We've announced new dates for ‘bucket list’ experiences at Standedge Tunnel this spring
‘Paddle under the Pennines’ or ‘Bob along by Boat’ in the UK’s longest, deepest, highest canal tunnel.
Jo Moseley & Matt Crowley canoeing in Standedge Tunnel
Canoe trips and boat trips along the entire length of the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel return this year as we announce a series of new dates for their ‘bucket list’ experiences.
An extraordinary experience
On Wednesday 26 February, tickets will go on sale for guided canoe and boat trips through Standedge Tunnel taking place this spring (March until May) along the 3.5-mile tunnel which runs under the Pennines between Marsden, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, and Diggle in Lancashire.
This awe-inspiring tunnel, one of the seven wonders of the waterways, is an extraordinary feat of engineering, taking over 17 years to dig by hand. Those taking the trip through the tunnel can see just how it was constructed, whilst enjoying either a unique paddling experience or more leisurely boat trip. Each trip, which takes approximately two hours, will be one way only, from either Marsden to Diggle or Diggle to Marsden.
Bringing the canal and tunnel to life
Sean McGinley, our regional director for Yorkshire & North East said: “A great way to understand why we love our canals and tunnels so much is to take to the water and journey into the heart of the Pennines, with our team bringing the tunnel and canal to life.
“We’re delighted to be announcing details of these highly anticipated ticketed experiences which are one of the ways people can help support our work, contributing to the vital funds needed to help us maintain our 2,000-mile network of canals and assets, while discovering this amazing treasure that is over 200 years old. It’s a truly unique experience, definitely one for the bucket list.”
Inside Standedge Tunnel
A bucket list opportunity
Gordon McMinn, our volunteer team leader and qualified paddle sports instructor, is coordinating the canoe trips at Standedge Tunnel. He said: “We’re excited to announce the new dates for this bucket list opportunity and enable even more keen canoeists to paddle though this magnificent tunnel and explore its 3.5 miles under the Pennines.
“This year, we’re introducing a concurrent schedule for through-tunnel boat and canoe trips on Saturdays to enable both paddlers and non-paddlers to experience the tunnel on the same day.
“Further dates for 2025 will be announced later in the year. To be among the first to hear about future ticket sales and latest news for Standedge Tunnel please sign up to our e-newsletter.”
What to expect
Participants will need to plan the return leg of their trip, which could be a breathtaking and picturesque 7-mile walk back over the hill or, for those who have had enough exercise, there’s a local bus (Arriva 184) and local taxi services.
For non-experienced paddlers, why not try a taster canoe or stand-up paddle (SUP) session? These 90-minute sessions run from Standedge Tunnel along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and include the use of the canoes/paddleboards, kit, safety briefing and tuition. Dates for the next sessions will be announced on our website and usually run during the school holidays. Private lessons can also be arranged - email [email protected]
Paddleboarding at Standedge Tunnel
For the less adventurous, we also offer 30-minute ‘Discovery’ boat trips. These run most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from March until the end of October and can be booked on our website.
Hot drinks and light refreshments will be available onsite during these weekends from the Watersedge Coffee House. Run by the Friends of Standedge volunteer group, all proceeds are split between us and the volunteer group to help maintain and further improve the Standedge Tunnel site for visitors.
Canoe Trips through Standedge Tunnel
These will take place on the following weekends (Saturday-Sunday):
Paddlers will use our open canoes for the trips and will be guided by trained staff and volunteers. All PPE (helmets, buoyancy aids, lights) are provided by us; however, participants are welcome to use their own helmets, headtorches and buoyancy aids for the trip.
Boat Trips through Standedge Tunnel
These will take place Saturdays only:
March 22
April 26
May 17
£50 per adult; £45 for concessions. Trips leave at 10am - Marsden to Diggle trip and 1pm - Diggle to Marsden.
