Vlog 275: Cruising the Canute
I was lent a narrowboat for a week by two viewers of the channel! Starting in Peterborough, I took the boat off the River Nene and onto the Middle Level Navigations. This is part 1 of 3 of that week-long cruise.
Start point: https://goo.gl/maps/hCakZiwjWEYXhbrQA
End point: https://goo.gl/maps/M8qGATGUXApMYkRK9
Info about the Middle Level Navigations
https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/discover-the-waterways/middle-level-navigations
https://middlelevel.gov.uk/navigation/
See Part 2 by clicking here
See Part 3 by clicking here
Another interesting vlog David.
We live in the Fens of Norfolk and am aware of the vast drainage systems and flood barriers which are around us.
Can I be cheeky and ask? Did you have to take out a weeks boat insurance for your trip?
I ask because we have offered our boat to our family only to be told that our insurance will not cover them as it is only valid if I’m on the boat.
The cost of a weeks insurance for them was a tad too high I’m afraid!
Take care young man, hope the house purchase goes through OK.
Hi, insurance was sorted by the boat’s owners. Cheers
Love your cruising the cut blogs
I love watching you and fellow cruisers
Thank you!
Please see the link below for ”Milk & Water Drove’ info, pics, mapa etc
https://canalplan.uk/place/ulmc
Cheers. It doesn’t explain the name and the history though, sadly.
Hmm, i have a query. Am i correct in assuming that the Fenns water management control are the same or similar to the Dyke and Levvy systems of the Netherlands. . ? If that is the case, are not the levels controlled by pumps not locks. Hence all of the windmills in Holland to power them? If so, maybe thats what that building is you queried.. Logic dictates to me a possible drainage level pump.
Lovely turn at the end by the way
Jennifer
I’ve no idea about the comparison with the Netherlands but on the Middle Levels, it’s a system of pumps and locks.
A really nice layout in this design. I love the walk-thru bathroom and the Ivy railing at the stern. An especially nice feature is the off-set entry to the boat, a most unique feature. I do have two questions: Who is the manufacturer of the boat and, what are those u-shaped pipes bolted to the bow used for . . . a secure place to attach bicycles maybe ? I have to say David, I found this vlog quite interesting as I had no idea England had or needed drainage ditches like one sees in the Netherlands, I also learned a bit about King Canute, a man who ruled several countries at once. I’m so looking forward to the next installment and . . . I had a great idea. I think you should hire yourself out as a Boat Caretaker for people who need short-term boat watching. I mean really . . . there are people who pay people to walk their dogs so . . . and I know if I had a boat available for use for a week or two, I’d gladly “Lend” it to an experienced chap like you.
I believe that part of England was (once upon a time) attached to the Netherlands and it’s very flat and may even be below sea level (not sure about that last bit).
Yes, it’s a bike rack on the bow. I don’t know who manufactured the hull but the boat is from Pintail Narrowboats.