The country's longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel is hosting spooky boat rides this Halloween, where passengers may even experience a ghostly encounter. On October 30 and 31, those brave enough can board a special boat trip through the Standedge Tunnel.
Stretching 3.25 miles from Diggle in Greater Manchester to Marsden in West Yorkshire, the tunnel, maintained by the Canal & River Trust (CRT), carries the Huddersfield Narrow Canal through the Pennines. It took more than 17 years to dig by hand and was completed in 1811.
Paranormal reputation
The tunnel has been described as one of the seven wonders of Britain's waterways, but it is also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported seeing strange lights, hearing unexplained sounds, and there are rumours of a mysterious robed figure, according to the CRT. Groups of enthusiasts have also undertaken a paranormal investigation inside the tunnel.
The Halloween event, which promises to "scare even the most intrepid ghost hunter", coincides with the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the tunnel, which was described as "the impossible restoration" at the time.
Restoration anniversary and fundraising
The CRT said that, since the canal's restoration in 2001, thousands of visitors, school groups and families have travelled through the tunnel on the charity's trip boat. However, the vessel has reached the end of its working life, and the charity is asking for the public's help to replace it.
Catherine Clayton, area operations manager at CRT, said: "A trip through Standedge Tunnel is at the heart of the visitor experience, whether you're joining us for a special event like Halloween or visiting at any other time of year."
"Without a replacement trip boat, future generations might not have a similar opportunity to experience this remarkable experience beneath the Pennines, which is why we're asking for the public's support."
Tickets and activities
The charity is also organising a series of other family ghost-busting activities along with Huddersfield Canal Society and the Friends of Standedge. Tickets for the boat trips are available either in advance from canalrivertrust.org.uk or on the day from Canal & River Trust's tunnel office in Marsden.
Tickets are £10 for children, £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and family tickets are £36. The Crowdfunder page can be found on the CRT website.
