Whittle Tunnels [LC]
The Southern section of the Lancaster Canal, later the Walton Summit branch, carried its first commercial traffic in 1803 with the opening of the long Whittle Tunnel. Following a collapse in 1830 a central section of the tunnel was dug out to form a deep cutting with a 40-50yd tunnel at either side and both survive. This is the western portal of the west tunnel, very close to Whittle-le-Woods village. Although through traffic from the northern section of the canal dwindled quickly the local quarries here provided regular stone traffic, but the last commercial boats passed through in the early 1930s and formal closure was in the 1960s. This portal is now Grade II listed.
Location: Whittle Tunnels [LC]
Original line: Lancaster Canal
Photographer: Mark Bartlett
Contact photographer: Mark Bartlett
Date: 12/10/2022
Image number: 82975
