Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast

Filming Adventures on England's Waterways

Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast

Show Notes

What’s it really like filming Canal Boat Diaries? Summer edition! From the set of Canal Boat Diaries (er, well my narrowboat) I bring you some extra special behind the scenes content. Anxiety about public scrutiny and the inevitable loss of privacy are points I cover, as well as baffling other boaters and how long it really takes to film a one-hour show. From the long and arduous days, some lasting up to eleven and a half hours, every lock (and aqueduct) can test both physical and mental endurance. The logistics with cars and boats can be complicated and it can be stressful but it’s interesting, fun and ultimately worth it! Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

More from Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast

Jan 15, 2026

Recorded about a week ago when the ice was over an inch thick, I had a chance to take a breather from filming the next series and pick up where I left off on the previous podcast episode, reviewing the most recently broadcast season of Canal Boat Diaries. You’ll hear me talk about tricky water pumps, retying boats moored between locks and being mistaken for a poacher. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Emma Bird of BWFuels who I met to chat about her work and life on the Grand Union canal. You can watch Canal Boat Diaries on the U&Yesterday channel and on the free U app, as well as all of my narrowboat voyage logs on YouTube, just search Robbie + Canal. Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Jul 15, 2025

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of Episode 8 of Canal Boat Diaries, Season 6, recounting my past journey from northwest to east London. Did I think we really captured what it’s like to be a continuous cruiser in London? What challenges did I come across? And how did the old working boat families actually have space to er... have a family?! Don’t forget, you can watch Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6 on the U&Yesterday channel and on the free U app which currently hosts all episodes from series one onwards. Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Jun 27, 2025

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of Episode 7 of Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6, traveling from Weybridge to Stonebridge Park. Joining me is my Dad, who brings along his legendary apple cake. We tackle the Hanwell flight and experience vibrant Diwali celebrations in Southall, where fireworks light up the night sky. I also share a wild story of rescuing a woman trapped in the canal. Don’t forget, you can watch Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6 on the U&Yesterday channel and on the free U app which currently hosts all episodes from series one onwards. Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Jun 18, 2025

In this episode, I dive into the wild ride of filming Series 6, Episode 6 on the Basingstoke Canal, where I nearly threw in the towel thanks to relentless weed, a cracked rib, and a bridge disaster. You’ll also hear from my mate Jamie, whose help and positivity saved the day! Don’t forget, you can watch Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6 on the U&Yesterday channel and on the free U app which currently hosts all episodes from series one onwards. Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Jun 10, 2025

In this episode, I chat about being featured on Channel 4's Gogglebox over the weekend, with celebs throwing shade at my canal boat life and the behind-the-scenes of getting on the show. I also talk about the need to be thick skinned and how I’ve learnt not take harsh feedback to heart. Plus, I reveal which Gogglebox celebrities I’d trust to take the tiller of my Naughty Lass. Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6 is broadcasting each Monday and Tuesday on the U&Yesterday channel and on the free U app which currently hosts all episodes from series one onwards. Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.

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