Horseboat Maria was legged back though Standedge Tunnel from Marsden to Diggle on 3rd May 2009. Boathorse Bilbo Baggins was led across the moors between Marsden and Diggle by Nigel Dix, followed by a group of hardy walkers.
Special guest aboard Maria, taking turns with legging the boat, was Paul Atterbury, waterways historian and author, and vice-president of The Waterways Trust, who have been working with the Horseboating Society to promote Standedge Tunnel.
The following photos are courtesy of Paul Atterbury and Ken Catford:
Maria on public display at Tunnel End. Photo: Paul Atterbury
Paul Atterbury and a giant teddy bear watch as the leggers leave Tunnel End, Marsden. Photo: Ken Catford
Photo: Paul Atterbury
Photo: Paul Atterbury
Photo: Paul Atterbury
Photo: Paul Atterbury
Photo: Paul Atterbury
Photo: Paul Atterbury
While Maria was being legged through the tunnel, boathorse Bilbo Baggins was being led over the top to Diggle. He is seen here with Tunnel End in the background. Photo: Ken Catford
Nigel and Bilbo Baggins lead walkers over moorland paths between Tunnel End and Diggle. Photo: Ken Catford
Paul Atterbury legs the horseboat out of Standedge Tunnel to arrive at Diggle. Photo: Ken Catford
Paul Atterbury, vice-president of The Waterways Trust, working with the Horseboating Society to promote Standedge Tunnel. Photo: Ken Catford
Photo: Paul Atterbury
The bears that helped as crew! Photo: Ken Catford
Nigel and Bilbo at Diggle. Photo: Paul Atterbury
Trans-Pennine transport traditional and modern at Diggle lock flight. Photo: Ken Catford
Also see photos of the passage on 25th April 2009.
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