272. The deepest, highest, longest canal tunnel in Britain
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2022
- Opened originally in 1811, the Standedge (pronounced "Stannedge", apparently) canal tunnel is a legendary boating experience at 5km (3.5m) long and hundreds of feet underground. I was lucky enough to join narrowboaters on a Pennine Cruise organised by the Huddersfield Canal Society as they went through this amazing tunnel.
Huddersfield Canal Society: huddersfieldcanal.com
Standedge Tunnel CRT website: canalrivertrust.org.uk/places...
Info about legging: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legging...)
Info about the tunnels: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standed...
Info about the canals generally: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History...
Start point (Diggle): goo.gl/maps/nkwgyvQua2c5a9HCA
End point (Marsden): g.page/Standedge
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the RUclips music library
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Imagine how terrifying this journey must have been without the benefit of powerful electric lights. Imagine trying to navigate that with oil lamp as your only source of light.
Imaging breaking down in the middle of it!
My thoughts exactly and 1800s leg power for 3 miles with the tunnel full of working boats
Now imagine Stiltman jump out of the Water…
As slimy, thick liquid began looming down of its clenched, hardened mouth. Slurp, yet slurp. Its eye. Seemingly filled, all just filled with red. Staring does it pity you, now its all just down to your soul.
Must have been very difficult for Leggers, in the unlined sections. Trying to find grip for your feet in the uneven rocks!
Sounds relaxing frankly
I still amazes me what an incredible feat of engineering the original canal system was.
This is possibly the most British thing ever and I love it
I know nothing about anything related to this but it was thoroughly interesting and enjoyable, thank you.
Thank you
Went through the tunnel on a school trip around 1955/56 left school in 1957.School was in Hollinwood Oldham.Lived in Australia since 1958 but still remember it,am now 80 years old
Well done sir, I enjoyed it too. Had no idea of it, there is a tunnel in the Black Country…Netherton Tunnel. I’m 74 & lived in Australia since 1978, keep well sir.
Wow, everything about it is amazing: how it was constructed, used, and restored. As always, we appreciate your views and commentary. Well done! Gloria
I think it's really wonderful that there are people with the dedication to keep your wonderful heritage alive.
Man, I truly love seeing this kind of enthusiasm for weird/niche historical hobbies. If it weren't for people who are passionate about things like old canal tunnels, they'd just crumble away and people like me would never get to watch neat videos like this. Good on you for making this video and sharing a bit of history with the world.
Me too man, me too.
Oh boy I was on the edge of my seat watching this vlog. Well done David, those massive stones make you appreciate all the hard work that went into digging the tunnel. Thankful it is still in passable operation. That shot of the water reflecting the ceiling was incredible! I would never navigate the tunnel without a guide, glad someone is there to help. Such an interesting ride you took me on, thanks David. Cheers!
I think you misunderstand the meaning of navigation, there is none to be done….you mean you want someone to hold your hand
You never disappoint David. This was a wonderful example of people's determination to advance both in the original construction and the restoration of the canal and tunnel. I can't imagine what it would be like to make a living being a 'legger' and doing that for many years. Thank you for sharing this part of the canal history with us.
They probably did bicycle racing in their liesure time.
Several days underground no Wi-Fi.sounds like a strange honey moon for the average young couples in 2022's. Talk to control yes we are still alive down here. Well up here we have had a nuclear war. So don't expect much fan fare at the Jurneys end. The is a recording beeep.
That's good spot to hide out from the nuke blast .
You Are Alive! Was thinking about you and the cost of fuel. Hope you can afford heating your rig this winter, stay free!
If I'm honest, I wasn't that concerned about the tunnel, but when he mentioned that the water was 17ft deep, I was suddenly terrified
Being a Bricklyer by trade i have huge respect and empathy for the men who worked on this amazing tunnel....👍👍👍
To think of people laying those bricks and building that tunnel by hand centuries ago really boggles the mind. Great video!
If anyone was worried that the content of your channel would suffer once you sold your boat, this episode should dispel their concerns once & for all. Great storytelling & videography!
Many thanks!
I have no idea why this came up on my recommended list but fascinating video!
12:13 "Do you see that tiny spot of light in the distance? That's the exit". Or at least, I hope it's not the light on a boat coming the other way! Seriously though, what a great video, showcasing a remarkable piece of engineering. Thank you for posting.
This masterpiece of civil engineering is so very typical of the British of the time. And its restoration against all practical odds is also testament to our British friends. Best wishes from a Texan...
🇬🇧❤🇺🇸
Another Texan here! How unique a trip that would be! I would love to go to England.
My bucket list. England, all parts of it. The history is amazing. But to me it is the people and civility that is totally lost in so much of the US. I don’t know if it is because we are such a young country or what. But US is like the loud mouth teen to granddad UK.
Texas woop woop
@Peter T fsiways in engla nd
David, when you sold your boat we had some apprehension as to direction, not living on a boat, etc. However, we have found your interview skills shine and we like your new approach. Look forward to your future vlogs Best 👌
Don't really know what I'm I doing here; but I was not disappointed. This is REALLY interesting.
Thank you 😀
I'd love to paddle a kayak the length of that tunnel. What an adventure that would be.
Pretty scary one I'll bet!
That was cool 17 feet deep plus several ceiling types. I can only imagine the hard labor it took to build the tunnel
One of the best of your posts ever. Being Irish and a Mining engineer, I feel a connection to the 18th century Irish Navvies undoubtably used, see modern rock bolting techniques in the restoration and see my era Mine type communications in the 'lay-byes'. By the way, I would be happier in pure rock tops than man made concrete or steel ! Brilliant post ! Brilliant engineering and well done to the HCS to restore it !
This guy is awesome. I was originally just gonna skim through to see the tunnel but the narration made me wanna watch the whole thing 🔥
Thank you
I just happened to stumble upon this video. This place is amazing! Thanks for making this and sharing.
👍
Great video - always appreciate the fine production values (good clear sound, logical images, good editing, and the interview segments are with knowledgeable articulate people). Really the Canal Trust should have you do videos for them!
Totally agree!
They couldn't afford me 🤣🤣
A totally unique tunnel. I went through a few years ago on the CRT trip boat. A memorable experience in which we went through the tunnel on the trip boat and then walked back over the top using public footpaths.
Absolutely terrifying! Strangely enough, as a child in the early eighties and on narrowboat holidays with my parents, I happily sat with my sister at the front of the boat through Braunston Tunnel (thankfully I didn't know it was allegedly haunted) and also Crick Tunnel and yet I developed claustrophobia as I grew up. I felt such anxiety whilst watching this video, my heart was pounding.
Great I once got stuck in the Blisworth tunnel we ran out of fuel and had to lay on the top of the boat and walk it through was very scary not to mention all the soot on the boat
As a kid in '75 I paddled a canoe through The Foulridge Tunnel on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It's a mile long and I remember there were signs saying no canoes etc allowed. It was a great experience that I shall never forget, Just checked and since 2017 unpowered craft are allowed. I guess I was 42 years too early ;)
Wow, that so cool! Very interesting to see the different types of tunnel and get a feel for the long term concentration required. The long still drone shot near the end is very impressive! It really helped to clarify the relationship of the tunnels.
As a frenchman it hurts me to say it but that english countryside looks like gold 😍
And, another reason to be proud to be British!
No other place on earth has such amazing people!
Great video!
Thankyou
You might need to travel more
As a Canadian I found the whole trip through time and the tunnel fascinating. Thank you.
What an engineering marvel that was for the time.
I noticed how elegant the original work was compared to 30 million pounds spent more recently.
Quite a testimony to the cost of craftsmanship over the years.
We shall see what lasts longer. The original work or new.
A remarkable engineering feat in the day. Wonderful video. Great channel. Big thank you!
Many thanks!
My Dad used to work to keep the canal in a good state of repair while they appealed to have it reopened before he died in the early 80's. (mainly towpath repairs between Marsen and Slaithwaite (Slawit)) We used to play in the tunnels as kids, (The abandoned rail tunnels) there's something not quite right about them. A fair bit of folklore about them too. the abandoned tunnels are very cold (even at peak summer).
Hi very interesting, I was one of the miners that worked in the tunnels .
It was a great job I was mainly working on re supporting the roof in all 4 tunnels
As you go through the tunnel you will see the original drill holes the navvis used to blast the rock
I was worried when you sold your boat and wondered how you would keep the channel going, but need not have worried, The content since has been great and very informative, so thank you David - another professional job! I look forward to learning a lot more......
Thank you. There are lots of canal things to film (and a few general 'boaty' things that are my own interest which some may like and others may not!) so loads more videos to come :-)
Goodness me, it's been 4 years since we went through the tunnel...both ways.
We were scheduled to do the South Pennine ring, but there was a serious breakage on the Rochdale, so we got as far as Uppermill then came back through the tunnel again. Nice to see Trevor Ellis again who took us through the first time, then a mention of Alaister who was our chaperone on the way back. The trip looks terrifying on youtube, but is actually very exciting and not so daunting when you actually do it. I can thoroughly recommend it
The steel and concrete areas really highlight how damaged the tunnel was (they must be repaired caved in areas)
Never cease to be amazed by the audacity and backbreaking labor of the early industrial revolution. This reminds me of scary mine tours I’ve been on, where you weigh whether you’ve got the nerve, and then this one says “Oh yes, you must bring your home along…”
As a disabled person who's quite poor, i doubt I'd ever get the chance to experience these places in person. Thank you for sharing and making a person like me feel like i was along for the ride with you. It's such an uplifting feeling.
Never say never...
Make your own luck.
Go to that place, ask someone if you can go with them into the tunnel, let someone pick you up at the other end
Hello from Russia! Thanks for the exciting journey! The exit from the tunnels is amazing!
Found your videos this weekend - and I am addicted already. I will live vicariously through your travels, as I am in the States and more or less bound to a scooter. Your scenery shots, your interests, your truthfulness is enlightening! You are living a life I would have loved. Thank you and enjoy every minute!!!
Hello! Welcome along 😀 I'm pleased you like them. If you click my channel name then 'Videos' and select sort by oldest first, you can easily see them all in order 😀😀
Takes me back to about 1976, on holiday from Australia. We hired a narrow boat in the Stratford area I think; went through a longish tunnel like this, which was very nerve-wracking for me, being a real claustrophobic. That tiny light at the other end of the tunnel was one of the most welcome sights I've ever seen.
Was it a very long tunnel?
Thanks for producing this. I live in the US. I wish our National Park Service had the funds to restore the C @ O Canal. It is 184.5 miles from DC to Cumberland Md. A small section has been restored near Washington. Image the economic boost along the length. It would benefit many plus provide a pleasant calming experience. But sadly our government would rather spend more on our military than restoring our history.
We did restore the Erie Canal at least, and against much political opposition.
Without the wonders of RUclips this journey would not be a possibility for most. I was amazed to see see how the tunnel was constructed and how it has stood the test of time. Can you just imagine the hard work of the “ leggers “ for over three miles guiding a long boat through such a narrow aperture and probably with very little to no lighting. Thank you for sharing you’re awesome experience.
That must have been some job
5:30-5:40 with the right lighting and set dressing is a real life fantasy scene, the old "into the tunnel on a slow boat" cliche
Really appreciated the drone footage at the end which put the mountain, service tunnels, rail tunnel and the canal in proper perspective.
Yeah, what a charming view. Especially the overflow staircase.
Thank you so much for showing us this spectecular piece of history. I would never go in there, so its cool to have the chance this way^^
Glad you enjoyed it!
No I couldn't go in there but held my breath for the whole time ! Thanks so much David for showing us the amazing work put into the tunnel
I have been watching docos about Britain by various excellent presenters like Michael Portillo, Tony Robinson, Julia Bradbury, Rhees Jones, and many others for all of my 83 years and have never heard of this amazing tunnel before. I never fail to be impressed by the engineering ingenuity and industriousness the Brits displayed over the centuries and can well understand why they ruled the world for so long. Their little island is absolutely packed full of natural and man made wonders.
It’s so nice to see an activity where the pace is slow and relaxing, where it doesn’t pay to get in a hurry!
These tunnels were our playground as teenagers in the 80’s , many happy hours spent pushing the old work boat that was left in there with a stick and sometimes only a candle 👍🏻
How far in did you go...were there rock falls that stopped you?
As a citizen of one of the colonies, I am always in awe of the vast history of the British homeland. This tunnel was built over two hundred years ago and still services boats today. Just amazing. Thank you for bringing history alive.
Really don’t think I could go through there! Look’s bloody terrifying!
I saw bottom there a few times. It was surprisingly clear water. Very good job of keeping the canal clean guys.
Yeah spun me out too
I recall reading in one of my Horatio Hornblower novels where Captain Hornblower is traveling with his wife, Maria ,
across England to assume command of his new ship. Part of the journey they travel by canal boat and Hornblower
is fascinated how they move the boat through a tunnel by having boatmen lie on a wooden plank across the boat and use their legs to push against the ceiling to move the boat. He even volunteers to help.
this channel is pure gold, is so relaxing, interesting, keep on boating lads!
I rode my bike through a mile long tunnel last year. It's interesting I have heard the phrase "light at the end of a tunnel" yet I really didn't understand it until I saw it for myself.
Paw Paw Tunnel?
Hiawatha.
1:17 It kinda looks like a LOTR background, with it’s lovely trees, canal, brick house and those fancy pennants!
This has to be one of the most interesting videos you have made David. If RUclips gave prizes I'm sure this video would be a contender for the top award. Now I have to do some research of my own on this tunnel to try and answer many of my questions.
I couldn’t imagine the hard work the poor souls who had to build these… I never knew Britain had such extensive canals! Wow!
Well, think of the 1776-km Grand Canal in China, built by hand. Although, I'd much rather visit the one in England than the Chinese one.
When I was 19 I navigated a boat through Harecastle. It was a fabulous experience, and I've always wanted to do Standege. Sadly at 62, with no boat of my own, a damaged back, and now living in scotland, I am starting to doubt if I will ever achieve the ambition. Your video was a lovely surrogate though. Thank you.
The cute little cafe at the end made this a fantastic video. I absolutely love learning about historical features of a place as interesting as this.
I love all of your adventures! It seems that not having to do maintenance on your own boat, you actually have more time to travel on them
Yes, absolutely!
Wonderful video. The fact that it was built with hand labor boggles the mind. The people who worked on it had to be incredibly tough and determined.
One thing you didn't mentioned was the fact the the tunnel was dug from both ends and they missed, so in the middle you do a right then left turns as the its not completely straight 😊
Absolutely love how there are still enough people in the UK who love their history and are prepared to do so much to preserve it!
After reading the title, I thought it would just be a ten minute tunnel.
But bloody hell 1hr 30mins journey time 🤯
yes i thought so as well.
This makes me want to live in the UK. So much history and so many cool places.
Yes there is plenty of History,but u have a certain type who wish to denigrate,ignore&show no respect at all fir the UK History!...One of my main thoughts & observations was the amount of "Back breaking work" that went into building these Tunnels ..They were a Special breed back then!👍
Living in the States, Tennessee, this is something I wont see in person. So I VERY much enjoyed taking the trip with you. Thank you so very much.
This was an incredibly interesting yet niche little topic to stumble across thanks to the youtube algorithm, envious of the journey and would love to try it for myself some day. Being 20 years of age I'm now understanding how exciting these little snippets of history are, having visited the entrance when I was much younger and not really understanding what I was looking at, I am thankful that you can provide some insight for something I much overlooked.
Welcome along!
Really cool! I don't think I'll ever get to visit there, but was really awesome to see.
That was 100% terrifying and I would never do it in 1,000,000. I would throw up at just the idea. However - it is terribly fascinating and I marvel at the engineering involved to not only create it, but retsore it and maintain it. How wonderful such a canal tunel exists for the enthusiasts. Well done to all that took part and the staff of guides. Increadible feat. I am very impressed.
Canal tunnels scare me too! I once went through the 2.8km long Blsworth tunnel (with about 20 others on the canal boat) & that was scary enough for me 😃 I stayed inside for much of it.
First class video, the best evocation of the Stanedge Tunnel on this channel. All technical aspects are of the highest quality, camera, sound, editing and the voiceover is both interesting and well-informed. Deserving of an award.
Thank you very much!
This seems so peaceful and stressing at the same time
There's no earthly way of knowing
Which direction we are going
There's no knowing where we're rowing
Or which way the river's flowing
Is it raining, is it snowing?
Is a hurricane a-blowing? - uh!
Not a speck of light is showing
So the danger must be growing
Are the fires of Hell a-glowing?
Is the grisly reaper mowing?
Yes! The danger must be growing
For the rowers keep on rowing
And they're certainly not showing
Any signs that they are slowing!
actually love this upload how amazing well done!
love england and it’s absolutely astonishing historical sights.
I live a near stanedge tunnel in Huddersfield.
When they dug the tunnel the navigators literally had a temporary village built..i often walk up the tops over Marsden...infact I might go up today.
Beautiful part of the world.
Like something out of Tolkien, long abandoned dwarf tunnels that had flooded. Great video David!
Thank you!
The entrance gate depicting cruel and usual punishments awaiting
Thoroughly enjoyable, and very interesting to hear all about this unique tunnel - one I'd like to putter through myself one day, Thank you very much for this!
i'd love to hear the guy just talk about the history while you filmed the tunnel. would be a good relaxing thing to listen to.
I have a pic of me in a long boat as a toddler before we emigrated to Canada in'69. I believe it was on the river Avon as we are from Meriden in the Midlands.
Cruising the cut reminds of how beautifull and relaxing and awe inspiring our canals really are .Best narrow boat channel.Keep it up,thanks.
Thank you
Quite mesmerizing. And terrifying! I don't think I'd be up to going through that tunnel myself. No way actually!
Only one word for this amazing adventure funtastic
I really miss your beautiful country and marvelous people God bless you all
Very well-done video illustrating the best of mankind, honoring the original builders with contemporary competence and respect in the restoration.
Well...who'd have thought it. I just watched a video of folk going through a long dark tunnel (not for me though, way too claustrophobic) and really enjoyed it. The presenter made a very niche passtime interesting, I used to work at the Railway pub in Marsden and often got the canal travellers in for food and a drink.
I just put this canal on my list of places to visit when I return to England. I loved the Grand Union Canal in Maida Vale, London. I used to walk there from my flat where I lived for a year.
I had to look up “leggers” to understand that job- wow it was the ultimate thighmaster. This was so interesting and the countryside is beyond stunning- top of the bucket list for me!
You have to love the enthusiasm and determination of the people that restored this canal. The shots from above showing the infrastructure was fascinating.
As for the tunnel itself. Nooooo. I would have been inside the boat, curled up into a ball 😆.
Another wonderful video David x
The rough-hewn rock is super cool looking.
Too many reeds when I went up in 2008 . Made it from coopers bridge to Aspley marina ( approx 2miles ) in 5hrs after going in my weed hatch every minute , literally !
I never made it any further because I walked ahead and the rubbish in the canal prompted me to go back through reed hell lol ..
I worked in Huddz for 10 years right next to the canal at a tyre firm at a time when the canal was impassable and knowing Marsden so well it would of been nice to of made it further...
Maybe next time now it has been cleared 🙄
☹️
Mr. Alan Stopher's enthusiasm about the Standedge canal is infectious.
Absolutely fantastic. True British history.
I do so love the sound of those engines chuffing along. It's a strangely soothing sound.
All praise the God of Chug!
In one of C.S. Forester's Hornblower books, Hornblower takes a trip on the canal and has to help as a "legger" due to someone being unavailable. The walls seem uneven and I would think it hard to just keep contact with the wall.
cool!
Imagine how terrifying this would be in the 1800's with only a lantern and two grizzly men walking you through. Brits are some next level engineers.
I'm 14 and have no idea about narrow boating but this is intriguing to me 😁