The Daneway portal of the Sapperton Canal Tunnel was built in the Gothic style. It was in a very poor state of repair with most of the battlements lying in the bed of the canal when, in 1996, it was restored by the Cotswold Canals Trust.
The tunnel has long since been blocked by a major roof fall not far in from the Daneway entrance.
Walkers
The tunnel was constructed without a footway, so horses and donkeys that pulled boats along the canal were taken over the top to meet the boats at the western entrance, at Coates.
This same route can be used today by following the Wysis Way long distance footpath or the Thames & Severn Way up through Sapperton village, across the A419 and then through Hayley Wood.
(Tap / click images to enlarge)
Sapperton Canal Tunnel - Daneway Portal
Sapperton Canal Tunnel - looking into Daneway Portal
In the wall to right of Portal is the milestone for Walbridge 7½ (no plate)
Before Restoration
Sapperton Canal Tunnel - Daneway Portal before restoration
Sapperton Canal Tunnel - Daneway Portal before restoration
Sapperton Canal Tunnel at Daneway in the 1980s
Historical Photos
Daneway Portal 1904. Note stop planks fitted in front of tunnel, and low water. [Reproduced by permission of English Heritage]
Daneway end of Sapperton Canal Tunnel c.1910. Note the low water level. [Courtesy of Edwin Cuss Photographic Collection]
Approach to Sapperton Canal Tunnel at Daneway in 1904. [Reproduced by permission of English Heritage]
View from Sapperton over the Thames & Severn Canal at Daneway c.1904
