The northern entrance to Saltersford Tunnel reflects in the Trent and Mersey Canal, making a perfect egg shape. The tunnel was built almost a quarter of a millennium ago, in the 1770s, and is 424 yards (388 metres) long. The narrow tunnel requires a strict timetable to ensure craft don't meet in the middle as they'd be unable to pass. Southbound barges can enter between 30 minutes past and ten minutes to each hour. Interestingly the tunnel is crooked inside, as tunnelling started at different points and didn't quite meet in the middle...
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If you enjoyed this post then you might also like to read my monthly guest post for Smitten by Britain, which is entitled Aberdovey Dreaming and is at: http://www.smittenbybritain.com/2012/06/aberdovey-dreaming
I'm getting claustrophobic just looking at the picture!
ReplyDeletegreat picture.. It is a very Saturday down here in Sydney and I have spent the afternoon researching a narrow boat short stay while over there next year. So I was happy to see your post. Now to pop over and read Aderdovey Dreaming.
ReplyDeletePerfect reflections - such symmetry!
ReplyDeleteA crooked tunnel, well that's different! The egg shape entrance-with-reflectin is fun, too... they're usually round.
ReplyDeleteAnd you've whet my appetite to visit Aberdovey... what a charming place! Nice article, Chrissy.
Canal pics, including crooked tunnels, are always good.
ReplyDeleteThe reflection and the tunnel are two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI was fine until you told me how long that thing was! I have a hard time breathing when we go under a short bridge in the boat...can't imagine what I would do in this one! Great shot!
ReplyDeleteQuite a busy tunnel then... Better not to get stuck in there... Interesting note about its being crooked and the reason for that. :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Cezar
A beautiful reflection! Nice shot!
ReplyDeleteNice reflection, often wondered how narrow boats avoided meeting in the middle, now I know!
ReplyDeleteGreat piece on Aberdovey too, even in the horizontal rain at half term it was lovely to be there.
Beautiful !
ReplyDeletePlease have a good Sunday ahead.
What a cool photo! Love the reflections, and love the fact that it's so old and crooked in the middle!
ReplyDeleteAwesome reflection! Wow!
ReplyDelete'OHHHH' what a perfect reflection Chrissy!
ReplyDelete