hand, three miles long. Absolutely incredible. Thank you for the video experience- fabulous!!
I've watched other RUclips narrowboating content creators go through this tunnel. It never gets old! And your enthusiasm is your particular uniqueness I enjoy. I would absolutely take a through tunnel tour boat guide from the Canal Trust. Especially if they had a geologist. I've never seen the natural rock of the tunnel highlighted that way. Fascinating!
Your videos inspired me to go narrow boating and it led me to going on a 2 week trip to Ireland and whales were I saw amazing things even when we weren’t narrow boating thanks for bringing me out of the us for the first time
That’s awesome! I’m so glad to hear that!
If you build it, they will come. In this case, DownieLive! But seriously, this is amazing! They knew this would be the shortest canal route option and understood it would take a lot of work to build under the Pennines, but they took the risk and did it anyway. And you get a free shower too as a bonus for going through it! You're right, it DOES look like modern art...canal builders did modern art before it was cool! 😂 What a great bonus for the canal series, Mike! History, geology, and just magic!
This has been an amazing series! Thank you for sharing the experience!
Awesome! Just fantastic. Makes me want to do a canal boat adventure. Hello from London Ontario 🇨🇦
Wow. That was great entertainment and such genuine, interesting and friendly people who took you through which made it even more fun.
I feel like, even if I wasnt already interested in narrow boats, I would still watch this video. Seeing the CRT people loving what they are doing makes it that much more enjoyable. Really loved it when the dude got soaked with the water and was just laughing. You could tell he enjoyed his work. It would also be really interesting to watch a demonstration of someone legging a boat, at least part way through a tunnel like that.
Watching these videos is truly bringing out the kid in me again. Something about the tunnels and bridges, and then the incredibly blissful look on your face as you were experiencing it. If these videos aren’t enough to let the rest of the world know that they need to squeeze every little last bit of juice out of that orange of life. To never take any second for granted, and make every moment count. None of us know how long we have on this earth, and there is no time like the present to go out and experience the world step-by-step. If you can’t fly or sail to the UK to experience what you see in these videos, then simply go down to your local park or conservation area and experience nature around you, through the eyes of your inner child.
Every second of every day is another blessing… Use it to your advantage, and don’t let anything get in the way of your own experience. I always say… live life every day as if it was your last and love like it was your first… carpe diem and make it extraordinary.
This video aired in Australia on Christmas Eve so Merry Christmas Mike, Nicole, DownieLive crew, family and friends. Yet another great video. Really been enjoying this series.
New subscriber here from Windsor, Ont. Canada. I found your channel from watching The Wynns and their narrow boating experience. I couldn't stop watching your videos on this journey....I had to watch them all in one sitting! Phenomenal footage. Loved all of them! Cheers from Canada!
As a long time narrowboat fan I loved this series and am disappointed its ending but look forward to new adventures. Happy holidays buddy!
Thanks so much, Eric! I really appreciate the support and want you to know there will be more Canal boats in 2023! ;)
Wow, I now want to ride boats like this along the canals, stop by a pub etc. except on a Monday of course. Great 5 Episodes, I never knew this existed. Amazing.
I have really enjoyed this series. Thank you for taking us along with you. It's so interesting seeing how things are done in other countries especially when you've never been able to even get out of the US. You bring other countries alive in your videos
Wow wow and wow many thanks for taking us on this trip. Absolutely lovely inside .
Glad you enjoyed it
I didn't even know about these canals until these videos (I'm American), but now I'm obsessed! It looks like a lot of fun! Also, I was looking into the prices for renting one of these and they're actually pretty affordable. I've been planning a UK trip for a long time and this is definitely going on the list. I'd love to do this tour, too. The volunteers that put the work into keeping these canals working and well-maintained are just as commendable as those who originally built them. Also, I could hang out with those guys all day listening to the history. There's such an interesting history behind them that I didn't even know about until this video series. Thanks for sending me down this narrow boat rabbit hole, Downie! 😆
Volunteer organisations are the ones who bring the disused canals back to life but the canal system is maintained by paid staff of The Canals & Rivers Trust. There's quite a lot of serious civil engineering involved, for instance, when canal banks collapse or renewing of lock gates in solid oak (they only last 25 to 30 years). All boat/barge owners pay an annual licence that goes to funding this work.
I felt incredibly engaged throughout the entire video. My favorite yet.
As a lad from England who fishes the UK canals this whole series was amazing never seen you before but definitely got a new sub here
Dear Michael and Team.
Another Amazing adventure!!!
💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺
This series has been so exciting and educational!
Thank you again for taking us with you 💞💞💞🌺🌺🌺
Be well and stay safe to you, your family , friends and team.
Happy Holidays!!!
This entire series was so fascinating. Thank you for letting us navigate these canals with you! WOW 😊👍
Too cool. This series was fun to watch. If you ever want to do Downie Live by Truck, you could see what it’s like to be a truck driver, and go down into the caves of Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, to pick up and deliver freight.
Brilliant. I lived and travelled on a narrowboat for 5 years. Tunnels were not my favourite part of the network, but sometimes a necessity. However, these guys and this boat have changed my opinion. Well done all.
Larry325 said most of what I'm thinking. Thanks Larry. Weather or not. I have been on the seat of my pants through out all your adventures I have enjoyed traveling with you .We are right beside you all thru your adventures. Thank you this is the only way I can travel due to health issues. Thank you again and your subscribers are some fabulous people to travel along with.
Had a smile on my face the whole time watching this. Those Yorkshire lads are knowledgable!
What an incredible series! Great mix of education and entertainment and most impressive is that after this long on RUclips, you are still thoroughly enjoying it and not just going through the motion.
What a really unusual trip--- tourists should know about that! Thanks for finding it.
That was marvelous! Thank you so much! I have really enjoyed this series on the canals. Merry Christmas to everyone!
What an amazing tunnel and amazing journey! The native rock really IS gorgeous, and the old brickwork not far behind.
Mike, thanks for an amazing series. I first discovered the canals here in England back when I was maybe 6 or 7 years old on a family holiday, and it left an engrained memory. This tunnel was something else though, what an epic trip. You seem like you had an amazing time on the canals here, your enthusiasm is to be applauded 👏
Idk what editing or camera trick you are using when you look real far down a tunnel, but i love it.
This canal series has been the best ones you've ever done, in my personal opinion, i really really enjoyed it. Well done.
When you ask someone how something works and they tell immediately start taking it apart is totally my jam!!!
That was so fun. Missed your "don't know where I am going next..." line. Especially since I really wonder where you are going next. This was super fun and interesting. Who knew? Thanks for taking us along.
I’ve watched several videos of boater going through this tunnel and yours has been the most enjoyable and informative, thank you.
So great to see somebody genuinely interested/excited about the tunnel. Nice one!
That was a fascinating trip however one that I will not be doing as going underground for me is just not on, nor being in a small tunnel for so long & I was watching all the time for the light at the other end so that I could take a deep breath of fresh air & see the sunshine again. So thank you for being willing to do the trip for me & show me what it looks like inside, it was incredible even though I had to keep reminding myself that you did make it through or else the video wouldn't have been posted...and then you repeated the process back through again!! I would have walked over the top!
Hi guys, wow what a Serious engineering feat that they did to build this tunnel through the mountain. Thanks for the video absolutely enjoyed it Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 from the big island 🏝️
Who needs TV when there are great presenters making excellent shows like this on youtube!
Thanks for such a great series. 138K views in 3 days. Ep. 4 is near a half million. Undoubtedly the tunnel will see more visitors thanks to you. I think I shall call you my travel magnet, because most of your adventures are on my short time bucket list. Happy Holidays.
Walls
Thanks!
Susan, thank you so much!
I really appreciate your support and will continue to bring you fantastic stories in 2023
I love going on guided tours like that, where the tour guides clearly love what they do and love to share their knowledge. Top blokes. Fascinating stuff! 👌
I get a feeling of awe when you got to the natural sections of rock under the mountain. This is sooo cool!!
That was incredible! I'm not claustrophobic - until now. It is December 24, Christmas Eve Day. This is the best Christmas present one could receive. A once in a lifetime experience. Thank You. Oh, that bit on claustrophobia, now that we have come out of the tunnel and can see daylight and sky my anxiety level has dissipated to nil. Have a Happy Holiday and healthy and prosperous New Year.
Grew up and went to school very close to the tunnel but never been all the way through as they didn't do through trips, really cool to see a video showing off the whole trip like this, great vid
Downie you probably won’t see this but I discovered your trip from Florida to Alaska by train and I’m now here and following👍 very refreshing the content you put out 🤙 keep it going!
We have watched many other videos of the Standedge tunnel but this one is by far the best. Thank you
Thanks for this canals uk series. I've travelled some of them but you have shown and given me information I wasn't aware of. Love the way you've interpreted the journeys. Terrific. Thanks again.
this feels underrated. Never knew that this exists in the UK. Awesome!
I loved this video with u and this crew! Their passion for guiding people and sharing their knowledge of the tunnel is to me so fascinating. I hope they are able to get the field trips going again. I'd of loved this trip when I was in grade school or even college.
Wooooow. All of the rock portions are so unbelievably stunning. 💛
Cant wait to watch this at work. This has been my therapy lately and I'm grateful for you making this series
This was an extremely unique travel experience !!! Amazing to say the least !!!
Terry loves his job huh ? Lovely to listen to and full of anecdotes. Fantastic video ! I have taken my parents narrowboat through Blisworth which is quite long but double width so you have to be ready for oncoming traffic. Never got to go through Standedge so this video is giving me a great insight. Thank you for posting this. Love your vids
Once again, you amaze me with your content. Thank you
That’s a spectacular view of the tunnel, how it changes. You did well with the driving, Mike. A unique canal experience. Thanks for another fine video.
Excellent video and series. Well done! It took me back to a canal boat holiday through the Potteries when I lived in England ... nothing as splendid as some of the features and machinery/construction you got to experience!
Stunning presentation as only a dinky di Canuk can do and carry it off so well. Ditto the other Canal trips. I am humbled. Hope "The Nicole" never looses That Sassy Attitude. The GB Canals need to confirm an Honorary Medal on you both. --- An olde Aussie in delightful Goolwa, South Australia.
Truly amazing, Mike, how you can make a trip through rock cloaked in darkness interesting. Your warm and genuine spirit validates the work and years of investment of all those around you in these journeys. You uplift us all. ❤
Wow, thank you!
@@DownieLive You are the best travelogue host. Your enthusiasm, easy manner, and that smile while providing a most interesting narration makes watching your episodes such a pleasure.
@@DownieLive no, thank you.
Great episode!!
Loved it, i even went out the hatch halfway down it with an inspector. Awesome
This popped up on my RUclips suggestions. Thank you for showcasing our industrial heritage to your subscriber base. I loved that he had to explain the deep pocket joke to you.
Prescott
Love the enthusiasm of all involved! Absolutely fascinating tunnel! ❤
So cool! Such knowledgable crew! Very enjoyable video.
Wow what a brilliant video I'm a Yorkshire man and have been on the train loads but never been on the canal what a strange but beautiful place hope you enjoyed yourself 👍👍👍
Merry Christmas from Australia Mike, wishing you and yours a fantastic festive season and a wonderful year ahead. Thank you for a year (and more of course) of interesting, fun and different videos taking me places I didnt know existed by means of travel that I will never get to experience........your channel is a great way for me to see the world without having to leave the comfort and safety of home. I literally cant wait to see where you take us next.
Brilliant finale to a perfect series. Loved every episode.
Fascinating. Those three canal trust men are dead sound and friendly. Brilliant to watch. Merry Christmas Mike.👍😊🍒☃️🎅🦌🎄
Mike thanks ❤ for your amazing videos your videos have gotten me through my depression I am very thankful for ❤
I live in the UK and live about 10 minutes away from the nearest canal and I have learned so much about my local area from this series 😄
What a fascinating video; well done. Cheers from South-Central Texas, USA!
That was really cool. I think the crew were an excellent part of the experience. I would definitely do this.
This has been an amazing series! Thank you for sharing the experience!. This series was so enjoyable.What a nice way to travel..
I'm sorry my dad's no longer around to see this lovely, fascinating video. As a Lancastrian, historian and canal lover, he would have absolutely loved it. And he would have had yet another excuse to make (friendly) fun of Yorkshiremen! Thanks so much :)
Fascinating didn't know it even existed, Thank for the video and Thank you to Canal and River Trust.
Glad you enjoyed it
What a fantastic series, Mike! This tunnel was amazing and, as someone who studied civil engineering eons ago, I always marvel at how some of these projects were constructed with the technology and tools available to them at that time. And they're still standing and being used over a century later. Again, great job!
This has been an amazing series! Thank you for sharing the experience!. This has been an amazing series! Thank you for sharing the experience!.
you've won me over, your genuine interest is infectious
I have enjoyed all of your videos and your trips, including your canal trips and I was surprised to find out that this tunnel journey was might favorite of the canal voyages. The history, the engineering and the various sections of brick , rock and cement was captivating. The crew were obviously very knowledgeable, nice and accommodating. Good job!
To say "Wicked cool" is an understatement! That is one awesome feat of engineering, luck, and luck. 26 feet off? Minor adjustment. LOL
Thanks for taking us to a place I never knew existed...and if someday I find myself with a few days in the UK...I might just go rent a narrow boat. Ok, I know, I would have to plan that...haha.
So cool to see all the different geology. Crazy to learn about the guy who worked it for that long. He was definitely dedicated. Thanks for sharing another piece of amazing history with us.