On 22nd April 2010 the Horseboating Society set off from Guide Bridge on the Ashton Canal to make a return trip to Huddersfield by way of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Standedge Tunnel.Boathorse Bilbo towed the historic wooden narrowboat Maria, built in 1854.
Lifting the towline over knobbly railings in Stalybridge. Photo: Martin Clark
Knobbly railings and an ill-placed lamp post in Stalybridge. Photo: Martin Clark
“Maria” moves away from Lock 6w, Stalybridge. Photo: Martin Clark
Leaving Lock 7w in Stalybridge. Photo: Martin Clark
The eight leggers about to go into Standedge Tunnel, Diggle to Marsden. A record time (for the Horseboating Society) of 2 hours 20 minutes was achieved. Photo: Chris Sunderland<
The tunnel legging was combined with the St George and Dragon event at Standedge. Maria emerges from the tunnel disguised as the dragon! Photo: British Waterways
Maria as the dragon. The leggers are still in position after the boat’s passage through Standedge Tunnel. Photo: British Waterways
A large crowd was waiting at Tunnel End to welcome Maria and to witness the St George and the Dragon event. Photo: British Waterways
St George appears with his trustee steed (a.k.a. Bilbo the Boathorse). Photo: British Waterways
St George makes his way to the canal to meet the dragon. Photo: British Waterways
St George arrives at Tunnel End to challenge the dragon. Photo: British Waterways
St George finishes off the dragon to the delight of the crowd. Photo: British Waterways
Special guests Ronnie and Sheila Barnes with the St George and Dragon cake in the Leggers Rest Room at Tunnel End Inn after the legging event. Photo: Andrew Shortridge
“Maria” at Booth Lock (31e). Photo: Andrew Gallon
Bilbo tows “Maria” from Waring Bottom Lock (28e). Photo: Andrew Gallon
“Maria” in Lock 26e Photo: Andrew Gallon
“Maria” leaves Shaw Carr Lock (26e). Photo: Andrew Gallon
“Maria” leaves Shaker Wood Lock. Photo: Andrew Gallon
“Maria” approaches Shuttle Guillotine Lock, Slaithwaite. Photo: Andrew Gallon
Bilbo waits for the Guillotine Lock to be made ready. Photo: Andrew Gallon
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