Boaters Mark 200 Years Of The Standedge Tunnel
A boat, with crew members in period costume, enters the Standedge canal tunnel at Diggle this morning.
Two centuries to the day after the Standedge canal tunnel was officially opened, boaters in period costume have been using the traditional technique of legging to move vessels between Diggle and Marsden.
These pictures were taken this morning at the Diggle end of the tunnel, as intrepid volunteers and fundraisers began the journey, which takes the best part of three hours.
It was the third and final day of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the canal tunnel. To read more coverage and see further pictures from Saddleworth News, go here and here.
Crew members get ready to leg the boat through the tunnel.
Ray Withnall of Hay Tarn Willwriting, from Diggle, was taking part in his second legging of the weekend.
The boat enters the tunnel at the Diggle end. The 1893 date on the bridge reflects the year when the extension to the tunnel was completed, rather than the original tunnel itself.
Untying the boat.
This plaque at the Diggle end of the tunnel commemorates legendary engineer Thomas Telford, who was brought in to finish work on the tunnel.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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