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Mad about the Buoys

Timothy and Shane encounter problems with buoys when trying to dock at Liverpool, but Piel Island near Barrow-in-Furness finds them in the company of royalty.

Untrained mariner Timothy Spall has spent a fortune on technology for his new challenge - the unpredictable Irish Sea - as he and his wife continue their mini-odyssey around Britain.

Entering Liverpool means navigating their first big city since leaving London, but reaching dry land can be daunting in a small boat when dodging tankers and ferries. It's even more difficult when the coastguard sends him round in circles because he's on the wrong side of the marker buoys.

On his way to Glasson Dock in Lancashire, Tim is tricked again by another buoy. Misunderstanding his sea chart results in an unplanned dropped anchor in the middle of the Irish Sea, where they have to wait all night before he can enter the port.

Their next destination finds them in the company of royalty - Piel Island near Barrow-in-Furness has the unusual honour of having its own king and queen, a tradition which goes back centuries.

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29 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Timothy Spall
Participant Shane Spall
Producer Paul Crompton
Director Paul Crompton
Executive Producer Sam Anthony

Broadcasts

Timothy Spall: Somewhere at Sea

Timothy Spall: Somewhere at Sea

Actor Timothy Spall and his wife Shane travel from Cornwall to Wales on their barge