Adventures of Jeanie Deans: Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Sorry folks, no update for several days because too wet, too tired and then no internet connection. All back on line now though. On Thursday we left Aspley Basin and began our journey on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Two boats set off just ahead of us, Graham said that as soon as he started our engine both crews appeared and rushed around to get off first. They succeeded! Bit of a queue at the first lock as a result and surprise surprise it started to rain. It rained on and off all day, more on than off it has to be said, although it did stop later in the afternoon and the sun made a brief appearance.

We passed through Sellers Tunnel which is a rebuilt part of the canal passing under a factory which was built on the infilled, derelict canal and passed through the lock to Sellers Tunnel, where the top has been removed as the factory has now relocated. One of the boats in front was stopped above Sellers Tunnel as it had something major round the propeller. We stopped to see if there was anything we could do and said we would pass a message to their friends in the boat ahead as they had no mobile signal. Saw the other boat moored above lock 6E which was where we had originally planned to moor. Passsed on the message and continued on as the water level was very low and mooring difficult. Spoke to another boat crew who tell us the weather will be worse tomorrow. Although, as it has rained all day so far, not sure how it can be worse. Due to low water levels mooring was not really possible until we reached Slaithwaite where we were very grateful to stop. Decided to go to the pub for a drink and bought an Indian takeaway on the way home. Very nice and a most welcome end to a long and wet day.

What can I say, Friday’s weather was worse. Torrential rain and very cold and windy. However as we have a date with Standedge Tunnel we decided to press on. Not sure that it was the right decision, only a relatively short day (31/2 hours) but by the time we stopped we were soaked and frozen. Had to light a fire to warm up and dry clothes and Graham’s waterproofs and boots were still wet the next morning.

Saturday was a better day weather wise, a few brief showers but mainly dry and definitely warmer. We completed the last part of the journey, 12 locks and roughly 3/4 mile. This took 21/2 hours. Saw two boats coming down, both had come through the tunnel on Friday. Moored up just past the top lock and walked the dogs down the route we had just come. It took us 15 minutes. Walked along to the tunnel and back through Marsden.

We are really into the hills of Yorkshire now. Some beautiful scenery and it has stopped raining. Although listening to the news it seems we had about 5 inches of rainfall on Friday and many nearby areas have flooded.

This morning (Monday) the alarm went off at 6:00am. Much too early these days! Prepared the boat for it’s trip through the fearsome Standedge Tunnel and made our way to the tunnel entrance. We are to be first through so not too much hanging around. After measuring the boat to ensure we will fit we are introduced to Terry, who is our escort for the trip. I had to stay inside with the dogs, although I was able to go out onto the front deck as long as the doors were shut to prevent escape. The tunnel is an amazing experience. A lot of it is blasted out of rock although there are brickwork sections. It took two hours to complete the trip. The tunnel is very tight in places and we scraped a few times, but on the whole the paintwork has survived intact. Standedge Tunnel is the highest, deepest and at three miles, the longest tunnel on the inland waterways system.