Coates Portal

This would probably not have been one of the more favoured views of Sapperton Tunnel when it was working (unless viewed from the back of the boat) as it would portend the hard grind of walking a forty ton boat more than two miles through the pitch black tunnel, whilst lying on a plank across the boat. Today's visitors are pampered with the quiet luxury of an electrically powered boat, with powerful spot- and floodlights to illuminate the darkest of the nooks and crannies. Parking for the Tunnel House Inn is just above the portal, so it's not exactly a long walk down to the entrance here. (next picture)