Going through a tunnel on a canal boat

Going through a tunnel on a canal from market harborough

Going through a tunnel by narrowboat is highly likely if you hire from us at Union Wharf Marina. The tunnel at Husbands Bosworth and Saddington are both within a day’s cruising; and the tunnel at Crick is only two days away.

Travelling by narrowboat through a tunnel is a unique experience which can be thrilling as well as a little alarming. In the video below, Aaran shows what to expect. He was travelling through Husbands Bosworth tunnel, heading from Foxton to North Kilworth.

Some tips and tricks for going through a tunnel on a canal boat

  • If a boat appears to be coming towards you, wait for it to come out before starting your journey through.
  • The tunnels near Market Harborough marina are wide enough for two boats to pass, but it is a tight squeeze.
  • Turn on your headlight.
  • Inside, open the curtains and turn on some interior lights.
  • Take a torch, hats and waterproofs onto the back deck. Tunnels drip.
  • Line up the top central point of the roof with the pin point of light at the tunnel exit.
  • If you have to pass an oncoming boat, slow right down and keep to the right.
  • Mobile phones won’t work inside a tunnel.
  • Sound your horn to attract attention.
  • Other boaters will always try and help.
  • Turn off your engine to avoid fumes building up.
  • Never swim out of the tunnel.
  • Your boat pole on the top of the roof can be used to push the boat out.
  • You could also try “legging” by lying on the roof and walking along the tunnel sides.

We are delighted that more and more narrowboat novices are enjoying the canals around Market Harborough. We are putting together a series of Beginner Guides to help you prepare for your holiday and find a few solutions to common problems en route.

It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Canal and River Trust’s Boaters’ Handbook before you arrive.

We offer all kinds of narrowboats, from Day Boats to Boutique Narrowboats and boats suitable for families. All our hires involve full training and we welcome complete beginners.