Experts check UK's longest canal tunnel ahead of boat trips resuming
The Standedge Tunnel crosses the Pennines between Marsden, in West Yorkshire, and Diggle, in Greater Manchester
Experts are carrying out a detailed inspection of the UK's longest canal tunnel ahead of its seasonal reopening for canoeists and guided boat trips.
Measuring 3.5 miles, Standedge Tunnel crosses the Pennines between Marsden, in West Yorkshire, and Diggle, in Greater Manchester, and is the country's longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel.
Specialists from the Canal & River Trust are conducting a hands-on check using poles, hammers and spikes to assess exposed rock and the mortar lining, carefully tapping its surface to check for damage or wear.
The tunnel was an engineering feat when completed in 1811 after being dug by hand over 17 years.
It was built to allow goods to be moved under the Pennines on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the canal's restoration and reopening after it was closed to navigation in 1944.
The Canal & River Trust is preparing to reopen it for guided boats and canoe trips this spring, allowing participants to see the splendour of the Industrial Revolution-era engineering on a journey that takes two hours from end to end.
Jonathan Muir, principal tunnel inspector for the Canal & River Trust, said: "I've journeyed through the tunnel many times, and I'm still in awe at how remarkable it is.
"It's incredible to think this was dug by hand using pickaxes over 200 years ago."
Catherine Clayton, area operations manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: "Guided trips through Standedge Tunnel, whether by boat or canoe, allow visitors to experience this incredible piece of engineering up close while supporting our charity."
Guided boat trips will return from March 6 with a 30-minute 'discovery' experience, with the full two-hour tours will begin on April 26.
The dates for canoe trips will be announced later.