Travels by Narrowboat
One man quits his 'bricks and mortar' lifestyle, buys and moves onto a canal boat, then sets out to explore 2,500 miles of the UK's inland waterways.
Genre: Adventure
Cast:Kevin Shelley
S1.E1 ∙ The Maiden Voyage
Kevin buys his boat after living in his van for several months while waiting to purchase it. A specialized trailer slips it into the canal and Kevin is off on his maiden voyage, which includes passing through a half-mile long canal tunnel.
S1.E2 ∙ The Tunnel and The Light
With their 'trial run' that was the Maiden Voyage out of the way, Kevin and Aslan now embark on their canal life 'proper'. Leaving Crick in Northamptonshire and heading south along the Leicester Branch of the Grand Union Canal, they are instantly faced with the challenging and haunted mile-long Crick Tunnel.
S1.E3 ∙ Paradise Found
Having previously moored for the evening at Welton, Kevin now heads off towards his first imposing challenge - the (almost) 2 mile long Braunston Tunnel. Afterwards, there's yet another significant milestone to achieve - six 'maiden' locks of the Braunston Flight.
S1.E4 ∙ Lazy Days and Childhood Ways
Leaving Hungerfield, our dynamic duo continue along the Oxford Canal to the town of Atherstone, where Kevin hopes to finally enjoy a top class Lamb Balti Vindaloo. Unfortunately the day after, he is faced with a (potentially) game-ending situation.
S1.E5 ∙ Close Encounters of the Tedious Kind
Having waited 8 days at Atherstone, Kevin finally receives the spares he needs and very quickly sets to work. Several hours after, he's ready to continue his journey, only to later recount an encounter with the worst that humanity has to offer - an 'expert on everything'.
S1.E6 ∙ Fresh Discoveries
Leaving the Coventry Canal at Fradley Junction, Kevin and Aslan join the Trent and Mersey Canal. Heading towards and mooring up at Rugely, Kevin then makes an unexpected, yet tasty discovery and at the same time, rediscovers his appreciation for the architecture of ancient churches.
S1.E7 ∙ Wash Day and Canal Time
Our 'hero' now heads along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, towards Penkridge, where he attends a summer BBQ, with a mysterious guest list . . .
S1.E8 ∙ The Loneliness of the Long Distance Boater
Kevin joins the Shropshire Union canal at Autherley Junction and journeys towards the small town of Gnosall. Later and whilst reflecting on his 'now' singular existence, he (by shear coincidence) passes the exact spot where he once played the starring roll in a short, low-budget horror movie, produced by an old friend.
S1.E9 ∙ I Know What I Like and I Like What I Know
Departing his overnight mooring (and slightly the worse for wear), Kevin continues along the Shropshire Union canal. En-route, he indulges in two of his favorite pastimes - tea, bacon and egg sandwiches, and pork pies - OK, make that three favorite pastimes.
S1.E10 ∙ Journey's End
In this the final episode of Season One, Kevin and Aslan now begin the last leg of their short-term goal, to visit the city of Chester. On the way, Kevin enjoys a chance meeting with one very enthusiastic and appreciative 'fan' of Travels by Narrowboat.
S2.E1 ∙ A Warm Welcome, In The Hillside
Kevin and Aslan now venture onto the Llangollen Canal, through Wales and Cheshire. At just over 44 miles long and in comparison with their mammoth journey in Season One, this will surely be a walk in the park. What could possibly go wrong ?
S2.E2 ∙ Once More Under The Bridge
With Aslan's sudden overheating problem temporarily fixed, it's Kevin's turn to feel the heat, as he gradually experiences the effects of a classic dose of 'man-flu' - and just in time for the Llangollen Canal's infamous (and many) lift-bridges.
S2.E3 ∙ If You Can Keep Your Head
A monumental and worsening dose of Man-Flu, makes Kevin all the more glad for a bedridden stop at Ellesmere Branch. Days later however, as his condition improves and he feels ready to move on, Aslan decides it's her turn to feel under the weather . . . again.
S2.E4 ∙ Mad Dogs and Welshmen
The Llangollen Canal continues to prove a worthy adversary, in this the final episode of Season 2. Long tunnels, strong currents, shallow waters, scary aqueducts 'and' Hurricane Ophelia, combine to ensure it won't all be plain sailing - but firstly, Kevin needs a proper cup of tea, with milk.
S3.E1 ∙ The Middlewich Branch - A Christmas Special
The 'excitement' of the Llangollen Canal is a receding memory, as Kevin and Aslan commence their next watery excursion, with a Christmas Special - the 10 mile Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. On the way, Kevin cooks his favorite meal, answers viewer's questions, visits a fireworks display, and reveals what his travels by narrow boat has cost so far. Just don't mention Christmas.
S3.E2 ∙ Down Memory Lane
Leaving the Middlewich Branch, Kevin and Aslan turn onto the Trent and Mersey Canal, heading north towards the town of Northwich. En-route, Kevin becomes all sentimental about 'turning 50', a previous canal endeavor, as well as the friends and relationships he's left behind.
S3.E3 ∙ If Winter Comes, Can Spring Be Far
Continuing to head north along the Trent and Mersey, winter begins to take hold - fortunately some traditional seasonal cooking, should warm the cockles and sooth Kevin's Seasonal Affective Disorder ? Later, the icy frozen canal makes progress difficult, as the 'time trial' of the Bridgewater Canal beckons.
S3.E4 ∙ A Man For All Seasons
The ice of the Bridgewater Canal continues to thicken, slowing Kevin and Aslan's progress as they head towards Thorn Marine and a much needed diesel stop. A couple of days later, Kevin awakes to a 'pea-souper', not dissimilar to a scene from 'The Fog'.
S3.E5 ∙ The Grapes Of Wrath
The fog, ice and sub-zero temperatures of the Bridgewater Canal, are all the encouragement Kevin requires for a 'Keith Floyd inspired' evening of hearty peasant food - helped along no doubt, by an uncharacteristic yet healthy 'glug' of Claret.
S3.E6 ∙ Strange Light In The Sky
The sun is out, the sky is blue and there's just a smattering of clouds to spoil the view, but . . . there's always one rotten egg guaranteed to tarnish what promises an enjoyable (if chilly), day's cruising. Thankfully as darkness descends, Kevin arrives at what he's certain will be a quiet spot to spend the night.
S3.E7 ∙ The Path of the Righteous Man
A petty crime (and very noisy road) is all the impetus Kevin needs to get moving, in the final episode of Season Three. Between himself and his goal of Burscough town, lay just 10 miles of canal, 6 locks and 4 swing bridges. What could possibly go wrong ?
S4.E1 ∙ Chorley You Can't Be Serious ?
The 100 mile long Leeds and Liverpool Canal beckons, but before Kevin and Aslan can leave the city of Wigan behind and head eastwards, they must first ascend a flight of 21 locks. Thank the maker then, for Canal and River Trust's volunteers.
S4.E2 ∙ Carry On Up the Johnson's
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal continues to gain altitude and with it, a corresponding number of locks. However, with the increasing summer temperatures, lady luck is working in Kevin and Aslan's favor, as they enjoy some much appreciated assistance along the way.
S4.E3 ∙ Run Of The Mill
The once-industrious town of Burnley in Lancashire beckons. Firstly however, Kevin and Aslan must tackle a few more swing bridges. Then many hours and miles later and with summer now in full swing, he's overcome with the urge to 'get his mop out'.
S4.E4 ∙ Summit About Locks
The heat is on, during some of the hottest days of the year. Lancashire is receding and Yorkshire looms, but before Kevin and Aslan can cross the border, they must first ascend a flight of locks, traverse a dark, damp tunnel and then descend another flight of locks.
S4.E5 ∙ Let Them Eat Pies
Charitable deeds are the order of the day, as the town of Skipton in Yorkshire is Kevin and Aslan's next destination - and unbeknownst to Kevin, just in time for it's annual fundraising gala - whilst later discovering a pork pie to end all pork pies.
S4.E6 ∙ A Bridge Too Far
The world famous Bingley 5 Rise staircase locks, are quite rightly regarded as an impressive feat of engineering. However, before Kevin and Aslan can experience this 'monument' to British ingenuity for themselves, they must first negotiate a seemingly endless series of swing bridges.
S4.E7 ∙ Salt Of The Earth
Rocketing humidity and temperatures when combined with an almost immeasurable number of locks and swing bridges, means that Kevin readily welcomes a visit to the historic and charming town of Saltaire, in Yorkshire - a town built entirely by the 'enterprise' of one man.
S4.E8 ∙ All Canals Lead To Leeds
The city of Leeds in Yorkshire is only 'miles' away, in the final episode of Season 4. However before he can arrive, Kevin must tackle one last 'mother lode' of locks and swing bridges - not only whilst nursing an annoying injury, but also with the imminent arrival of Doomsday.
S5.E1 ∙ To Aire With Caution
Kevin and Aslan leave their temporary mooring at Granary Wharf in Leeds and soon entering the nearby River Lock, which drops them down onto the Aire and Calder Navigation. Ahead lie many miles of rivers, which naturally inspires Kevin to reach out for a thought provoking cup of tea.
S5.E2 ∙ A Modern Day Tom Sawyer
The 'concrete jungle' of Leeds and surrounding areas move ever further behind, as Kevin and Aslan head deeper into the far-reaching wilderness and tranquility, of the Aire and Calder Navigation - or to put it another way, like that of the Mississippi River - all the while causing Kevin to feel as though he's become the lead character in a Mark Twain novel.
S5.E3 ∙ Where Ever I Lose My Hat
Kevin and Aslan are nearing the New Canal Junction, which will take them ever closer toward the fearsome Tidal River Trent. Before then however, Kevin decides to delay the inevitable and instead continues onward, to the harbor town of Goole, for some much needed grocery shopping and laundry.
S5.E4 ∙ A Canal Runs To It
Leaving the overnight mooring and the village of Barnby Dun behind, the 10 mile long Stainforth and Keadby Canal beckons - and is all that stands between Kevin and Aslan, and one of England's most intimidating and turbulent navigable rivers, the Tidal Trent.
S5.E5 ∙ Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself
It's 5:55am and still dark, which must mean it's time for Kevin to enter the river lock at Keadby. Thus commences the first 24 mile leg of his 40 mile journey south, along the Tidal River Trent. The only thing that could possibly stand in the way, are his own doubts and fears.
S5.E6 ∙ Little House On The River
With the 'adrenalin rush' of the Tidal Trent at last behind them, Kevin and Aslan can once again relax as they move onto the non-tidal River Trent - and just 4 miles later, are ready to enjoy a soothing few days, exploring the attractive Roman riverside town of Newark.
S5.E7 ∙ Safari, So Goodie
The non-tidal River Trent continues to unfold ahead, with Kevin and Aslan's final destination of Sawley drawing ever nearer. In the meantime, our courageous explorers travel through an area of the Trent, with scenery and wildlife to rival that of any Kenyan plateau . . . well, almost.
S5.E8 ∙ To Sawley, With Relish
A storm is on the horizon and Kevin decides to make a dash for Sawley, in the final episode of Season 5. Ahead lay 15 miles of river and canals, several locks and the city of Nottingham - culminating in a 'towering' gastronomic experiment, in Aslan's kitchen.
S6.E1 ∙ So What Now, Where Go I?
Kevin and Aslan have spent a few days sitting out a storm, at Sawley. Now Kevin must choose whether to continue west, along the Trent and Mersey Canal and eventually north, towards Stoke On Trent, or to carry on south down the River Soar and Grand Union Canal, through Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, the city of Leicester and beyond.
S6.E2 ∙ The Kindness of Strangers
A large part of life on the UK canals, is the sense of camaraderie among the boating community - and Kevin experiences this as he and Aslan continue along the River Soar, towards Loughborough and their overnight mooring, at Barrow-Upon-Soar. Whilst ascending locks, fellow boater's are more than happy to lend a hand and later, Kevin purchases fuel for Aslan, even though the vendor is closed.
S6.E3 ∙ University Challenge
It's all ahead Leicester, as Kevin and Aslan continue their unbounded passage along the River Soar. Later though, even the most free and liberated soul can succumb to an uncharacteristic bout of pontificating (or two), once in a while. Fortunately, a walk through Leicester's past and present, puts Kevin back into a more thoughtful and centered frame of mind.
S6.E4 ∙ It's Not How Fast You Can Go
The UK canal system has never been about speed - the distance achievable in a day at 2 or 3mph, serves to make the environment of the narrow boater, a very small one when compared to that of modern times. Tackling one aspect of living in this 'world', Kevin journeys just 6 miles in 8 hours and through 12 locks, single handed - all in the knowledge that he'll be doing it again the next day.
S6.E5 ∙ The Full Circle
It is said that no matter how long the journey, or the direction taken, you always arrive back at your starting point. Kevin and Aslan now ascend the flight of 10 locks at Foxton, joining the Leicester Branch of the Grand Union Canal - where Kevin experienced his Maiden Voyage, many moons ago. Heading towards Crick, he passes familiar 'landmarks' and recalls his thoughts and memories from that time.
