After deciding on the above, I found out that the canal barge that goes into the tunnel in the Peak district is run by volunteers, and only on a Friday Saturday & Sunday, so I changed the day to the Friday 15th September. Then due to a clash with a Hull FC fixture, our team’s Saturday game against Coventry was brought forward to the Friday also – but in the evening. But I decided to continue with my original plan and fortunately it worked out well.
Thanks to our new safety officer we were allowed to keep our members’ cars in the South Stand car park for the whole day and then into the evening for the match.
We set off in the rain, then fog and finally lovely sunshine. The drive across Saddleworth Moor was a little misty too but the scenery was
lovely. Our driver admitted he had never been on that side of the M62 before and made his own route – but never mind we were only 25 minutes late. We parked up in the village of Marsden and some took the water taxi while others walked along the tow-path to Standedge Tunnel. Morning coffee was served at the riverside café – although this was rather busy – and we divided into two groups to go into the tunnel. Our guide was great and everyone enjoyed the experience.
We then went on to the village of Uppermill. The sun was shining and most of us found a nice beer garden serving lunch. Some went to the Saddleworth Moor museum while others just went for a walk.
We gathered again at 4 o’clock for a steady ride home – arriving back at the stadium in good time for the football match against Coventry which ended in a one all draw. A long day – but an unusual and different one!
