Foulridge Tunnel is on the summit pound on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and is an interesting feature on the long journey across the Pennines. It is 1640 yards (1500m) long and is often called the "Mile Tunnel". Construction of the canal started in 1770 but was suspended during the American War of Independence. Work on the tunnel did not start until 1792 and was completed in five years. Most of the tunnel was built using the "cut and cover" technique where a deep trench is dug and the archway is built before being re-buried.
The tunnel is ventilated by three air shafts.
In 1912 a cow fell into the canal and swan the entire length of the tunnel before being pulled from the canal and revived with brandy.
Trips through the tunnel can be taken from Foulridge Wharf to the top of Barrowford Locks during the high season.

NAVIGATIONAL NOTE: Although the tunnel is wide enough to allow two narrowboats to pass, a one-way system using traffic lights is in operation due to the large number of wide beam boats using the canal. Unpowered craft such as canoes and kayaks are allowed to use the tunnel but care is needed.