A Paddle on the Norfolk Broads. North Walsham and Dilham Canal. Cedar Strip Canoe.

In this video I am off for a paddle with my mate Gavin along the disused North Walsham and Dilham Canal in the beautiful Norfolk Broads National Park. We start at Wayford bridge where the canal joins the River Ant and head north along this picturesque and wild waterway, stopping for a well earned cup of tea before reaching the old and overgrown Honing Lock. The lock marks the boundary of the Norfolk Broads although the canal continues on to North Walsham. A truly gorgeous bit of water, wild and remote feeling and one of the likeliest places to spot an otter or a kingfisher, although we didn’t have any luck this time!
Thanks for watching and thanks Gavin for the superb company!
Please check out and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
/ simon-a-bloke-in-the-w...
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Links:
Norfolk Broads Canoe and Kayak Guide by Steve Maloney
www.amazon.co.uk/Norfolk-Broa...
OS Explorer map OL40 The Broads
www.amazon.co.uk/OS-Explorer-...
Music Succotash by Silent Partner.

Пікірлер: 227

  • @darrellpidgeon6440
    @darrellpidgeon6440Ай бұрын

    Love the peace and quiet.

  • @loupiscanis9449
    @loupiscanis9449 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis

  • @jeffmcgrath8718
    @jeffmcgrath87184 жыл бұрын

    Fun trip thanks for bringing us along

  • @timparr1458
    @timparr1458 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Simon. Many thanks for a great video. On the back of it my wife and I paddled the same stretch this afternoon. Such a peaceful trip through lovely countryside. Thanks again for sharing it. A bit of an update on the Wayford Bridge Inn. Their car park is now controlled by another company so it’s £10 for 2 hours and an automatic £100 fine if you are more than fifteen minutes late! We had planned to go for a meal there afterwards as you suggested but ditched the idea after that!

  • @davecornish6716

    @davecornish6716

    6 ай бұрын

    we put in at the bridge and then park further up the road and not in the car park, you will get a 'toll' charge before Tonnage Bridge now

  • @simonablokeinthewoods
    @simonablokeinthewoods5 жыл бұрын

    Hi folks and thanks for watching! I just wanted to add a bit of an update here about the canal. I said in the video that it forms part of the river Ant, but I’ve since discovered that it was actually a completely man-made canal that joined the navigable part of the Ant creating a link to North Walsham. There was no tow path either, it was designed for the classic Norfolk Wherry - a sailing barge. The canal only had a very short ‘working’ life as transportation of goods over land became cheaper and quicker, however, the canal was used afterwards for leisure trips in the old converted wherries. Thank you to those of you who have passed on additional local history and knowledge - completes the picture!

  • @lauriebloggs8391

    @lauriebloggs8391

    5 жыл бұрын

    Correct :-) !

  • @jeremynorman5329

    @jeremynorman5329

    5 жыл бұрын

    The wherries for the upper Ant and Bure were smaller vessels and had removable keels, so that when they got to the shallower, smaller waterway, the keel would be taken out, tied to the reeds and picked up on the way back. I believe that the canal was dredged during wartime and the bottom relined with clay.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Jeremy Norman Thank you Jeremy, that is interesting - wouldn’t happen these days, some toe rag would pinch yer keel!! Cheers and Happy Christmas!

  • @juliegogo2941
    @juliegogo29414 жыл бұрын

    Interesting! Thank you for the ride..

  • @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234
    @quinntheeskimooutdoors62345 жыл бұрын

    Great relaxing video, thanks and take care.

  • @mikebruce6234
    @mikebruce62344 жыл бұрын

    Will try that one, surprising how many quiet waterways in our area of east anglia thete is to get out there and explore. Great job.

  • @deanhannington4258
    @deanhannington42584 жыл бұрын

    That was really nice to see, we have been wanting to kayak there for ages, our favourite bit of canal!

  • @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors
    @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors5 жыл бұрын

    Cedar strip canoe is on my list of things to build Beautiful scenery Thanks for sharing Simon

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Do it mate - I know yours would be a stunner!! Cheers

  • @yargstrebor4340
    @yargstrebor43405 жыл бұрын

    Very cool Simon, chilled me right out 👍🏽

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! Atb.

  • @carltyson4393
    @carltyson43935 жыл бұрын

    Lovely work Simon, that looked like a peaceful and beuatiful voyage. As always thanks for taking us along on your adventure. Always look forward to you videos and you never disappoint! Cheers,

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Carl!

  • @LundysWildcampBushcraft
    @LundysWildcampBushcraft5 жыл бұрын

    Cracking video looks like a nice quiet bit of canal atb Jimmy 😎😎

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Jimmy - lovely stretch of water - really quiet for the Broads!

  • @tango6nf477
    @tango6nf4774 жыл бұрын

    thanks for the info on the book Simon, I've just ordered it, exactly whats needed. I did this trip last Sept it was really satisfying, very overgrown but that just made it better, the wildlife is amazing.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    4 жыл бұрын

    I like the more overgrown, secluded waterways too. 👍 Can’t wait for things to return to normal - I’ll be in sore need of a paddle by then! Stay safe and keep well.

  • @darthchua
    @darthchua5 жыл бұрын

    Lovely video as always, Simon.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Derek!

  • @seanbrennan4447
    @seanbrennan44475 жыл бұрын

    What a great way to spend a Sunday morning,looked so nice and peaceful.Thanks Simon.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Sean!

  • @lukewardle3515
    @lukewardle35155 жыл бұрын

    I live in North Walsham. If I remember from my school days the canal was only operational for a few years before the railway came and rendered the it obsolete. A mate's spotted otters up near Honing lock. We used to camp by the water on Honing common as kids. Sadly overgrown now.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Luke! I’d heard there were otters in the canal - might get lucky next time! Interesting about the canals short life!

  • @jakesadventurecanada3434
    @jakesadventurecanada34345 жыл бұрын

    Wow breath taking how beautiful that canal is. Great video

  • @garydumbauld4212
    @garydumbauld42125 жыл бұрын

    Very nice. Commercial videographers could learn a thing or three from you!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Gary!

  • @Musicgutbucket
    @Musicgutbucket5 жыл бұрын

    Once again another excellent video. Another one I shall like to copy. Thanks Simon.

  • @lethal6475
    @lethal64755 жыл бұрын

    As always another top shelf production thanks.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! It was a lovely relaxing paddle!

  • @abefrohman1759
    @abefrohman17595 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful area, great video. All the best Simon. 👍

  • @uksrilankantraveller6783

    @uksrilankantraveller6783

    5 жыл бұрын

    Watch My Video. if you are interested , Subscribe and Joint to my Channel. kzread.info/dash/bejne/jJlmxZZrj9DLe7w.html

  • @MHarenArt
    @MHarenArt5 жыл бұрын

    Lovely!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Maggie!

  • @boutthere3374
    @boutthere33745 жыл бұрын

    A great antidote for the hustle of the city.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Tonic for the soul!

  • @WelshGallivanter
    @WelshGallivanter5 жыл бұрын

    I do like a paddle on the canal, very peaceful and the canoe is nice and quiet for the wildlife watching. Top job butty 👍🏼

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks mate!

  • @bertgorissen3526
    @bertgorissen35265 жыл бұрын

    Nice video again, Simon. One of the few that doesn't have a fire in it. I was waiting for it, but then you just poured your coffee from a bottle...

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha -.yes, I was taking the ‘lazy Sunday’ theme seriously!! Atb, Simon

  • @jeffstevens763
    @jeffstevens7635 жыл бұрын

    Cracking trip Simon thanks for sharing

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jeff!

  • @russeljohn3471
    @russeljohn34715 жыл бұрын

    Simon, great video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Russel!

  • @randal1470
    @randal14705 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, reminds me a bit of the river I grew up on here! Thanks Simon!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Can’t beat a small, quiet river!

  • @abefrohman1759
    @abefrohman17595 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful canoe, well done.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Abe - always a pleasure to drag her out of the garage!

  • @Bisheebarniebee71
    @Bisheebarniebee715 жыл бұрын

    oh this is beautiful reminds me of home, lovely video Simon :)

  • @iloveshowbiz
    @iloveshowbiz5 жыл бұрын

    What a lovely waterway. Love your canoe : )

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Patricia!

  • @rkf2746
    @rkf27465 жыл бұрын

    Simon, I don't have a strong enough command of the English language to describe how thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable your video's are. I've never had the privilege of visiting your beautiful part of the world. So, I travel along with you, enjoying the sight's, sound's, and your willingness to share the history of the place's you visit. Be safe. Happy trails. Roger, Colorado-US

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Roger! I’m really glad you enjoy coming along! 😁🛶

  • @TheBill9999
    @TheBill99995 жыл бұрын

    Pleasure to watch

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @PinetreeLine
    @PinetreeLine5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful trip on the water Simon. Great time of year. Thanks brother!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Doug! Love the fall - my favourite time of year! Atb mate

  • @BruceBurkhalter
    @BruceBurkhalter5 жыл бұрын

    I love your paddling videos, you capture the beauty and joy of being in a canoe on a lazy river...I'll watch as many and you can make..

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bruce! Plenty more in the pipeline -.its my favourite mode of transport! 🛶

  • @DaveScurlock
    @DaveScurlock5 жыл бұрын

    Another great video, Simon. Incredibly beautiful scenery, Norfolk’s a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Dave!

  • @inthewoodswithbigfoot3941
    @inthewoodswithbigfoot39415 жыл бұрын

    Lovely trip Mate! Your canoe is rather beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks buddy! And thank you!! 😁

  • @JoonesAdventuresMC
    @JoonesAdventuresMC5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video Atb

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Jonas!

  • @TheStwat
    @TheStwat5 жыл бұрын

    What a lovely video, Simon.Thanks for sharing this beautiful place with us.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Stuart!

  • @ingridpettersson5661
    @ingridpettersson56615 жыл бұрын

    Nice 😊👍

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ingrid!

  • @slimpickins3425
    @slimpickins34255 жыл бұрын

    Every time i see that beautiful canoe you built it makes me want to get in the shop and build one! You really did a nice job and it came out beautiful! There nothing like the pride of paddling a beautiful canoe that you made yourself! I like the waterproof compartments you built in bow and stern, and as usual, thanks for another great episode!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks mate! Those bulkhead compartments are really useful - main purpose is for buoyancy but I keep a few essentials them too. 👍

  • @lars-goranabrahamsson9337
    @lars-goranabrahamsson93375 жыл бұрын

    Really nice and beutiful video !

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @jasonobee9067
    @jasonobee90675 жыл бұрын

    As always, great video mate ✌🏽

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks mate!

  • @angelakm6753
    @angelakm67535 жыл бұрын

    Lovely video Simon. We did that trip from Barton Turf to the locks with the Open Canoe Association at Easter 2018 :) History of the canal "History of the Canal Today the Old Canal Co. Ltd. owns the top 2¼ miles of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal. The rest remains in the hands of The North Walsham Canal Co. Ltd, except for a short length at the top of the canal owned by Mr M Starling and the bottom tidally influenced section below Honing Lock owned by Paterson Estates. This is Norfolk’s only artificial, locked sailing canal and was opened in 1826. 8¾ miles in length, it ran from Antingham Bone Mills, 1½ miles NW of North Walsham, to Wayford Bridge where it joined the navigable River Ant. It used 6 large locks along its length to enable the 20 ton wherries to ascend the 58ft rise to Antingham. Although built for the carriage of coal, it remained cheaper to transport this overland from the coast. As a result the main cargoes were to and from the mills - including a local cabbage wherry to Gt. Yarmouth. In the late 19th century some of the first pleasure wherries, converted from commercial craft, were based on the canal. However trade was low and the canal from Swafield Locks to Antingham was closed in 1893 and officially abandoned in 1927. The section above Bacton Wood Lock was breached in the flood of August 1912 and the following repairs were poor." from www.nwdct.org/index.html

  • @jamesellsworth9673

    @jamesellsworth9673

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the local history. I grew up in a Northwestern New York State village just along the (now) historic Erie Canal from Albany to Buffalo. Canals and their traffic have always been of interest.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Angela! You have answered a few questions I had - firstly that the canal was indeed man-made - I’d assumed it wasn’t due to the meandering course it takes, and I’d assumed it made up a section of the Ant rather than joining it. Secondly concerning its use when an active canal - I had a short working life! Really interesting article - many, many thanks!

  • @mellonmarshall

    @mellonmarshall

    5 жыл бұрын

    that is cool, cause I was taught or made think that like Motorways, Norfolk didn't have any canals, they use to just puddle along the rivers and that

  • @RoughTimba
    @RoughTimba5 жыл бұрын

    Lovely canoe mate...

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks buddy! My pride and joy!

  • @MrMeltedwellies
    @MrMeltedwellies5 жыл бұрын

    beautiful video well done simon ATB

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Mark!

  • @KentSurvival
    @KentSurvival5 жыл бұрын

    Nice little paddle mate, good to see the cedar strip out :)

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks mate! Always good to get her out of the garage!!

  • @TheVespap200e
    @TheVespap200e5 жыл бұрын

    What an excellent way to spend a Sunday morning! Great video as always Simon.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks - it was super relaxing!

  • @dianejacklin4338
    @dianejacklin43385 жыл бұрын

    Another good and interesting video. Congratulations on reaching 10k. So proud of you

  • @hutchinsonsadventures4678
    @hutchinsonsadventures46785 жыл бұрын

    So relaxing buddy... cheers.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @AntSurviveTheNight
    @AntSurviveTheNight5 жыл бұрын

    A very nice trip that. I’m sure it blows the cobwebs of the week off. Your very lucky to have a choice of canals, broads and rivers to choose from. Cheers for sharing Simon.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks - I count my blessings daily!!

  • @IsleofWightBushcraft
    @IsleofWightBushcraft5 жыл бұрын

    Yep, very peaceful, love it up at the broads, havnt been up there in some years.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers, I’m really lucky to live so close!

  • @RM-io7qo
    @RM-io7qo5 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic trip along the old canal and so enjoyable to watch as you explore this beautiful area. Thanks for sharing. Take care...

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you John! Lovely stretch of water - Norfolk’s only canal.

  • @MCMOutdoors
    @MCMOutdoors5 жыл бұрын

    Lovely relaxing watch. Great viewing Si

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks buddy! Nowt more relaxing than a gentle paddle down a slow river! Glad you enjoyed! Atb, Si

  • @wildcamping1502
    @wildcamping15025 жыл бұрын

    What a way to unwind I have to do this one day, and your wooden canoe looks to be a thing of Beauty, Enjoyed watching TFS, Les.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Les! It’s a nice paddle (the canal and the canoe haha!) Atb.

  • @chardblack
    @chardblack5 жыл бұрын

    Great video as always. I'll have to paddle that one day soon!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers! Lovely stretch of water!

  • @albertblake007
    @albertblake0075 жыл бұрын

    Another fantastic video Simon. I only discovered your channel the other week and I love it. Beautifully done, interesting and as mellow as a cello. Thank you!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Albert! Glad you found the channel! Mellow as a cello - love that!!

  • @martinoutdoors6941
    @martinoutdoors69415 жыл бұрын

    Great film Simon as always, cracking bit of river and once again lucky with the weather...👍😎 that must be a big ole’ debt you owe the weather gods..!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    You’re not wrong! The bonus of living in E Anglia!

  • @billygoatfilms7531
    @billygoatfilms75315 жыл бұрын

    Very peaceful river trip Simon, lovely autumn colours around. Great stuff. ⛺️

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Mike! Need to catch up on your Lake District videos!!

  • @billygoatfilms7531

    @billygoatfilms7531

    5 жыл бұрын

    Simon, a bloke in the woods : I wouldn’t bother with them Simon if I were you. Just wait for next years adventures. Cheers Mike ⛺️

  • @rw3035
    @rw30355 жыл бұрын

    Great canoe. Great canal. Reminds me of the canal that runs through our village in the Netherlands. 2019: time to explore the Dutch west-frisian islands. You’ll love them!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! They’re on the list!! Cheers, Simon

  • @ChrisAuton
    @ChrisAuton5 жыл бұрын

    What a lovely, tranquil, trip! Thoroughly enjoyed the commentary and visuals and particularly the boat. What a lovely thing! An open canoe to travel and camp from is a niggling little itch I really need to scratch sometime :-) Thanks for taking us along!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Chris! You’ll be glad when you do scratch it - there is no better antidote to the rigours and toils of modern life! And a nice way to chill out after a long weeks teaching!😉

  • @norfnifelemon
    @norfnifelemon5 жыл бұрын

    Another great informative film Simon. I have to say that your videography skills are second to none!! I find you as engaging to watch AND listen to as the revered David Attenborough. Those Glamping pods were nice, although a bit "In yer face". Thanks so much for taking us along and can't wait for the next adventure :-) ATB Steve

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Steve! I appreciate your appreciation hahaha! They were a bit glaring weren’t they - they are still under construction, hopefully they’ll do some careful planting to screen them a bit! Cheers mate!

  • @paulgib96
    @paulgib965 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! May the wind be always from your back my friend!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Paul! Wind - the Bain of every paddler!

  • @nickturner2606
    @nickturner26065 жыл бұрын

    Evening Simon , another nice upload fella, looked like a nice morning of natural enjoyment and exercise. Keep doing the good stuff and enjoying it mate, it’s a treat to watch.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Nick! It was a lovely paddle - hard to imagine that sleepy little canal is in the Broads! Atb.

  • @maxboonkittypoison
    @maxboonkittypoison5 жыл бұрын

    nice video. i hope canal and river trust is going to restore this canal. greetings,, Kitty.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Kitty! I kind of hope they don’t - keeps the bigger boats away and makes it more secluded. 🛶 Atb, Simon

  • @GrumpyGrunt
    @GrumpyGrunt5 жыл бұрын

    Those "glamping pods" look like some kind of sauna farm.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    😂😂 a farm for breeding saunas! 😁

  • @scottyneedsa3037
    @scottyneedsa30375 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video, love the Broads! I've been thinking of doing this stretch for a while, looks a lovely area & your canoe.....just beautiful, it really is a work of art!!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! It’s a nice bit of water - look out for otters around the lock!

  • @scottyneedsa3037

    @scottyneedsa3037

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@simonablokeinthewoodsWill do....cheers!

  • @gailmitchell8147
    @gailmitchell81475 жыл бұрын

    Just saw you on Kent’s channel , so thank you Kent . Lovely videos so I am a new sub . Look forward to seeing all your videos. Thank you , Gail from Worcester Massachusetts USA 🇺🇸!!!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Gail! And thanks for the sub! I’m doing a video with Kent Survival next weekend as it happens! 😁

  • @davidstill1256
    @davidstill12565 жыл бұрын

    Very nice paddle. I would love to have a nice slow flat river at the moment, i live next to the dart which is a tad bumpy this time of year.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks David! Hahaha, is quite like a nice bumpy river to ride - all our rivers in this neck of the woods are slow and gentle - nice and tranquil, but sometimes I get the urge for a bit of adrenaline! Ive Paddles a bit of the lower Dart, itching to try the upper reaches!

  • @Myn6211
    @Myn62115 жыл бұрын

    What a peaceful paddle that was. Maggie would have loved to have played with those young cygnets but I think perhaps you wouldn't have enjoyed the inevitable dunking Simon. 😀 I do hope you get a chance to explore this area in more depth. Really pretty.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I’d have got wet for sure!! Hahaha! I’ll definitely be back. Atb.

  • @PaulOutdoors
    @PaulOutdoors5 жыл бұрын

    David Hasselhoff lol....superb Simon and Gavin, inspirational in fact, not the Hoff but the video. Paul 👍😊

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - cheers Paul!

  • @duncanwyer2460
    @duncanwyer24605 жыл бұрын

    Love that stretch of river, I take some pruning snips with me to cut back brambles at lock so you can paddle into it , but you can see that I’ve not been for a while. The lovely little red bridge is tonne bridge

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Duncan! Good idea to prune back a little! Thanks for the info on the bridge - I guess modern tractors go a bit gingerly over it haha! Gorgeous canal - I’ll be back to explore upstream!

  • @lauriebloggs8391
    @lauriebloggs83915 жыл бұрын

    Yet again, beautiful video, always look forward to your canoeing ones in particular...only a wooden canoe can "chuckle" like that! As Abe says below, it is a very beautiful canoe The Dilham canal and the Ant, and Barton Broad were waters we spent two weeks in the summer exploring by canoe, camping at Dilham...a little further upstream of the lock when it becomes a ditch! Obviously a lot of clearance work has been done since the summer (18) as well as the appearance of the Hobbit Hole Pods!! Another launch point at Wayford is Smallburgh staithe, and that book is indeed very useful. Thank you again for your films.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Laurie! Sounds like a wonderful adventure - I’d like to spend a bit more time exploring further upstream -,maybe with a wildcamp thrown in. Such a peaceful little corner of the Broads! Atb, Simon

  • @juliek5316

    @juliek5316

    5 жыл бұрын

    You can access the canal further up at Ebridge to Spa Common where the recently restored Lock at Bacton Wood Lock is available for all to see. @@simonablokeinthewoods Our Facebook group www.Facebook.com/groups/www.nwdct.org has some photos uploaded of when the section from Swafield to Bacton Wood Lock had a trial re-watering Jan 2018.

  • @jeremynorman5329
    @jeremynorman53295 жыл бұрын

    There was boat access above North Walsham, all the way to Antingham, but now you would not believe it as the waterway is only ditch sized.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    I’d like to return and explore further up to N Walsham and beyond - be a good winter paddle when there is a bit of water in the canal and less vegetation! Cheers, Simon

  • @juliek5316

    @juliek5316

    5 жыл бұрын

    The section from Ebridge (Happisburgh Rd, White Horse Common, North Walsham, Norfolk, UK) to Swafield..... (Mundesley Rd, North Walsham) has been cleared of reeds and the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust operate Canal Cruises every Sunday from 2pm. See their EVENTS website page on www.nwdct.org/events.html

  • @markmullins3432
    @markmullins34325 жыл бұрын

    Broads....whaaa... oh i see. whew, I thought you speaking of the waking, dancing kind for a second...😂

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - that’s made me think of my local national park in a completely different way!!!

  • @jongrinsted3085
    @jongrinsted30855 жыл бұрын

    Hi Simon, love all your videos . I live in North Walsham and am gutted I didn't get to come and say hello to you! Keep the videos coming as I love them so much! Mind how you go 👍

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jonathan! Lovely stretch of water - I’ll certainly be back!

  • @dmail00
    @dmail005 жыл бұрын

    Two blokes! Not in the woods! Pfff is your name Simon? Haha. I imagine Gavin was laughing when you were going back for the camera and setting up for your cuppa, it does make all the difference to a video. Thanks for the little history lesson and the peaceful trip down the canal, really enjoyed it.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - Yes, he was very patient! Cheers!

  • @robertshand8101
    @robertshand81015 жыл бұрын

    Nice one Simon..excellent camera work as usual. I like the idea of meandering down disused canals, so peaceful. The nearest I've got to that was late one drunken evening, setting sail in the local burn in a small paddler dragged across from the boating pond..lol! I spent most of the voyage dragging it through the shallows....until I finally gave up after dumping my junk in a deep bit...hahaha Those were the days...😁 Cheers 👍

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - now that sounds like an adventure!!

  • @robertshand8101

    @robertshand8101

    5 жыл бұрын

    The main plan was to take our boats down the burn and then into the river Deveron...and then maybe down to the coast..!!! Stone mad lol!

  • @bmolitor615
    @bmolitor6155 жыл бұрын

    it would be a portage for other section!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    I’ll be back one day to find out!

  • @hermit6208
    @hermit62085 жыл бұрын

    Okay from now on, when Maggie is not along for the ride, we should see this in the title. Some sort of disclaimer or some such thing . I mean do you really think we come here to see you? You know who the star is! 😉😉😉 Your canoe really is a work of art, brother.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - I know!! 🤣 About Maggie that is not the canoe!!

  • @simonpe3trie102
    @simonpe3trie10211 ай бұрын

    I know this video was posted awhile ago This looks like a nice beginner canoeist route, would you agree. ?

  • @Yorkshiremadmick
    @Yorkshiremadmick5 жыл бұрын

    When we lived down there. Local volunteers were improving and renovating the North Walsham to Swayfield section. I believe that it was the Norfolk Wheeries that were used on the Dilham canal, rather than towpaths. But others may be able to add more.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Michael! I think you are right about the wherries as I’ve since found out - it was only in use commercially for a few years before overland transport by train made it obsolete. It then b came a bit of a leisure hotspot with the wherries taking paying passengers for peaceful trips along the canal.

  • @Yorkshiremadmick

    @Yorkshiremadmick

    5 жыл бұрын

    Simon, The bit further up might be worth a look, it passes by Pigney Woods where I’m sure there might be somewhere if you’re careful to stay. (North Walsham to Swayfield section) Your canoe, was it a kit? Or pattern? Or totally your own work. Love it, which ever route! All the best Michael

  • @hazzardoutdoors
    @hazzardoutdoors2 жыл бұрын

    Can't find that dam book anywhere

  • @steamboatmodel
    @steamboatmodel5 жыл бұрын

    A well done and relaxing video. Some nice information and history in the comments too. I wonder if the canal was dug following a branch of the river or laid out just to connect points. What is the average depth of it. Most of the canals over here follow rivers with the locks to bypass rapids.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks - yes, I’ve learned a lot about the canal from the comments - I love that about the KZread community - it’s a pool of expertise! The canal it seems was dug to connect the river Ant to North Walsham, why they chose a sweeping curve rather than a straight line, I don’t know. Not sure about depth either, deeper than my paddle which is 1600mm haha. Cheers, Simon.

  • @neillambton3275
    @neillambton32755 жыл бұрын

    The NWDC Trust are aiming to fully restore the NWDC navigation back to full navigation for its entire length down to Wayford. There are several urban myths about the canal, and the Trust have already restored some of the locks and the canal navigation stretches. Hopefully in the not too distant future, we will be able to take cruisers up the canal and through the locks, which incidentally several of the REAL owners are more than happy with, providing you pay a fee for a license to cruise it.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Neil, as a canoeist, I (selfishly) would prefer them not to haha. There are precious few stretches of water in the Broads that motorised craft can’t navigate, those stretches are havens for us small craft - especially during the bumper-boat holiday season! With my rational head screwed on though - access for all is what it’s about really. 😁🛶

  • @CharlesPavlov2
    @CharlesPavlov25 жыл бұрын

    When I was young I used to love Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows and I just have to say this, Simon... You do like messing about in boats don't you?

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    I loved ‘Wind in the Willows’! Ah. That takes me back!! I certainly do like messing around in boats! 😁

  • @SouthernPatriot1
    @SouthernPatriot15 жыл бұрын

    Lol I bet that David Hasslehoff and Pamela Anderson were never mentioned in a bushcraft video before. Hehehe, first things for everything 😂 that is such a fantastic looking canoe & looks so easy to row. Love the scenery and the bridge was gorgeous! Tfs Simon. Atb, Nikki. Edited: at first I put canoe, then second thought I changed it to kayak lol then I looked at it again and went ahead with calling it a canoe, mainly bc of the length...lol I think I’m right lol but you know I may be wrong...it’s only happened a few times 😂😉😬🤦‍♀️coughs* yeah right!

  • @gavinhowe9762

    @gavinhowe9762

    5 жыл бұрын

    Nikki St Laurent sorry for spoiling the tone😂

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Nikki! The Hoff meets Uncle Ray! Haha! You were right first time - it’s a canoe. The word canoe describes a boat which is open, as opposed to closed with a smaller cockpit (a kayak), rather than size. Cheers!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Haha you raised the tone Gav! Quality!!

  • @SouthernPatriot1

    @SouthernPatriot1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Gavin Howe no way haha you just made it much more funny lol and actually I laughed slightly harder then I should have as I was sipping my coffee, and it went up my nose 😂 👍😉

  • @SouthernPatriot1

    @SouthernPatriot1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Simon, a bloke in the woods phew lol thanks for the reply

  • @chiefski77
    @chiefski775 жыл бұрын

    This is a great video :) There's a beautiful river about 30 miles from my home in Belfast called Blackwater river. It flows into the largest lake in the UK, Lough Neagh. There are camping stops and a bothy to make use of and the Argory, a National Trust site, to visit. I'd happily bust out the canoe and show anyone around if interested...

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Chris! I’ve added that to my list! Always interested in recommended paddles! 😁🛶

  • @chiefski77

    @chiefski77

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@simonablokeinthewoods No probs! There's a great website canoeni.com that shows great places to paddle in N.I. if you're here/there

  • @DigsOutdoors
    @DigsOutdoors5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful trip Simon. With the stand you guys seen in the beginning, around here we use those for deer. One question. in the front of your canoe, is that black thing like a little storage hold?

  • @lauriebloggs8391

    @lauriebloggs8391

    5 жыл бұрын

    yes, tis for deer..........

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I guess it probably is for deer and other game. And, yes it is a hatch, one for and one aft, for buoyancy really, but useful for bits and pieces!

  • @Levikrw
    @Levikrw2 жыл бұрын

    What is the overall length of your canoe

  • @davidhuxtable8918
    @davidhuxtable89185 жыл бұрын

    Come west to paddle young man!! Where men are men!! & sheep are very careful!! :)

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sounds good Dave! 😂

  • @hermit6208
    @hermit62085 жыл бұрын

    Here in the US, 'paddling the broads' has an entirely different meaning.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - oops! 🤣🤣🤣

  • @hermit6208

    @hermit6208

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@simonablokeinthewoods LOL!

  • @bublebuble2004
    @bublebuble20045 жыл бұрын

    another lovely video have you ever had the thought using a 360 camera like the Insta360 ONE X it would be a interesting film even if you reached out to them for a review of said camera ;-)

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I’ve not used a 360 camera - would be interesting as you say! The technology is more than my simple mind can fathom hahaha! Cheers.

  • @derekmcmanus1423
    @derekmcmanus14235 жыл бұрын

    Swans are a protected species I believe?

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    They are indeed - no swans were harmed I assure you! It was a little joke, we’d been talking about how swan was a favourite meat of King Henry VIII, I’m not really going to eat one! I might end up in the tower! Atb, Simon

  • @hazzardoutdoors
    @hazzardoutdoors3 жыл бұрын

    What camera did you have on the tripod there fella?

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    3 жыл бұрын

    That is my trusty old 700d 😁👍

  • @hazzardoutdoors

    @hazzardoutdoors

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@simonablokeinthewoods oh I thought it was one of those mirrorless jobbies... trying to size up what to go for. No worries

  • @RobertsBulgaria
    @RobertsBulgaria5 жыл бұрын

    Lovely, but it is not the same when Maggie is not piloting the canoe. Would she have jumped in after those Swans?

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Oh yes - that’s a certain!! Haha!

  • @davidhuxtable8918
    @davidhuxtable89185 жыл бұрын

    Yer internet link isnt as bad as mine we will have a rubbish off one of these days n remember on this giveaway you soooooooo owe me!!! :(

  • @hazzardoutdoors
    @hazzardoutdoors5 жыл бұрын

    Nice video Simon. Is there much debri in the water that would tear an inflatable canoe. Just looking if this would be suitable for me.

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hi Carl! You’d be fine along there in your inflatable - the only difficulty you’d have is a narrow section where the reeds, lilies and weeds have encroached across the channel - but nothing that would pop your boat. Give it a go matey!

  • @hazzardoutdoors

    @hazzardoutdoors

    5 жыл бұрын

    Think I might Simon. It looked lovely. Of course I will blame you totally if I have to swim back

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha - better take some gaffer tape with you just in case!!

  • @hazzardoutdoors

    @hazzardoutdoors

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@simonablokeinthewoods can you get through from under wayford bridge as I'd already be in sutton staithe and come the other way heading up and under the wayford bridge and go up the larger part of the ant too

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth96735 жыл бұрын

    As to parking and the inn: 'Fair is Fair, I say!' And it makes a nice destination and a better reward at the end of the day. I have previously admired this particular canoe of yours and appreciate the opportunity to 'ogle' same once again. I have recently been discovering 'Cruising the Cut', focused on narrowboat life. So I have renewed an interest in the Canal and River Trust: hopefully, they will step up for this stretch. You show it is enormously well-suited to canoe traffic, being perhaps without locks! Oared transport needs to be catered for as well!

  • @simonablokeinthewoods

    @simonablokeinthewoods

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cheers James! We stopped for a well earned pint afterwards! Quite glad of the lack of river traffic on this bit - the rest of the Broads is soooo busy as times! Cheers.