Advertise on podcast: The Cruising the Cut Audio Newsletter!

In this edition, the CRT's latest annual report is released - and boaters are also released! Press 'play' for all the details. Links Ship's Telegraph (news) CRT annual report https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/annual-report-and-accounts Boater Panel https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/boating-news/boater-consultation-to-launch-in-december-2026/apply-for-our-citizens-boater-panel Stoppages https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/notices-and-stoppages CRT Contact https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us/form New on the dock (latest videos) Gelcoat on Twiggy https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/09/30/vlog-413-go-with-the-flow/ Electric day boat https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/09/20/vlog-412-tork-of-the-town/ Braunston trip Part 2 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/09/10/vlog-411-there-and-back-again/ Tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Crow's Nest (YouTube suggestion) https://www.youtube.com/@mostly_mac The Murky Depths (my archive) Tangerine Dream cruiser https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2023/10/22/vlog-314-tangerine-dream/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode: poison in our waterways, no water in the canals; and something about the Big Bang. Links Water pollution https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/06/all-bodies-of-water-england-polluted-toxic-chemicals CRT stoppages https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/notices-and-stoppages Lithium installations https://electrika.uk/index.php/2026/08/07/iwa-cas-guide-to-safe-lithium-battery-installation-now-published/ Videos Summer canals London boating https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/08/20/vlog-409-london-aye/ Fibreglassing Twiggy https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/08/09/vlog-408-bleep/ Electrika show https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/08/02/vlog-407-nuts-and-volts/ Tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Events Oxford festival https://www.oxfordcanalheritage.org/oxford-canal-festival Shardlow Historic Transport https://www.facebook.com/p/Shardlow-Historic-Transport-Gathering-61567784071210/ Floating markets https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event-list CRT events https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/canal-events-canal-festivals?start=2026-09-01&end=2026-09-30 The Crow's Nest Jared Owen's Falkirk Wheel video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucyw6GVifCE The Murky Depths (my archive) 267a Falkirk wheel https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2022/05/31/vlog-267a-pipe-dreams/ 267b Union canal https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2022/06/06/vlog-267b-wheel-meet-again/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition; the continued hot weather leads to official drought and multiple canal closures and restrictions. Plus the CRT want boaters' help in planning for the future. Links News Boaters Survey https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/boating-news/annual-boaters-survey-2026-executive-summary Boater consultation https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boaterconsultation Restoration Plan https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/our-cause/looking-after-canals-and-rivers/canal-restoration/restoration-resources/beginners-guide-to-canal-restoration Historic vessel register https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/registers Historic boats for sale https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/page/vessels-sale Recent videos Vlog 406 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/07/24/vlog-406-juggernautical/ Vlog 405 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/07/12/vlog-405-404-not-found/ Vlog 403 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/07/01/vlog-403-high-fibre/ Tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Captain's Log (canal events) Standedge Tunnel https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/standedge-tunnel-and-visitor-centre Wednesfield Festival https://wednesfieldcanalfestival.co.uk/ Brownhills Festival https://lhcrt.org.uk/brownhills-canal-festival/ Canal Trader markets https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event-list CRT events https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/canal-events-canal-festivals?page=8&start=2026-07-01&end=2026-07-31 The Murkey Depths (archive video) Standedge Tunnel trip https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2022/07/17/vlog-272-going-underground/ Crow's Nest (YouTube recommendation) https://www.youtube.com/@webuyanymotorcaravan/videos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, how cleaning a river could land you in court; a six month update on the Whitchurch breach; and loads of canal events to go to in July. Links EA prosecution threat https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/17/campaigner-threatened-prosecution-environment-agency-river-roding-cleanup and https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/exclusive-environment-agency-receives-death-threats-after-warning-barrister-stop IWA warning https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/indefinite-waterway-closures-rise-by-almost-40-iwa-reveals-growing-network-disruption Whitchurch update https://tinyurl.com/CRT-Whitchurch-Update CRT boat count https://tinyurl.com/CRT-boat-count-2026 Latest videos 402 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/06/21/vlog-402-crop-top/ 401 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/06/10/vlog-401-resistance-is-futile/ 400 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/05/30/vlog-400-power-nap/ Tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Captain's Log (events diary) Electrika 2026 https://electrika.uk/ Hayes Festival https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/canal-events-canal-festivals/2026-07-26-hayes-canal-festival-2026 Ware Festival https://www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk/whats-on/ware-festival/ Duck race https://www.braunston.org.uk/org-event.aspx?eid=6959#event RCTA events https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event-list CRT events https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/canal-events-canal-festivals?page=8&start=2026-07-01&end=2026-07-31 Video archive Van trip https://vandemonium.co.uk/travels/van-99-boil-in-the-bag/ Vlog 164 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2019/03/07/vlog-164-damp-patches/ Crow's Nest (YouTube recommendation) https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeTierney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode: are the canals doomed once more? Enjoy them in the meantime then with lots of summer events. Links Water crisis https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/iwa-navigation-committee-news-2605 Slaithwaite Reservoir http://www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/slaithwaite-reservoir Recent videos Twiggy's transom core https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/05/20/vlog-399-the-transom-of-the-opera/ Weekend aboard, Day 2 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/05/10/vlog-398-immersion-therapy/ Weekend aboard, Day 1 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/05/01/vlog-397-nap-time/ Tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Events Ellesmere Port https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/events/canal-events-canal-festivals/2026-06-13-50th-anniversary-celebrations Edinburgh Canal Festival https://edinburghcanalfestival.org.uk/ Brentford Festival https://brentfordcanalfestival.co.uk/ Braunston Rally https://www.braunstonmarina.co.uk/historic-boat-rally Ware Festival https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/ware-boat-festival Floating markets https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event-list Archive video Braunston rally https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2016/07/04/vlog-50-golden-oldies/ YouTube recommendation BBC Archive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAszByoXroY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, huge news at Toddbrook reservoir, and 16 tonnes of junk pulled from the canal in Milton Keynes. Links Toddbrook Update https://tinyurl.com/CtC-ToddbrookUpdate Ashby dredging https://tinyurl.com/CtC-AshbyDredging Lock Gate CNC https://tinyurl.com/CtC-LockGateCNC Milton Keynes clean up https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/mk-branch-cleanup-2026 Electrika Show https://electrika.uk/ Recent videos Twiggy update https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/04/24/vlog-396-gunge-tank/ Bonus Bowcam video https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/04/19/real-time-canal-cruise-wigrams-turn-to-braunston/ Braunston cruise https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/04/10/vlog-395-braunston-pickle/ My tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Events Canalway Cavalcade https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/iwa-canalway-cavalcade-2026 Crick show https://crickboatshow.com/ Local festivals https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event-list Archive Video Toddbrook Reservoir works https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2023/08/11/vlog-307-reservoir-vlogs/ The Crows Nest Scottish Car Clan https://www.youtube.com/@ScottishCarClan/videos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition, surprise news about a wharf closing unexpectedly - and a daring plan to let scuba divers practice in canal locks... Links Ship's Telegraph (News) Whitchurch breach https://www.tinyurl.com/whitchurchbreach Sherborne Wharf closure: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2vy6zx565o Scuba lock plan https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/scuba-lock-plan/ New on the Dock (Recent videos) https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/03/30/vlog-394-home-improvements/ https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/03/15/vlog-393-well-gel/ https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/03/01/vlog-392-pump-out/ Tip Jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Captain's Log (events) National Waterways Museum https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/national-waterways-museum Floating markets https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event-list The Murky Depths (archive videos) https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2019/04/01/vlog-167-new-bold-tunnel/ https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2017/04/01/vlog-82-important-news-update/ The Bilge (final words) Charity Walk https://www.surplex.co.uk/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode: more money for the canals; a plan for the future of boating; and a mention of motorhoming. Links: CRT report response https://tinyurl.com/crt-report-response Extra funding https://www.gov.uk/government/news/iconic-canals-to-be-better-protected-with-65-million-investment Llangollen breach https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/newsletter-archive/?email_id=37 Chandlery closures https://www.midlandchandlers.co.uk/news/midland-chandlers-moves-to-national-delivery-model Boat show tickets https://www.crickboatshow.com/tickets/ Walsall cyanide spill https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/newsletter-archive/?email_id=13 Latest videos Twiggy update https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/02/22/vlog-391-bilge-water/ Things I love and loathe https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/02/11/vlog-390-list-off/ BSS test day https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/02/01/vlog-389-utter-bss/ My tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a canal holiday https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut Archive video River Avon trip https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2017/10/04/vlog-111-memory-lane/ YouTube Pick of the Month Roaming Radfords https://www.youtube.com/@RoamingRadfords Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, an update on the boats stranded by the Llangollen canal breach at Whitchurch; ponderings on boating during winter; and an invitation to Bruges. Links Canal breach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cje1zpppwjgo Canal volunteering https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/volunteer-by-water River Clyde fees https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/fees-on-river-clyde-abandoned Richard Parry https://www.crucialpr.co.uk/crucial-archive/8-releases Latest videos 388 DIY projects planned https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/01/21/vlog-388-task-master/ 387 steam boat refurbishment https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/01/10/vlog-387-hot-stuff/ 386 happy new year https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/01/01/vlog-386-happy-new-year/ My tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a canal holiday at https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut Video archive France Trip Part 1 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/06/10/vlog-371-cruising-le-cut/ France Trip Part 2 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/06/20/vlog-372-leau-rider/ France Trip Part 3 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/06/30/vlog-373-bon-voyage/ Crow's Nest YouTube pick https://www.youtube.com/@OffbeatMandarin The Bilge, in Bruges https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/sights/canals-of-bruges Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, grim news from the Llangollen canal where a major breach has opened a giant hole in the canal and stranded two boats, with several others also affected just before Christmas. Links Narrowboat Life Unlocked https://www.youtube.com/@NarrowboatLifeUnlocked Locking Through Life https://www.youtube.com/@lockingthroughlife2587 CRT's breach page https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/llangollen-canal-breach GoFundMe for stranded boaters https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-boaters My latest videos https://www.youtube.com/@CruisingTheCut/videos Tip jar https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a narrowboat holiday https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut Chocolate Mousse at Christmas https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2021/12/31/merry-christmas-and-chocolate-mousse/ YouTube pick of the month https://www.youtube.com/@microfournerds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition, huge news about the future of licensing for canal boats, especially relevant to those who cruise continuously without a home mooring. Plus, where in the world are you listening.. can you beat an Australia's desert? Links CRT Commission report https://tinyurl.com/crt-commission-report CRT response https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/endorsing-the-boat-licence-commissions-report Licence prices https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/LicencePrices Narrowboat Pirate https://www.youtube.com/@TheNarrowboatPirate Anderton Boat Lift repairs https://tinyurl.com/crt-andertonboatlift2027 Electrika show https://electrika.uk/ British Marine Awards https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/news/2025/november/british-marine-announces-first-winners-all-new-british-marine-sector-association-awards-programme Latest videos 383B On the Brink https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/11/30/vlog-383b-on-the-brink/ 383A Tow's Company https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/11/19/vlog-383a-tows-company/ 382 Super Ply Guy https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/11/09/vlog-382-super-ply-guy/ Tip jar https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a canal holiday https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut Archive video https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2016/02/14/vlog-22-grate-expectations/ YouTube Pick of the Month https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseBlogGuide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode: sad news about a canal legend plus updates on the current state of the water shortages across the canal network. Links Prunella Scales https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/28/fawlty-towers-actor-prunella-scales-dies-at-the-age-of-93
 CRT stoppages https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices CRT Water FAQ https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/managing-our-water/drought/water-management-faqs Licensing commission https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/boating-news/commission-to-review-future-framework-for-boat-licensing Facilities changes https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/the-boaters-update/boaters-update-9-oct-2025#customer-service-facilities-what-you-need-to-know CRT Annual Report https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/annual-report-and-accounts Canal crocodile https://news.sky.com/story/police-in-derbyshire-solve-mystery-of-crocodile-found-in-canal-13452117 Recent videos 381B https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/10/26/vlog-381b-a-spring-in-my-step/ 381A https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/10/19/vlog-381a-polepole/ 380 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/10/11/vlog-380-the-best-laid-plans/
Tip jar https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a canal holiday! https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut My archive on solar power: https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/category/engineering/solar-power/ Yorkshire Pop Top Adventures https://www.youtube.com/@YorkshirePopTopAdventures RCTA Directory https://www.rcta.org.uk/directory/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the continuing drought conditions (despite some rain) are causing potential havoc for many boaters, made worse by the impending winter closures for regular maintenance. Plus the usual update on what's going on on my YouTube channel. Links CRT drought poll https://tinyurl.com/crtdrought CRT winter closures https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices Vlog 379A (Gentian) https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/09/20/vlog-379a-and-mondays/ Vlog 378 (Twiggy) https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/09/09/vlog-378-wood-it-fit/ Vlog 377 (Twiggy) https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/08/30/vlog-377-mind-the-gap/ Tip jar https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a canal holiday! https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut Wreyland's failed BSS https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2021/11/18/vlog-252-reg-prescott/ BoatBusters on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@boatbusters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition, it's crisis time on the canals as what may be the warmest summer on record leaves water levels extremely low, with boaters and businesses frustrated. Links CRT Drought update https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/drought-conditions-navigation-update Tardebigge reopening https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c620926y4lro Aquavista https://www.aquavista.com/ CRT boat count https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/national-boat-count-2025 Twiggy DIY Vlog 376B https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/08/20/vlog-376b-mercia-me/ Vlog 376A https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/08/10/vlog-376a-the-endless-river/ Tip jars https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/tip-jars/ Book a canal holiday! https://canalboatholidays.co.uk/referral/cruisingthecut Black Country Boating Festival https://bcbf.com/ Huddlesford Heritage Gathering https://heritagegathering.uk/ Archive vlog The L'Eaudown https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2021/09/01/vlog-247-the-leaudown/ YouTube Pick https://www.youtube.com/@BrightSunTravels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month: there's not a lot of water around, with drought conditions severely affecting the network. Links CRT Notices https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices Feed Ducks https://www.feedducks.com/ 10 Years on YouTube https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/07/25/10-years-on-youtube/ Vlog 375B https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/07/24/vlog-375b-nottingham-forests/ Vlog 375A https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/07/20/vlog-375-rush-hour/ Fenny Stratford festival https://waterways.org.uk/support/ways-to-get-involved/events/fenny-stratford-canal-festival-2023 Nantwich Floating Market https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event/2025/8/2/rcta-nantwich-floating-market-tbc Linlithgow Fun Day https://www.lucs.org.uk/linlithgow-canal-centre/funday19/ Wednesfield Canal Festival https://wednesfieldcanalfestival.co.uk/ Brownhills Canal Festival https://lhcrt.org.uk/event/brownhills-canal-festival-2025/ Frontcysyllte Floating Market https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event/2025/8/16/rcta-grindley-brook-floating-market Milton Keynes Floating Market https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event/2025/8/23/rcta-milton-keynes-august-bh-floating-market Ellesmere Arm Floating Market https://www.rcta.org.uk/markets-festivals-and-events/#!event/2025/8/23/rcta-ellesmere-floating-market Bratch Boat Rally https://swcanalsociety.co.uk/ Vlog 1 https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2015/07/23/episode-1-how-i-came-to-be-buying-a-narrowboat/ MV NorthStar https://www.youtube.com/@MVNorthStar Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1269863691589823 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.