My dad was born in Manchester in (believe it or not) 1895! He emigrated to America during WWI, and eventually ended up in San Francisco, where I was born, in 1950. I’m fascinated by seeing Manchester, even though it is, of course, completely different now than when he lived there as a lad.
As a Mancunian I was a little disappointed by the condition and issues you had to face on our inner city canal, things need to be addressed. But a great Vlog Robbie and stay safe. :-)
This was a very interesting video. Yeah it's a bit rough down there in that channel, especially under the city itself, but it's interesting to think some people built all of that. Not to mention all the layers of history of the city itself, good and bad. I was watching another RUclipsr named Martin Zero, who has done a number of videos on Manchester and he did one of this same area, but of the old rail bridge running over this channel. At one point he mentions that there is a river under the channel which is below the old rail bridge or something to that effect. If they could just clean up the locks, channel debris and people shooting up along this part, this would be a pretty nice section for boaters and tour operators. Great job Robbie.
My favourite canal. I've walked along there many times, but not recently (getting too old). Sorry it was difficult for you. At least there wasn't any weed to wrap around your prop shaft ! ! ! Nice pub and facilities, well deserved after your journey. Best Wishes Pete.
I am 60 next year and have been debating a Narrowboat or a Campervan to live in and explore the UK and take early retirement. What I like about your videos it is an honest look at life on the canals. Stay safe
Greetings Robbie. In the 1950s as a baby born in the Manchester Northern Hospital my childhood years spent in and around Manchester City centre exploring the city. The Rochdale canal was derelict and abandoned. It may be open now but is in very poor condition for boaters to use. The grime riddled locks and dark tunnels are a stark reminder of the dirty industrial past. In all city centers canals attract low life dolers smack heads and vagrant people. It is this aspect of boating life as depicted in your vlog from 2019 that makes your journey through cities extremely irritable and annoying to endure when traveling. As far as I know only Birmingham cleaned its act up and its safe to moor in the city center. Because the council own the canal monies won't be spent on it unnecessarily. Thank you for re posting this vlog I love my birth place Manchester As it goes I used to work in Deansgate. Keep safe and dry and virus free
I explored Manc-chester mainly on foot for more than 2 weeks in the hot summer of 2018 (every Mancunian asking me why in the whole world) and I so much liked Castlefields! I was pretty impressed by all the traffic routes crossing in that area (canal, streets, railways, pedestrian) resulting in several bridges one over another. So nice to explore it with you by boat now :o)
7:30 Gosh ... all these names on the map bringing back memories of the time I spent in Manchester some 30 years ago. Buildings hasn't changed much. I so miss Manchester. Well actually ... I miss the UK :(
I ve used the canal towpaths around Manchester and Leeds for many years, since I was old enough to ride a bike. Been down the ship canal to Liverpool a couple of times ( in an actual boat for a change 😆 ). Used the canals in Leeds on my cycle commutes into the city and for general leisure. The canals are a hidden gem and a reminder of our industrial heritage and our past. They need to be restored and preserved as much as and old building or stately home.
Tough day buddy. We had so much fun with Manc folks going through the Rochdale, they are such great people. Thanks for the shout out and hope you are all well xx
That bought back memories. I did this 28 years ago when I was 16 with my parents and little brother. We were doing the Cheshire Ring in the opposite direction and the canal looks in very good shape compared to then, there was one pound that was so full the towpath was underwater and I had to climb off the bow of the boat directly on to the top gate of the lock, I rembeber my dad saying "Isn't that a waste of water" and I said "It isn't our water and we've paid the toll so how else do we get through". I remember mooring up for a cup of tea while waiting for the water to drain after I opened top and bottom paddles. That was after going through the underground section in the dark as the lights were either broken or just off, so operating locks with nothing but a rubbish tunnel light and the curtains drawn back to let the cabin light shine whilst crossing lock gates with broken glass on.
Well done Robbie for doing these locks on your own. Lock 85 brings back bad memories for us as we passed through it many, many years ago on an August Bank Holiday when we had two BW (pre CRT) guys escort us under the building and road section plus through the lock. We had to stay onboard during this passage and keep children inside the boat!!!! May have marginally improved but, as you say, it has a detrimental impact on the great variety of architecture along the whole section of the 9 locks. Keep going and stay safe
Well done Robbie showing up of the underside of my old city and showcasing the re emergence of a new exiting canalside life. Keep well in these scary times mate!
I was last thru the 9 about 40 years ago and you should have seen it then! The sunken boats, weed, debris, solid rubbish and dark, dark but fascinating with little sign of current human life but plenty from the past. The rest of the Rochdale and Huddersfield was derelict and empty in the city. This is bloodeeee looxury! Fascinating! I’ll be back I hope!
I found the Marina at the end of the video to be quite interesting and their fees seem to be very reasonable. A very clean facility to tidy oneself up and do your dirty laundry. It would be nice to see more facilities like this along the network. Well done on this one Robbie, very enjoyable.
"Pub of the Week"...how I miss that. Thanks for including it in this one. Looked posh, but still enjoyable. Especially that pint. Idea of the day: would it be fun to cut a 10-minute compilation of as many Pubs of the Week that will fit in a vid. And do it for the shut-ins around the world like me who miss a good UK pub during the Age of Covid.
Could do! Although quality would be poor as I don’t have access to old footage (it’s on the boat). I’ve got so many ideas to go with despite lockdown restrictions, I just need to pick the best one!
You asked me the other day if your video was a true representation of the Rochdale 9 haven't watched it again I would say yes thank you for your videos I'm nice to finally meet you
Brings back memories! I used to live up at Sport City and my walk to and from the city centre was along the Ashton Canal. Lived on Brewer Street for a bit too. That's the flats just on the left when you came out from the underground lock. The ones behind the lads that waved at you. So I have had plenty of strange experiences/sights walking to or from home back in the day lol. I moved back to Geordie land in 2010 but I really do miss Manchester.
I did the Rochdale 25 years ago and while there has been a lot of development around the area, the locks have not improved at all. They are a nighmare to to go through and you found all the problems I did. Its such a tragedy as its a great part of the canal system to navigate and now you have a decent morring to stay the night whereas 25 years ago you would want to put in another 5 miles before you stopped for the night. I have never worked so hard to get throught 9 locks.
Very very heavy and leaky locks - we did it in 2009 ( gosh can't believe it was soooo long ago) It was a Sunday morning so the "underworld" was populated by families which did help a lot. I enjoyed it but very very hard work
Hi Robbie after whatching yourself and others in August 2019 i went to Gargrave and bought a 42 ft narrowboat never sailed even a bathtub to this date,anyway off i went made it to Manchester in six days then i found the Rochdale 9,started at about 3pm in the rain got out at about 9 pm its just as you say a right sxxx hole ,was not happy about the placethe rain did not help but i got through on my own, a chap that works a boat round there pointedme on to the Ashton just round the corner and a sound night sleep was had, by the way i am 69 jools was not over impressed what i brought home,keep up the good work it imspired me and others. Many Thanks Alan
We came down this canal last August - not an experience I am looking to repeat. At lock 85, we just could not open the top gates to get into the lock. Two passers-by lent a hand but with three strong adult males, the gate would not shift. We ended up wrapping out bow-line around the centre post of one of the gates, turning on the diesel (we normally use the electric hybrid drive in locks rather than have the diesel ticking over, wasting fuel and smothering us in fumes) and then going into reverse with some stick on the engine. Finally, it shifted. I would expect that CRT would spend some money on these locks instead of some of the waste one sees around the network.
Blimey Robbie, We have lived in Manchester all our lives, Seen very little of the underneath, Great video and looking forward to your new series tomorrow night. Dave and Elaine.
Urban and inner city canals certainly offer an interesting view you wouldn’t get to see any other way but at the same time can be horrendously grotty places to be with goodness knows what lurking under the water such as the ubiquitous shopping trolleys and push bikes or worse. Mooring up in these areas can be quite sketchy too.
wonderful to see you back on the RUclips style. My old stomping ground during the 70's (Factory days pre Hacienda!!) and 80's. When that stretch did reopen, allowing the Cheshire ring, it was a LOT rougher than it is now.. New Islington was Ancoats and not a place one would leave a boat even if in the pub next to it!. All looks wonderful now... and expensive! Stay safe wherever you are.
You may sit in a park. And passage to next life.. 30 years ago I werked pick up rubbish. In the 3 winters I did in the U. K. >I found more dead old men. But also kids. Frozen. Frooozen. To the fence.. The bench. On a Door step. .. Manchester. Yo..
I can be a little bit of a drunk .... a helpful happy drunk though :) a little story ... years ago me an a friend were sitting by a local boating lake , 9am drinking our hair of the dog . Just quietly minding our business and an old man walked past with who I'd guess was his grandson , very little lad . He walked past and what I can only describe as hissed at us with a dirty look . He then took his little lad for a closer look to the water down a ramp they took the boats . It was covered in green algae an the old fella slipped. He was struggling to get out and in 0.5 seconds them same to alkeys jumped up ran down an gave a hand and got him out . Right place right time alkey or not .
Robbie Cumming Hi Robbie me ,Neil and the wife, Gina from our Narrowboat, Walking on Water absolutely love your vlogs, we are currently moored at St Mary’s Marine on the Rufford Branch, and once the lockdown is over we are planning a trip over to Sowerby Bridge,we are hoping that your valuable knowledge of the Rochdale Canal can help us, and if you can guide us to any helpful vlogs and that will provide us with any important info we may need. Keep up the good work Robbie we love everything that you do and hopefully we will meet you at some point on the cut, God Bless You Robbie x
Went down 20 years ago - had a lock keeper to help us down, the locks were well greased and basically worn out. Other memory was drugs being bought and sold, plus the extra charge to go down the flight
I think that although the canal was basically abandoned, the locks stayed upon - albeit in a terrible condition. From memory we came through them in 1979 or '80. in the opposite direction. It was a nightmare and I don't know how we did it! We then went onto the Bridgewater. I can't remember exactly how it went but we had to go through a huge lock (Pomona?) onto the Ship Canal and from there to the Bridgewater. All a long time ago. Anyway, I'm happy to see you in good health. Thanks for posting.
Excellent vlog Robbie. Brings back some memories when I came to get me brasses. Even though the area looks run down and work in process the canal seems to give it, it's own sence of beauty. Glad to see you are coping and keeping well. Oh well keep safe and keep cranking it. Cheers pal..
Nice to see you're well Robbie, that took me back to my early teenage years( mid 70s ) hanging with cousins , wasn't always a shit hole , shame times change , not always for the good !! stay safe friend !!
I’ve done that section loads of times, in fact over ten years ago I emptied canal street pound by mistake having left a paddle up when I was a newbie, good video.
Really enjoyed that as went to the o2 for an Elbow gig last December and have been for works meetings at an architects at Dulce street where the reception area overlooked the canal (much to my delight).
Once again great vlog. I am like most i love the beautiful countryside cruises, but really like seeing this side too. A big city is like just about every other big city. There's the dark and grimmy parts. Just be watchful and careful and hopefully you'll make it thru. It's a place that's looks interesting. Well be safe stay healthy and cheers mate
i loved in manny centre for 4 years, loved walking the tow paths and getting away from the crowded streets but yeh, that big bit under the city is dodgy af to go through, i miss castlefield and ancoats parts most of all, especially during the summer with a few drinks here and there 😄
Well Rob I bet you slept well. That was so very interesting. How about showing us exactly how you do a lock on your own? I couldn’t do it even if I was years younger. Ta Robbie, enjoyed that even though you didn’t. 💕
Well you knocked that one right on its head me ol' mucker. Those nine certainly are a challenging cut of colourful contrasting contradictions. I 'enjoyed' pudling my way through a 'technicolor yawn' at Canal Street (kind of apt) Excellent choice of mooring RC Saw your boat there when we arrived. Great to see the legendary Naughty Lass Beaverton Lupuloid - say no more Like you say: brilliant people. Some characters for sure. Stayed for a while. Loved Citys vibrant atmosphere. Superb Keep safe!
50yrs ago Manchester nightlife was infamous seems a bit grubby. Today probably disgiusting when my bro and I spent a lot of debauching nites bloody loved Manchester. Won't rabbit on bud just to say cheers n beers gud vid Marty Australia
Dude this is so cool watching you in the city doing this. I don't know much about this type of life, but I plan to do a hire boat one day with the wife. Just soaking up as much knowledge as I can. I always figured these are more rural, and seeing this in the city is such a different vibe. You just got another sub! Stay safe out there Robbie!
Excellent. Lovely the whole gritty northern vibe, counterpointed with your earlier comedy clips. In my mind I added a New Order / Peter Hook sound track. Outstanding work, Robbie
Not a fan of Peter Hook as a person but very much inspired by his music. From that bassline for Isolation to Monaco What do you want from me... not how it used to be... etc Bloody love it
We were going to do this a couple of years ago but had to make different plans due to closures. I will give you a hand if you do it again. Great vlog stay safe.
More bodies have been pulled out of the Manchester canals over the last 10 years than any other major UK city. Canal Street is one of the worst areas. It has given rise to the theory that there is a serial killer dubbed, "The Pusher" on the loose. Very interesting video, another journey I would love to undertake.
Great vlog Robbie, at lock91 is the old lockeepers cottage we got married in!!... Never been a fan of swipe transitions until now👌. Hope you three are safe and healthy 💚🌱❤️
Totally fascinating! Thanks Robbie. Though I must admit I don't think I would like to do that stretch on my own, with the condition it's in. Looked like bloomin hard work. Though randomers can be interesting I think I'd prefer not to be on my own travelling either. Well done and keep safe!
You just did the canal equivalent of the railway "Castlefield Corridor" (Deansgate - Piccadilly) which has to cope with so many trains it urgently needs widening (so the canal may get darker in bits).
Nice one Robbie . its such a shame the state of the waterway through that part of Manchester , it could all be so different if people make the effort not to be Skanks . The contrast between Castlefield is great , New islington is great , just the shit ( Literally ) bit in the middle lets it down .
Great video Robbie and thanks for sharing. Not a place I would ever want to visit and certainly not on my own but it was interesting. Take care. Regards Col.
Blimey rob that's grim and extremely hard work. Not my idea of a nice days boating by any stretch .Unfortunately the Manchester end of the Huddersfield narrow is just as bad .Soft spot or not these canals are not appreciated by the populas or the crt . As for broken or leaking locks we are 30miles in to the east end of the L&L and haven't been through a decent one yet but at least the tow path has been successfully transformed into a cycling super highway cheers crt. Stay safe mate hopefully all back to some sort of normal shortly.
Hi Robbie ,, great video it look a bit tight on the canal with all the building on both sides of it ,some of the lock gates looked a bit hard to open but I enjoyed the trip with you ,looking forward to seeing your next video ,hope your girlfriend and her child is ok with this virus going about ,,take care keep safe
Great to see you Robie. Hope all is well w/you & your gf? Enjoyed the video. Keep on keeping on. Be safe & God bless us all durning this dang COVID-19 virus. Chris from Missouri
I went through lock 85 yesterday and there was a group off old men.. just standing around and watching me.. ome followed me but I crossed the lock once I came through.. was a scary experience
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My dad was born in Manchester in (believe it or not) 1895! He emigrated to America during WWI, and eventually ended up in San Francisco, where I was born, in 1950. I’m fascinated by seeing Manchester, even though it is, of course, completely different now than when he lived there as a lad.
As a Mancunian I was a little disappointed by the condition and issues you had to face on our inner city canal, things need to be addressed. But a great Vlog Robbie and stay safe. :-)
Total respect to you Robbie , for navigating that section on your own
This was a very interesting video. Yeah it's a bit rough down there in that channel, especially under the city itself, but it's interesting to think some people built all of that. Not to mention all the layers of history of the city itself, good and bad. I was watching another RUclipsr named Martin Zero, who has done a number of videos on Manchester and he did one of this same area, but of the old rail bridge running over this channel. At one point he mentions that there is a river under the channel which is below the old rail bridge or something to that effect. If they could just clean up the locks, channel debris and people shooting up along this part, this would be a pretty nice section for boaters and tour operators. Great job Robbie.
My favourite canal. I've walked along there many times, but not recently (getting too old). Sorry it was difficult for you. At least there wasn't any weed to wrap around your prop shaft ! ! ! Nice pub and facilities, well deserved after your journey. Best Wishes Pete.
I am 60 next year and have been debating a Narrowboat or a Campervan to live in and explore the UK and take early retirement. What I like about your videos it is an honest look at life on the canals. Stay safe
Greetings Robbie.
In the 1950s as a baby born in the Manchester Northern Hospital my childhood years spent in and around Manchester City centre exploring the city.
The Rochdale canal was derelict and abandoned.
It may be open now but is in very poor condition for boaters to use.
The grime riddled locks and dark tunnels are a stark reminder of the dirty industrial past.
In all city centers canals attract low life dolers smack heads and vagrant people.
It is this aspect of boating life as depicted in your vlog from 2019 that makes your journey through cities extremely irritable and annoying to endure when traveling.
As far as I know only Birmingham cleaned its act up and its safe to moor in the city center.
Because the council own the canal monies won't be spent on it unnecessarily.
Thank you for re posting this vlog
I love my birth place Manchester
As it goes I used to work in Deansgate.
Keep safe and dry and virus free
I explored Manc-chester mainly on foot for more than 2 weeks in the hot summer of 2018 (every Mancunian asking me why in the whole world) and I so much liked Castlefields! I was pretty impressed by all the traffic routes crossing in that area (canal, streets, railways, pedestrian) resulting in several bridges one over another. So nice to explore it with you by boat now :o)
One of the great things about canal vlogs is that I get to visit canals that I'll probably never get to do in person.
7:30 Gosh ... all these names on the map bringing back memories of the time I spent in Manchester some 30 years ago. Buildings hasn't changed much. I so miss Manchester. Well actually ... I miss the UK :(
I ve used the canal towpaths around Manchester and Leeds for many years, since I was old enough to ride a bike. Been down the ship canal to Liverpool a couple of times ( in an actual boat for a change 😆 ). Used the canals in Leeds on my cycle commutes into the city and for general leisure. The canals are a hidden gem and a reminder of our industrial heritage and our past. They need to be restored and preserved as much as and old building or stately home.
Tough day buddy. We had so much fun with Manc folks going through the Rochdale, they are such great people. Thanks for the shout out and hope you are all well xx
You’re welcome! Always a good laugh bumping into you two 🤓👍
That bought back memories. I did this 28 years ago when I was 16 with my parents and little brother. We were doing the Cheshire Ring in the opposite direction and the canal looks in very good shape compared to then, there was one pound that was so full the towpath was underwater and I had to climb off the bow of the boat directly on to the top gate of the lock, I rembeber my dad saying "Isn't that a waste of water" and I said "It isn't our water and we've paid the toll so how else do we get through". I remember mooring up for a cup of tea while waiting for the water to drain after I opened top and bottom paddles. That was after going through the underground section in the dark as the lights were either broken or just off, so operating locks with nothing but a rubbish tunnel light and the curtains drawn back to let the cabin light shine whilst crossing lock gates with broken glass on.
Ah yep towpath flooding still happens especially if you’re going through at a pace!
Well done Robbie for doing these locks on your own. Lock 85 brings back bad memories for us as we passed through it many, many years ago on an August Bank Holiday when we had two BW (pre CRT) guys escort us under the building and road section plus through the lock. We had to stay onboard during this passage and keep children inside the boat!!!! May have marginally improved but, as you say, it has a detrimental impact on the great variety of architecture along the whole section of the 9 locks. Keep going and stay safe
Well done Robbie showing up of the underside of my old city and showcasing the re emergence of a new exiting canalside life.
Keep well in these scary times mate!
Great upload rob, I've missed them over the last while whilst you were off gallivanting with the BBC. 😂⚓⚓
I was last thru the 9 about 40 years ago and you should have seen it then! The sunken boats, weed, debris, solid rubbish and dark, dark but fascinating with little sign of current human life but plenty from the past. The rest of the Rochdale and Huddersfield was derelict and empty in the city. This is bloodeeee looxury! Fascinating! I’ll be back I hope!
I found the Marina at the end of the video to be quite interesting and their fees seem to be very reasonable. A very clean facility to tidy oneself up and do your dirty laundry. It would be nice to see more facilities like this along the network. Well done on this one Robbie, very enjoyable.
Jeepers it's really like an underground water maze, dungeons and drag queens! Intriguing canal network but sleazy area.
Despite the poor conditions that video was very informative and entertaining. Thanks for the vid Robbie.
"Pub of the Week"...how I miss that. Thanks for including it in this one. Looked posh, but still enjoyable. Especially that pint.
Idea of the day: would it be fun to cut a 10-minute compilation of as many Pubs of the Week that will fit in a vid. And do it for the shut-ins around the world like me who miss a good UK pub during the Age of Covid.
Could do! Although quality would be poor as I don’t have access to old footage (it’s on the boat). I’ve got so many ideas to go with despite lockdown restrictions, I just need to pick the best one!
You asked me the other day if your video was a true representation of the Rochdale 9 haven't watched it again I would say yes thank you for your videos I'm nice to finally meet you
You too Kev! 🤓👍
Fascinating Robbie. It's a shame the CRT & Manchester Council don't invest in the system a little more.
Hey Robbie, Great to see you "“ Improvise, Adapt, Overcome,”. Loved seeing you back on the canal (even if it was from a time past. It never gets old.)
Ha ha absobloodylutely!
Another cracking view of “ Real Life “ on a boat mate
Brings back memories! I used to live up at Sport City and my walk to and from the city centre was along the Ashton Canal. Lived on Brewer Street for a bit too. That's the flats just on the left when you came out from the underground lock. The ones behind the lads that waved at you. So I have had plenty of strange experiences/sights walking to or from home back in the day lol. I moved back to Geordie land in 2010 but I really do miss Manchester.
Hi Robbie. It certainly keeps you fit. Thanks for sharing your stories.
I did the Rochdale 25 years ago and while there has been a lot of development around the area, the locks have not improved at all. They are a nighmare to to go through and you found all the problems I did. Its such a tragedy as its a great part of the canal system to navigate and now you have a decent morring to stay the night whereas 25 years ago you would want to put in another 5 miles before you stopped for the night. I have never worked so hard to get throught 9 locks.
Glad to see one of your journeys, albeit and older one. Such strange times we’re in . Hope you’re safe and well!
Very very heavy and leaky locks - we did it in 2009 ( gosh can't believe it was soooo long ago) It was a Sunday morning so the "underworld" was populated by families which did help a lot. I enjoyed it but very very hard work
Thank you I miss Manchester.
Hi Robbie after whatching yourself and others in August 2019 i went to Gargrave and bought a 42 ft narrowboat never sailed even a bathtub to this date,anyway off i went made it to Manchester in six days then i found the Rochdale 9,started at about 3pm in the rain got out at about 9 pm its just as you say a right sxxx hole ,was not happy about the placethe rain did not help but i got through on my own, a chap that works a boat round there pointedme on to the Ashton just round the corner and a sound night sleep was had, by the way i am 69 jools was not over impressed what i brought home,keep up the good work it imspired me and others.
Many Thanks Alan
You’re welcome Alan glad to hear you made it through!
Hi Robbie, my wife and I did the Rochdale 9 in June last year and your video brought back all the memories, warts and all. Thank you.
We came down this canal last August - not an experience I am looking to repeat.
At lock 85, we just could not open the top gates to get into the lock. Two passers-by lent a hand but with three strong adult males, the gate would not shift. We ended up wrapping out bow-line around the centre post of one of the gates, turning on the diesel (we normally use the electric hybrid drive in locks rather than have the diesel ticking over, wasting fuel and smothering us in fumes) and then going into reverse with some stick on the engine. Finally, it shifted. I would expect that CRT would spend some money on these locks instead of some of the waste one sees around the network.
Blimey Robbie, We have lived in Manchester all our lives, Seen very little of the underneath, Great video and looking forward to your new series tomorrow night.
Dave and Elaine.
I love this, Robbie. It's so nice seeing my university city again. I miss the canals.
Urban and inner city canals certainly offer an interesting view you wouldn’t get to see any other way but at the same time can be horrendously grotty places to be with goodness knows what lurking under the water such as the ubiquitous shopping trolleys and push bikes or worse. Mooring up in these areas can be quite sketchy too.
wonderful to see you back on the RUclips style. My old stomping ground during the 70's (Factory days pre Hacienda!!) and 80's. When that stretch did reopen, allowing the Cheshire ring, it was a LOT rougher than it is now.. New Islington was Ancoats and not a place one would leave a boat even if in the pub next to it!. All looks wonderful now... and expensive!
Stay safe wherever you are.
Fascinating canal.
May not have been the most enjoyable cruise for you but so nice to see you crankin' it. Thanks, Robbie. Stay well.
We found the drunks at the locks were really helpful in getting some of the tougher gates open.
You may sit in a park. And passage to next life.. 30 years ago I werked pick up rubbish. In the 3 winters I did in the U. K. >I found more dead old men. But also kids. Frozen. Frooozen. To the fence.. The bench. On a Door step. .. Manchester. Yo..
I can be a little bit of a drunk .... a helpful happy drunk though :) a little story ... years ago me an a friend were sitting by a local boating lake , 9am drinking our hair of the dog . Just quietly minding our business and an old man walked past with who I'd guess was his grandson , very little lad . He walked past and what I can only describe as hissed at us with a dirty look . He then took his little lad for a closer look to the water down a ramp they took the boats . It was covered in green algae an the old fella slipped. He was struggling to get out and in 0.5 seconds them same to alkeys jumped up ran down an gave a hand and got him out . Right place right time alkey or not .
Great story love it mate!!
Robbie Cumming Hi Robbie me ,Neil and the wife, Gina from our Narrowboat, Walking on Water absolutely love your vlogs, we are currently moored at St Mary’s Marine on the Rufford Branch, and once the lockdown is over we are planning a trip over to Sowerby Bridge,we are hoping that your valuable knowledge of the Rochdale Canal can help us, and if you can guide us to any helpful vlogs and that will provide us with any important info we may need. Keep up the good work Robbie we love everything that you do and hopefully we will meet you at some point on the cut, God Bless You Robbie x
Cheers Neil - and Gina! Hopefully one day! Rochdale canal vlogs... hmm I think floating our boat have got some good honest reviews!
Went down 20 years ago - had a lock keeper to help us down, the locks were well greased and basically worn out. Other memory was drugs being bought and sold, plus the extra charge to go down the flight
Nice one, hope your safe and well. Hopefully be back on the cut very soon.
Used to walk under where that lock 85 is as a shortcut years ago. Seen some interesting scenes down there! XD
Christ yeah I’ve heard some stories about that bit, would never want to go through after dark!!!
🤔😉
Canal Maestro Robbie!
Excellent camera work. Very sharp and clear.
Thanks Alan v kind
I remember taking these on in 1978. Had to get the cut filled with water first!
Gritty and realistic. Just how we like it! Great video.
I think that although the canal was basically abandoned, the locks stayed upon - albeit in a terrible condition. From memory we came through them in 1979 or '80. in the opposite direction. It was a nightmare and I don't know how we did it! We then went onto the Bridgewater. I can't remember exactly how it went but we had to go through a huge lock (Pomona?) onto the Ship Canal and from there to the Bridgewater. All a long time ago. Anyway, I'm happy to see you in good health. Thanks for posting.
Interesting! Yes I read that this section was never officially closed but around 1975 it became almost impassable. Well done!
Great video to watch on a Wednesday evening.
Certainly the most unusual section of canal I have seen. Thanks for the vid.
Enjoy your Vlogs from Brisbane Australia ! Keep up the humours comments !
But don’t complain to much you obviously love what you do .
WELL DONE !👍😉
Not the most pleasant canal I've seen you travel, but, always good to see my Friend in good health. Love to you and the family. Crank on!
Thanks Eric!
Excellent vlog Robbie. Brings back some memories when I came to get me brasses. Even though the area looks run down and work in process the canal seems to give it, it's own sence of beauty. Glad to see you are coping and keeping well. Oh well keep safe and keep cranking it. Cheers pal..
Good to hear Naughty Lass' engine again., so that's the canal life of Manchester!!! Take care and thank you
Nice to see you're well Robbie, that took me back to my early teenage years( mid 70s ) hanging with cousins , wasn't always a shit hole , shame times change , not always for the good !! stay safe friend !!
I’ve done that section loads of times, in fact over ten years ago I emptied canal street pound by mistake having left a paddle up when I was a newbie, good video.
Ah cool. Easy to do I imagine! Cheers and thanks for watching!
Really enjoyed that as went to the o2 for an Elbow gig last December and have been for works meetings at an architects at Dulce street where the reception area overlooked the canal (much to my delight).
OK Robbie? It was nice to meet you fleetingly, at a lock, not far from Over Water Marina.. regards Neil & family!
Hi worked at iii, Piccadilly , thankfully the ground floor !
Once again great vlog. I am like most i love the beautiful countryside cruises, but really like seeing this side too. A big city is like just about every other big city. There's the dark and grimmy parts. Just be watchful and careful and hopefully you'll make it thru. It's a place that's looks interesting. Well be safe stay healthy and cheers mate
Very enjoyable vlog Robbie........stay safe....thanks for sharing
fascinating stretch of canal. Thanks for sharing it!
You’re welcome Emma thanks for watching
My God - that was hard. Great film Robbie. I have no idea how you film, drive a boat and open/close locks. You are a wizard.
i loved in manny centre for 4 years, loved walking the tow paths and getting away from the crowded streets but yeh, that big bit under the city is dodgy af to go through, i miss castlefield and ancoats parts most of all, especially during the summer with a few drinks here and there 😄
Well Rob I bet you slept well. That was so very interesting. How about showing us exactly how you do a lock on your own? I couldn’t do it even if I was years younger. Ta Robbie, enjoyed that even though you didn’t. 💕
Good to see you on the move. Stay well and safe
Well you knocked that one right on its head me ol' mucker.
Those nine certainly are a challenging cut of colourful contrasting contradictions.
I 'enjoyed' pudling my way through a 'technicolor yawn' at Canal Street (kind of apt)
Excellent choice of mooring RC
Saw your boat there when we arrived. Great to see the legendary Naughty Lass
Beaverton Lupuloid - say no more
Like you say: brilliant people. Some characters for sure. Stayed for a while. Loved Citys vibrant atmosphere. Superb
Keep safe!
Looking forward to tonight’s episode of Canal Boat Diaries 💪👊❤️
50yrs ago Manchester nightlife was infamous seems a bit grubby. Today probably disgiusting when my bro and I spent a lot of debauching nites bloody loved Manchester. Won't rabbit on bud just to say cheers n beers gud vid Marty Australia
Dude this is so cool watching you in the city doing this. I don't know much about this type of life, but I plan to do a hire boat one day with the wife. Just soaking up as much knowledge as I can. I always figured these are more rural, and seeing this in the city is such a different vibe. You just got another sub! Stay safe out there Robbie!
Excellent. Lovely the whole gritty northern vibe, counterpointed with your earlier comedy clips. In my mind I added a New Order / Peter Hook sound track. Outstanding work, Robbie
Not a fan of Peter Hook as a person but very much inspired by his music. From that bassline for Isolation to Monaco What do you want from me... not how it used to be... etc Bloody love it
We were going to do this a couple of years ago but had to make different plans due to closures. I will give you a hand if you do it again. Great vlog stay safe.
Canal boat spelunking! A little grim in parts, but fascinating.
That offer of a curry still stands Robster. If The Chesterfield EVER gets finished but it looks like its going well.
Hi Robbie , just discovered your canal boat diaries ...love them...will check out your videos...cheers..
Robbie
Really enjoyed that video as shows a different side to boating.Some places are great,others as we found out not so nice.
Keep on cranking.
Russ
More bodies have been pulled out of the Manchester canals over the last 10 years than any other major UK city. Canal Street is one of the worst areas. It has given rise to the theory that there is a serial killer dubbed, "The Pusher" on the loose. Very interesting video, another journey I would love to undertake.
Robbie big 👍up, I think is One of the best vlogs you have made, and look forward to more.stay safe.
Thanks Colin I really wanted to make something extra special to entertain everyone during this stressful time
Great vlog Robbie, at lock91 is the old lockeepers cottage we got married in!!... Never been a fan of swipe transitions until now👌. Hope you three are safe and healthy 💚🌱❤️
Thank you both hope you’re well!
Hi Robbie That was some experience, all hard work by yourself, Regards welshman 2081
Totally fascinating! Thanks Robbie. Though I must admit I don't think I would like to do that stretch on my own, with the condition it's in. Looked like bloomin hard work. Though randomers can be interesting I think I'd prefer not to be on my own travelling either. Well done and keep safe!
Very informative, thank you. One day we might find ourselves going that way.xx
Entertaining and informative as always. Cheers and take it easy
Think I will apply for the power washing contract - get to the end & start again!
Fabulous 👍
You just did the canal equivalent of the railway "Castlefield Corridor" (Deansgate - Piccadilly) which has to cope with so many trains it urgently needs widening (so the canal may get darker in bits).
Nice one Robbie . its such a shame the state of the waterway through that part of Manchester , it could all be so different if people make the effort not to be Skanks . The contrast between Castlefield is great , New islington is great , just the shit ( Literally ) bit in the middle lets it down .
You have to take the rough with the smooth don't you!. Thanks again for taking the time to film and wind at once.
Absolutely 😂👍 thanks for watching!
Great video Robbie. I love seeing the cities from the canal eye view. I hope you are feeling better. :)
Thank you Carolyn, am fine, yes I do too it’s the best way!
Green rolling hills, sheeps, and villages with quaint pubs
...is not what you get when City narrowboating
Great video Robbie and thanks for sharing. Not a place I would ever want to visit and certainly not on my own but it was interesting. Take care. Regards Col.
Great watching you
🤓 👍
Thanks for that Robbie....stay safe my friend Regards Mick
Just found your VLOG that place looks a bit scary and very lonely. Have a great trip. Stay safe.
Blimey rob that's grim and extremely hard work. Not my idea of a nice days boating by any stretch .Unfortunately the Manchester end of the Huddersfield narrow is just as bad .Soft spot or not these canals are not appreciated by the populas or the crt . As for broken or leaking locks we are 30miles in to the east end of the L&L and haven't been through a decent one yet but at least the tow path has been successfully transformed into a cycling super highway cheers crt. Stay safe mate hopefully all back to some sort of normal shortly.
Hi Robbie ,, great video it look a bit tight on the canal with all the building on both sides of it ,some of the lock gates looked a bit hard to open but I enjoyed the trip with you ,looking forward to seeing your next video ,hope your girlfriend and her child is ok with this virus going about ,,take care keep safe
Thanks John much appreciated you too!
Great to see you Robie. Hope all is well w/you & your gf?
Enjoyed the video. Keep on keeping on. Be safe & God bless us all durning this dang COVID-19 virus.
Chris from Missouri
Hey Chris yes all fine here! Hope you’re well if not keep cranking it!
Thanks for sharing.
I went through lock 85 yesterday and there was a group off old men.. just standing around and watching me.. ome followed me but I crossed the lock once I came through.. was a scary experience
Some pretty funky shit happens at lock 85 it’s not my favourite I have to say!!
Yeah it was my first time!! There's so much to look at.