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Regrettably we have encountered further technical problems that will lead to a delay in the recommencement of these popular trips. We are hopeful they will resume by the Autumn
Contact Sapperton Enquiries for further details.
The Sapperton Tunnel
ExperienceDuring the winter months the Cotswold Canals Trust operates boat trips into Sapperton Tunnel.
Sapperton Tunnel burrows under the highest part of the glorious Cotswold Hills. When it was first built it was the longest canal tunnel. It is now the third longest at 3.5km (2.25 miles) and has 65m (70yd) of rock above at its deepest point. The tunnel passes through solid limestone and Fullers earth. In the limestone sections the tunnel is carved out of the greater oolite rock and is unlined. Fullers earth is a clay-like substance which expands and shrinks depending on its water content. The tunnel was lined with brick arching through the Fullers earth. After this section of the Thames and Severn Canal was abandoned in 1927 roof falls in the brick lined sections blocked the tunnel near the Daneway end and in the middle.
At the Coates end the tunnel passes through solid limestone for over 1km (half a mile) and it is from here that the boat trips operate on winter Sundays. The water level fluctuates wildly depending on the amount of rainfall and it is not always possible for the trip boat to operate.
Daneway Portal of Sapperton
Tunnel
Trips run every Sunday from November starting at 12:00pm and finishing at dusk. The trip takes about 35 minutes. Trust volunteers steer and crew the boat which is powered by a quiet, pollution free electric motor. Flood lights illuminate the way. The tunnel is quite "dry" but there may be occasional drips from the roof!
Trips cost £3 per adult and £2.00 per child. Trips for groups, up to a maximum of 12 passengers, can be arranged at other times. The boat trip operates by kind permission of the Bathurst Estate.
A boat trip can be combined with a towpath walk and a visit to one of the pubs which are situated at either end of the tunnel. The Tunnel House Inn is almost above Coates Portal whilst the Daneway Inn is about 400m (380yd) from the Daneway Portal.
From Cirencester, Stroud or Tetbury follow the signs to Coates, then for Tarlton. Follow the signs for the Tunnel House Inn and Historic Canal. The inn is situated above the Coates Portal. Look out for the brown signs.
Coates Portal of Sapperton Tunnel
The Cotswold Canals Trust is a registered charity, number 269721.
Copyright @2005 the Cotswold Canals Trust
The CCT may be contacted at mail@cotswoldcanals.com
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