Stealth is required. I have put recommenced parking where it is as I don't know how the nearby pub owners will react. Like all pubs parking is for patrons only. I believe the Cotswold Canal trust used to run boat trips up when the tunnel was passable by boat however now the tunnel is disused. The boat is still there please do not interfere with it.
Recommend crossing bridge to trail head & walking up the side of the canal.
Highly recommend doing GC7ZC6V before you attempt this cache. It is a fraction of the distance & mud not as deep.
Be under no missillusions this cache placement is my toughest to date. Its long, the mud & water is deep in places. A reasonable level of fitness & stamina is required. Need your game face on for this one, no drams queens please. Getting into trouble down there may lead to cache being archived.
This is a 55 for good reason please don't under estimate it.
Remember you are responsible for your own actions. Attempt this cache at your own risk.
Not sure how good coordinates are so follow hint.
When Sapperton Tunnel on the Thames & Severn Canal opened in 1789 it was the longest canal tunnel ever constructed in the United Kingdom. It is 2.17 miles (3.49km) in length, and today is the third longest.
Construction started in 1783 and the first boat passed through in April 1789. The last commercial traffic to use the tunnel was in May, 1911.
As early as 1916, roof falls made the tunnel impassable to normal boat traffic.
Today Sapperton Tunnel remains impassible with a number of significant roof falls, and a complete blockage near the Sapperton end.
From time-to-time the Cotswold Canals Trust conducts an informal survey of the tunnel to assess its condition. The last of these was in November 2008. More on this later.
Big thanks to Dylan Burgess for bringing this area to my attention
Symbol | Type | Coordinates | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Trailhead | --- | Entrance | |
Trailhead | --- | Trail Marker | |
Parking area | --- | Parking |