The Huddersfield Narrow Canal reaches its highest point in Marsden, and enters the longest and highest canal tunnel in Britain, the Standedge (pronounced "Stanage")tunnel.
The canal re-opened on 1 May 2001 following major restoration works, having been closed and derelict for over 50 years.
As part of the restoration, the old canal warehouse adjacent to the canal at Tunnel End, Marsden has been renovated and opened as a visitor centre and cafe (for latest information see their website at www.standedge.co.uk . Trips into the tunnel are provided, and it is possible to make a complete through trip by booking in advance. The warehouse predates the tunnel, having been built for the offloading of goods brought by canal to Marsden. These were then loaded onto packhorses and carried over the Pennines to Diggle, where they were reloaded onto barges at Wool Road warehouse. The opening of the tunnel meant that this laborious process was ended.
Large volumes of material are available on the canal, and it is not necessary for me to repeat it all here. Those interested in finding out more should first visit the two following excellent links:
Pennine Waterways
Huddersfield Canal Society