In May 2008 “Maria” was horse-drawn to Huddersfield, along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
This included the boat being legged through Standedge Tunnel. Maria was previously legged through Standedge Tunnel in 2006, when she was the first boat to have been legged through for around 60 years.
Local Oldham East and Saddleworth MP (and Defra Minister) Phil Woolas travelled aboard the boat from Uppermill to Diggle, where an enthusiastic crowd turned out in spite of heavy rain.
Ashton-under-Lyne MP David Heyes, in whose constituency the boat is based, joined the boat at Diggle and helped to leg through the tunnel.
Approaching Lime Kiln Look, Saddleworth. Photo: Martin Clark
Diggle Lock flight. Photo: Martin Clark
Spectators awaiting the boat’s arrival at Diggle.
Photo: Martin Clark
Crowds brave the rain at Diggle to watch the boat set off into the tunnel. Photo: Martin Clark
Entering the tunnel. Photo: Martin Clark
Foot-power in the tunnel. Photo: Martin Clark
Legging through an easy brick-lined stretch of Standedge Tunnel. Some sections are of uneven rock, making the legging more difficult. Photo: Martin Clark
MP David Heyes takes his turn. Photo: Martin Clark
Light at the end of the tunnel. Photo: Martin Clark
The last few steps. Photo: Martin Clark
Horseboat meets canoe at Booth Lock. Photo: Martin Clark
Horseboat meets canoe at Booth Lock.
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