Canal Adventure Includes 'DON'T DO THIS'
Ойын-сауық
The Gloucester to Hereford canal in the UK. The canal was granted permission to be built in 1791 and work started in 1793. It reached Newent in just two years in 1795, but didn't reach Ledbury until 1832. It was finally completed to Hereford in 1845 and was closed after a mere 36 years in operation. This was mainly due to the railways proving such a strong competitor, being quicker cheaper in most cases and reliable. This was true of a great many canals of the period and in fact the railway companies bought a lot of the competing canals, filled them in and built their railways on top. This was the case for this canal and the canal suffered the indignity of being used for the transport of railway building materials in the early stages.
This video was shot at Oxenhall just outside of Newent, and has had some restoration work carried out. The lock keepers cottage has been rescued from dereliction, the lock has been repaired and the basin cleared out. In fact the day I was filming here there were a crew working to remove excess growth from the canal side.
This is a very good site to visit as it also boasts an aquaduct, an old rail crossing and a tunnel, although there is no official access to the latter which has suffered from the neglect of 100 years.
The plan for this canal is for a full restoration, and work has begun in various locations on small scale digging out, rebuilds and refurbishments although the task is immense. Somehow I don't think I shall be around with my trusty camera to record the grand reopening.
In the meantime I hope to try and film both the canal in its 'natural' state and restoration as it progresses.
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I grew up in one of the 2 houses shown by Coldharbour bridge during the 1970's and 80's, the canal way my playground. It looked very different pre "restoration". The area was known as Coldharbour as it was a valley and harboured the cold. People would take canoes along the tunnel and report to the occupants of the other house in case they didn't return! This house is called Brook Cottage and pre dates the canal, it was just a brook when the house was built. It became an inn after the canal was built. The junction of the coal branch was to the Coldharbour side of the lane, the site was filled long ago, a timber bungalow used to stand there but this has also been demolished.
@ParkinsonsWalks
3 жыл бұрын
Wonderful memories thanks for posting. Ron
What an absolutely wonderful film. Great history. nice renovation. You're right about access to the tunnel! Beautiful countryside - you said filmed in February. The bird song helped make the film. Thank you Ron for all your endeavours to bring this film to us.
@ParkinsonsWalks
4 жыл бұрын
That was a risky one. P.W.
Hi Ron, I saw this video get a mention yesterday so I was intrigued to see how wet and dirty you got! It looks like it was quite treacherous terrain, I'm glad you were able to tell the tale and provide a warning for others. The cunning plan has been implemented!! Good luck from Spain!!
@ParkinsonsWalks
2 жыл бұрын
Glad to help there David, potentially very dangerous. Can't wait to hear the results of the cunning plan. Take care. Ron
i go here often! very overgrown now! 4.14 shows a squareish rock that is lovely to sit and read or have a picnic on, always wondered whether it has any significance in being there, being a strange shape in a strange spot. Lovely place!
@ParkinsonsWalks
2 жыл бұрын
Hi there is something about these places that were once a hive of activity and are now abandoned. Enjoy. Ron
Hi Ron We have just caught up with this one. More suspense than an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. Did the leading actor tumble into the canal? In the best tradition of Hollywood, let the viewer make up their own mind. Loved the deadpan delivery. All the best. Rodney
@ParkinsonsWalks
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rodney, I still can't believe I did that looking back. Fortune was smiling on me I think, it was one of those situations where the farther you travelled the less change there was of bailing out. Oh well. Enjoy your week. Ron
THAT lock keepers house!
@ParkinsonsWalks
4 жыл бұрын
Wonderful place to live. P.W.
The bridge at 6:10 is not a rail bridge. It is a bailey bridge which temporarily crossed Elle Brook while the aqueduct was being rebuilt. I believe it was built by army engineering apprentices, based at Beachley near Chepstow. It is now stored at Oxenhall until it is needed again elsewhere on the canal.
@MarkAtkin
3 жыл бұрын
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beachley_Barracks
@ParkinsonsWalks
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark. Ron
This video was mentioned on the latest video by _Paul and Rebecca Whitewick_ so I will have a look 🙂
@ParkinsonsWalks
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Ron
@markcantemail8018
2 жыл бұрын
I also Found my way here from Paul 's Video and I enjoyed seeing what you have Shown us .
@ParkinsonsWalks
2 жыл бұрын
@@markcantemail8018 Hi Mark, thanks for watching. Ron
According to H-G Canal web site, the concrete slab is a gas pipe built over the canal in 2008 so that restoration could happen at a later date. Also there is a photo of the restoration of the south portal, in 1991, with hardly any vegetation visible , nearly thirty years ago! Also check out some great photos of inside the tunnel and at Ashperton. Type in Oxenhall Canal Tunnel , www.28dayslater.
@ParkinsonsWalks
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info Malcolm. P.W.
Aloha from Hawaii
@ParkinsonsWalks
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Nice to hear from you. P.W.
15 degrees! We call that winter.
@ParkinsonsWalks
3 жыл бұрын
LOL.