87. Continuing north along the River Soar on my narrowboat from Birstall to Loughborough 

@4:10 that's a section of a Bailey bridge. They were designed in WW2 so combat engineers could put up bridges in (literally) hours. They'd made so many they ended up being used basically everywhere for a few decades after the war. They still make them for military use.

The structure that you had no clue about is a section of Bailey bridge.

It's 'cruising the cut' - binge night tonight for me i'm afraid- far better than regular tv (he should have his own tv show really!)

That metal thing was a section of bailey bridge, used by the army as a temporary bridge

Emergency bridging I think it's a version of the military bailey bridge

Mr. Tupperware was in the wrong. But you know this by now 😊 I joined your channel a few years back, watched all vlogs, and now I am back again. A joy, I must say. Cheers

These videos are so pleasant, I just love them

I am seriously picking up on the English language because i seriously doubt there are many Britons more British than you David, i love it! 😊👍

WOW, I am sure they are a part of a WW2 Bailey bridge, used to span rivers and such, where the original had been blown up. much like a giant meccano kit, they could be joined together to span in a solid bridge of on pontoons so spanning a greater width.

David, Its a sections of an Army Baily bridge They where used during and after WW2 there designed to span a river from one side. So the bridge had more sections on one side of the bank than the span to counter balance the whole weight. Cheers David

Reference the metal edifice at 4:05 it looks like a section of Bailey bridge. A type of prefabricated bridge used by the military for crossing obstacles like ditches, canals or narrow rivers. You'd need a combat engineer to say if it's genuine WW 2 vintage but they were widely used during the war but also during the reconstruction following the war to replace bombed out civilian bridges. Couldn't say why it's sitting there but maybe this was used as a training area during the war and this was left as a monument.

Hi, David. Thanks so much for a relaxing cruise this evening. We enjoyed it thoroughly, and it helped us to ease out of the work day. Cheers, Maggie & David, Vermont, US

David at 4.05 you pulled out of a lock and asked about a structure on the left, it is a piece of a Bailey Bridge. The British military developed these in the 1940s, they are prefabricated sections that are joined as required to form a truss bridge.

At 4.02 min it is most certainly a Bailey Bridge section, a 'Triple Single'. note the three panels which are vertical each side, of the deck or 'roadway'. Just some humble observations from a former Royal Australian Engineer, form Queensland Australia. Really Like the VLOG BTW

all caught up now, this means no more binge watching, sad face. Guess I could start from the beginning again! i love the scenery.

Another great Vlog. When you get that notification, from your channel you know it's a great day ha Keep them coming 🙌

@4:09 That appears to be a section of Bailey bridge or similar design. Semi-portable, modular bridge construction parts that men can maneuver into position to with replace damaged bridge sections or bridge gaps where no bridge currently exists.

Lovely video! Thank you for posting!

4:11 Lt. Colonel J.O.E. Vandeleur: “When you refer to Bailey crap I take it you mean that glorious, precision-made, British-built bridge which is the envy of the civilized world?”

Awsome, and very enjoyable video as usual, to answer your question Its a section of a Bailey Bridge. They were mobil bridges that could be assembled within hours. Used in WWII

Brett got it right, that unknown metal structure was a section of Bailey bridge. Used extensively during WWII, and yes it is a British invention. Still used throughout the world even today.

Oh darn it! I forgot to make my tea! (pauses video to go make some tea...) Ah, much better. :-) (resumes video). I loved the little sturdy horses. I wonder what kind they were.

Your comments on the Soar were very helpful to us on our first Cruise of that river. - thank you. The Weirs and the goose mess - you were quite right! We think that the object in the field was part of an old military bridge, a Bailey bridge (there is still one in place and used at Walton on Trent). We continue our cruise towards Kegworth, mooring at Mountsorrel for refreshment and the night. Ian and Angela on Knot About.

hi there we love the vlog ,we were delighted to see our new boat appear on your vlog as you passed MGM boats .We take ownership of her at the Crick boat show .So if you go to Crick come and say hello NB. IKE Tom and Jacqui

Maybe the small craft was fresh out of driving school and was following road rules.... You tea sippers sure like to drive on the other side of the road!!!! Another brilliant episode to distract me from my dull tasks....thank you!

The only part of each vlog that I don't like is when the music starts to come up and I know it's near the end. Thanks for all your efforts!! Cheers!

If it wasn't mention the object at 4:08 is part of a Bailey Bridge.

A truly wonderful vlog as always. I'm new to Cruising The Cut and I'm loving all your videos. I've started at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start) but couldn't resist watching this vlog when I got my notification email. By the way, you have a lovely voice - you should read audiobooks for Audible.

I had no idea that you were in your late 40s. I had you around 38 or 39. Must be the fresh air, boats and tea that's good for staying youthful .

Just lovely.....as always. Thanks!!

Two years late, but I might be able shed some light on the 'rules of the road'. I am an old deep water sailor but to the best of my knowledge we Americans learned to sail from our British parents who quite literally wrote the book. Again, to the best of my knowledge these rules are international in that they are practiced in every regulated waterway on Earth. When coming into contact with other vessels one must only remember a simple rule: Port = left = red and Starboard = right = green. While simplified the rule is green light go, red light give way. The smaller boat clearly saw your port side. Therefore they saw red. They should have never crossed your bow without establishing communications, relaying their intention, and procuring your consent (hardly a thing applicable to this situation as the closing speed was too great). A great teaching method for fledgling seaman and land-lubbers is to note that all of the words correlate to which has the greater or lesser number of letters in the word. Port < Starboard; Left < Right; and Red < Green.

It's a section of 'triple truss' 'single story' Bailey Bridge (different design configurations depending on the length/load requirements - I used to build them in a previous life as a Royal Engineer) went out of service in the 60's/70's except for special events - last one I saw built was over the main road as a foot bridge to provide access to the Aldershot show. The chappie in the grp should have given you 2 short blasts on the horn to let you know he was moving to port and intending to pass starboard to starboard (must have assumed you were psychic). Great video again btw :)

Loving your videos David. Started from number 1 and I'm now here after about a week of watching. Brilliantly put together and your a great presenter. A few more to go before I get to recent vlogs 😂

"What the Dickens" was a section of a Bailey bridge. A WWII invention of a modular bridge that could very quickly create a river or canal crossing. If I remember correctly it was a British invention but used extensively during and after the war by all allies. What one section was doing in that field I don't know. Even if some Army Engineers had been playing there at some time, it is hardly the kind of thing one would forget when packing up. And besides, packing up means completely dismantling it, not leaving sections intact.

First rule of boating everywhere: "Avoid collisions if at all possible." If an oncoming vessel makes a definite and obvious move to his chosen path, AVOID HIM, even if he is in the wrong. NEVER insist upon your 'legal' right. You might end up 'dead' right. You clearly - and early on - saw him taking the wrong path. Leave him to it, give him room, as long as it does not endanger you. Then, forget it. Don't carry him rent free in your head. You will still be grousing over his incompetence while he is 'mugging' someone else down the canal, having long forgotten about you.

The piece of steel in the field is a section of a Bailey Bridge.

Please keep these wonderful vlogs coming for us poor land lubbers here in North Idaho.

I like herons but I’m really loving the swans they r so beautiful. Thank you for showing you life on the canals.❤️👍🏻😷 I love the horses with the long hairs on their hooves just gorgeous.

As always I enjoyed the video! Thanks for posting! Can't wait for the next one:)

Well done!!! You have braved more treacherous weirs and emerged victorious!

Large lump of metal looked like a Bailey bridge segment. They are used by the army to cross rivers, the are taken to site in pieces, assembled, a counterweight attached and pushed across until the frame touches the other side. Good intro, we all know who you are so you just get on with it. Thanks

Your journalistic skills serve you well. I live in Utah, and your vlogs gives me glimpse of a life style I find fascinating.

Thank you sharing such an enjoyable vlog.

"You're probably wondering about my anchor" err...no! But I am squealing at the kissing horses and the donkey 😍😍 I loooove donkeys. And the dog by the flood lock was beautiful

Thank you ; all the lovely birds and critters are charming.

Fantastic Vlog. What a stunning stretch that was. Really enjoyed the trip, Roll on the next !!

6:18 Always keep the approaching craft to larboard (left or portside) save that anything under sail without motor assistance always has the right of way, and two sails pass to port as usual with the one breaking wind due to the courtesy being owed a pint at the next meeting. That snotty little plastic pik will likely encounter the submerged grocery trolley 'cause of his insubordination and too dense to ever know why. May the great spirit save me. Because of my fascination with the blog, Kokopelli has turned me into a defective Brit. He stands with the herons on the shore. Look there! I sees 'im.

Lovely, as always, David. I enjoy your professional presenter persona intermingled with your Everyman humour.

Not sure the rules at the waterways in the UK are exactly the same as over here in The Netherlands but the action of the Tupperware-captain wasn't the right thing to do. I was hoping he got grounded, would be the best for everybody if he doesn't move at all. In The Netherlands (and the mainland of Europe), if you want to pass at the opposite side you have to show a blue square signal or blast your horn short twice.

4:06 That would possibly be a section of what is called Bailey Bridge. They are meant to be temporary structures, connected together with other sections to make whatever length of bridge is needed. Hope that helps. Safe journey!

Hallo, that thing on the field is a part of a "Bailey-" or "D- Bridge" that army engeneers use to cros rivers when other bridges are destroid. HTH. Greting from Germany.

The rule that indicates you pass port to port isn't set in stone. But it's considered good form. The GRP craft was generally in the wrong, but you did the correct thing by letting him pass you to the 'wrong' side. There are appropriate sound signals, both in the U.S. and internationally to indicate which side you want to pass. I don't know if they apply on the canals, but should on rivers. That said, it is both captain's responsibility to avoid a collision, even if one is a complete dufus.

I watched this vlog three times...... I really enjoyed it.. Thank you.

Got to wake up to see that cruising the cut had uploaded another video. That always a great way to start a morning coffee and a another great video. Don't worry about that boat that passed you. You were very much in the right he should of stayed left. Thanks for another great video can't wait till the next one

Another lovely trip :-) Thanks

You were correct on the right.

That bit of bridge like metal in the field is a Bailey Bridge of military fame.

For the record - Bailey Bridge -Donald Bailey was a civil servant in the British War Office who tinkered with model bridges as a hobby.[1] He presented one such model to his chiefs, who saw some merit in the design. A team of Royal Engineer (RE) officers was assembled at the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment (MEXE), in Barrack Road Christchurch, Dorset, in 1941 and 1942. In the course of development, the bridge was tested in several formats, e.g., as a suspension bridge, and as a "stepped arch" bridge, as well as the flat truss bridge which became the standard. The prototype of this was used to span Mother Siller's Channel which cuts through the nearby Stanpit Marshes, an area of marshland at the confluence of the River Avon (Hampshire) and the River Stour, Dorset. It remains there (50°43′31″N 1°45′44″W) as a functioning bridge.....Another great Vlog !

The garden with the cannons along the bank makes me think of the house in Mary Poppins

I just want to say I absolutely love your videos I live in London and they provide an escape from the rat race !!.

Comments by experienced boaters say the gesticulating boater was in the wrong. Being uncertain I might have simply stopped moving to let the angry man pass however he wanted and good riddance, but in the moment I'd probably do as you did. I always learn something from your vids, thanks!

After i could see and if the canals use ordnary sea rules ,boat you meet should pass you at your left side.So you ,if searules are valid ,was in the right.Great video and natur as you pass by.So nice that take the "wildlife " in the vlog.

Your puns do make me groan, but also smile :) I remember Frank Muir going through a long monologue (not sure if it was on Call my Bluff or something else) where he had to comment on puns, and he ended up with the point of the story as being "buns where the lowest form of wheat". Sorry, as in true Ronnie Corbet style...I digress! Interesting vlog as usual David. You now seem to be conquering your fear of Weirs!

Lovely, thank-you for the nice journey.

twisty bits , river currents , and wrong side drivers. you've survived another leg on the river! can't wait to see what excitement awaits downstream...😏

I like to google the places you show and talk about like the mgm boat place and look at the satalite view . To see the locks and follow the river . That thing you asked about there is another one on tour stbd side in a field Hello from kentucky 🇺🇸

David the grp boat owner probably drives his car in the same way and as usual gesticulates when they are in the wrong. Great vlog

Tip for the anchor from a sailor (me): From the last mooring point, lead the anchor rope directly outboard first and then over the rail or around the rail post back inboard again to the anchor. When you have to throw it, you have to throw it fast, and when it grips into the river- or canalbed and is still twisted around parts of the rail (or whatever it is called at the side of a cockpit on a narrowboat), with a current pushing a 20t boat on one end and a dug in anchor on the other, chances are high that your rail (or whatever it is called at the side of a cockpit on a narrowboat) will be torn off! The mooring point is made for those forces, the rail possibly not.

Thanks David. I look forward to your videos.

was great to see the river Soar and how long boats deal with moving water thank you for another pleasant video once again cheers

nice to see Loughborough . i was born there but moved to Australia when i was 5.. very nice to see the place from a different angle... came over from the Vandamonium channel. always wanted to take a canal boat holiday. I have been binge watching you over easter break. Glad to see i have a long way to go yet...thanks for all the great video.

Hey David greats vlogs catching up again as I have just spent the last 11 days on The Corsican that's now 35 day's on board and only 4 at home if I keep this up i'll soon be a live a board that would be great . So we have to stay right here in Norfolk if your old mate there had pushes right over like that he would have been in the wrong in Norfolk and watching the vlog I think he was in a muddle but I do think you were right and he got it wrong . Now 30 years that is how long I have been here in Norfolk and who knows where the time go's someone rote a song called that I believe Sandy Denny it's a beautiful song if you get a chance to hear it , well keep them coming great stuff as per good luck David ...

Thanks for sharing, that seemed like a lovely tour.

I'm from Australia. We drive cars on the left the same as you but boats to the right as is the international rule. I have had another boat push its way past on the wrong side as in this video. As he went past, arms waving furiously, he yelled, "don't you know the road rules?" which, unfortunately, made me laugh loudly in his face and answer "yes I do."

Looks a lovely stretch of water. I (Shaun) also went to Loogabarooga Uni but only for a year. I left before I got kicked out, with nothing but drinking debt! Good times though :-)

How wonderful it must be to float down the waterways and wakeup to it all. It did get a bit hairy though.Hugs.

Pilling Lock - named after me (haha). Another super video David. Very exciting in places. Those weirs certainly look far from peaceful; imagine what they must be like when it's been raining for a few days! Again, your commentary was very informative and following the map at the same time, gave me an idea as to where you were at the time.

You are correct port to port ,but if in doubt you can turn your bow to your right and come back to straight do that 3 times to indicate you are going right or starboard so he should know to pass you on your port ,also if you are the bigger boat heavyer in narrow channel the smaller boat must give way as you are confined by steerage.

The cruiser was in the wrong, I think ☹️👍👏👏👏

Lovely bit of cruising the cut David!

High Adventure here. Thanks for taking us along. Happy Cruising

When two vessels approach bow on, each shall alter course to starboard to avoid collision... and the lack of horn signals... well...

Thank You , enjoyed that, you were on my home turf there. The point where you past from the Lelcester Canal onto the River Wreake, there is a bridge called the Three Ways Bridge (you were thinking about a cup of tea at the time) that we call the front door, the front door to the rest of the Wreake ,which was the Melton Navigation, and is in the early stages of restoration. Sorry for the plug . You will be surprised that people don't know that that short stretch From the canal to Cossington is the Wreake.

Ah, I'm new to your channel and grew up in Birstall. I still have family in Leicester and Mountsorrel so it was nice seeing familar places from the canal. Great videos and great channel

Wonderful post many thanks

Since you like Herons , might be an idea to have a couple of them painted on your lovely ship just to brighten it up . Lots of Canal boat painters and signwriters listed once you start to look for them. Cheers!

When you mentioned 30 years since University your face said it all. For a couple of seconds you almost blanked out thinking of those 30 years and had a slightly mortified look. Funny stuff, I do the same, I'm 50 next week haha :)

To sleep per chance to dream of sailing the canals of England on my own long boat.. Bravo to another enjoyable Vlog :-)

a part of a Bailey bridge, WW2

The Royal Engineers might like their bailey bridge bit back!

another great vlog. i love this travel.

I'm sure someone has already said this as it's such an old post; but the thing you didn't recognise was a section of a Bailey Bridge. Used in WW2, we have one in Christchurch too as it was made or designed here.

enjoyed that vlog. thanks for uploading.

I enjoy your videos.....thanks for sharing.

Another lovely video.

Nice vlog thank you , i i agree with you that the lighter craft was in the wrong, i suppose you get nutters even on the river/canal. do not let them get to you, no matter what, they are not worth it.

Thank you for this most enjoyable new vlog, I'm not too familiar with the narrowboat habbits, but I used to be an inland barge captain on the other side of the Channel (now retired).On the barges here (of course quite a bit bigger than NB's) if a boat wants to be on the wrong side, often when going upstream on a flowing river taking the Inside bend, he'll show a blue board (used to be a blue flag) and at the same time it will show a white flashing light, downstream traffic shows this blue board too, to show that it's understood.The same if the boats wants to more up on the wrong side, if there's traffic in the opposite direction coming, he'll show the blue board too.On top of that the barges will have (had) VHF contact already too, but I think that all that is way to much for some gentle pleasure boat cruising in the UK.Looking forward to your next vlog.

There is one person that did not like this video. I have never seen a video on RU-vid that did not have at least one unlike on it, and it makes me wonder if there are people with corncobs permanently stuck up their arse. But again I love the scenery..especially that lovely brick bridge...and who can be sad at the sight of some baby ducks.

Another brilliant vlog.

Starting Location: www.google.com/maps/@52.6727359,-1.1146911,299m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Hidden Weir: www.google.com/maps/@52.6796406,-1.1015936,106m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Pass On The Right: www.google.com/maps/@52.7267476,-1.1226185,149m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en 1860 Bridge - Mountsorrel Railway Bridge: maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=52.7332&lon=-1.1438&layers=168&b=1 www.google.com/maps/@52.7331441,-1.142964,422m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Meadow Farm: www.google.com/maps/@52.7430755,-1.1350413,597m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Pillings Lock: www.google.com/maps/@52.7585746,-1.16428,177m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4?hl=en Ending Location: www.google.com/maps/@52.7771571,-1.2135822,3a,75y,306.85h,81.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sem4C-K0caKInW8ayPms1jw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e4?hl=en