Running for 20 miles (32km) from Stalybridge to Huddersfield, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal contains 74 locks and Britain's longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel.  The spectacular Standedge Tunnel is dealt with under it's separate page on this website. The Act of Parliament for it's construction was passed in 1793 and work started under the supervision of Benjamin Outram soon after.  The canal was to connect the Huddersfield Broad Canal, completed in 1776 with the Ashton Canal which as also under construction under Outram at the time.  Problems with flooding and the challenge of constructing the longest tunnel in the world led to financial difficulties and the appointment of a new engineer, Thomas Telford.  Completed in 1811, the canal was never a major commercial success.  The 70 foot (21.3m) long narrowboats could not use the shorter locks of the Huddersfield Broad Canal and the wide boats of the Broad Canal could not use the locks on the Narrow Canal.  The Rochdale Canal to the north fared better with it's broad locks and no tunnel.
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal fell into disuse in the early 20th century and was abandoned in 1944 but remained passable for a few years afterwards.  A campaign to restore the canal was launched in the 1970's and the canal re-opened in 2001.
As well as it's highlight, Standedge Tunnel, the canal has a shorter tunnel at Scout plus a new tunnel in Huddersfield built to allow the canal to pass under a factory that was built on top of an infilled section.  The canal also has an electricity pylon which straddles it.
The challenge of 74 locks in only 20 miles (32km) puts many boaters off, with many visitors choosing to visit the tunnel at Standedge visitor center where tourists can take trips into the Marsden end.  Trips through the tunnel are also available.

www2.huddersfieldcanal.com