Sapperton Canal Tunnel and Daneway Valley
Explore the historic Sapperton Canal Tunnel entrance and scenic Daneway Valley, a blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wild garlic blooms beautifully.
Sapperton Canal Tunnel and Daneway Valley
Best Time
Wild garlic blooms beautifully.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Sapperton Canal Tunnel entrance and scenic Daneway Valley, a blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty.
"A fantastic bit of history and a lovely area for walking."
⚠️ Safety First!
Never enter the abandoned tunnel; it's dangerous. Admire the entrance from the safe viewing areas. :warning:
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Enjoy the lovely walks along the old canal path. Great for families and nature enthusiasts. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sapperton Canal Tunnel Entrance
Western Entrance
Marvel at the historic 1789 tunnel entrance, once the UK's longest. A portal to a bygone era of engineering.
Daneway Valley Walking Trails
Along the old canal path
Explore scenic woodland paths and streams, perfect for nature lovers and families.
The Daneway Inn
Near the tunnel entrance
A charming country pub offering a welcome respite with local ciders and snacks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the History, Stay Safe
Plan Your Walk and Pub Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Safety First!
Never enter the abandoned tunnel; it's dangerous. Admire the entrance from the safe viewing areas. :warning:
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Enjoy the lovely walks along the old canal path. Great for families and nature enthusiasts. :hiking_boot:
🍺 Pub Break
The Daneway Inn is a short walk away, perfect for a drink and bite. :beer_mug:
🚗 Parking
Park near the church in Sapperton or use laybys near the tunnel entrance. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Safety First!
Never enter the abandoned tunnel; it's dangerous. Admire the entrance from the safe viewing areas. :warning:
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Enjoy the lovely walks along the old canal path. Great for families and nature enthusiasts. :hiking_boot:
🍺 Pub Break
The Daneway Inn is a short walk away, perfect for a drink and bite. :beer_mug:
🚗 Parking
Park near the church in Sapperton or use laybys near the tunnel entrance. :car:
🌿 Nature Spotting
Look out for wild garlic in spring and enjoy the woodland streams. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Sapperton Canal Tunnel entrance as a fascinating historical site and the Daneway Valley for its beautiful walking trails and natural charm. The nearby Daneway Inn is a popular spot for refreshments. While the tunnel itself is off-limits due to safety concerns, the accessible parts offer a rewarding experience for history and nature enthusiasts alike.
"It's well worth a look at this historic canal tunnel entrance that opened in April 1789, which was at the time the longest canal tunnel ever constructed in the UK. Caution should be taken as this is an abandoned tunnel that in places has caved in, so it's inadvisable to venture inside. I walked the path from Stroud past this tunnel entrance and took the bus back to Stroud from Sapperton."
Tom Price
"Fantastic bit of history. It's definitely worth visiting. Also, a lovely area for walking as well. I parked in the village next to the church then walked down.
You can also get to the other side of the tunnel entrance if you search Sapperton Canal Tunnel on google Maps. I parked on the layby near to bridge can park about 4 cars along side of road. Easy to walk down and get to. It's worth visiting both sides."
Luke Green
"Not as tidy as the other end but worth the visit.
A pub with in 10min walk called the Daneway Inn.
Lovely walk along the old canal."
Paul Hurst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the tunnel by car, parking in Sapperton village near the church or in laybys close to the tunnel entrance. Walking routes from Stroud are also popular.
While direct public transport to the tunnel is limited, buses run from Stroud, allowing you to walk part of the way and catch a bus back.
Visitors often park in Sapperton village and walk down through the woodlands, or use laybys near the western entrance for easier access to the canal bed.
Yes, it's a popular walking route from Stroud along the old canal path, offering scenic views before reaching the tunnel.
Designated parking is limited. Look for laybys near the tunnel or park in Sapperton village and follow the walking trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Sapperton Canal Tunnel and Daneway Valley are open access areas and do not require tickets for entry.
The tunnel entrance is an outdoor historical site and is accessible at all times. However, venturing inside is strongly discouraged.
There is no admission fee to explore the Daneway Valley and walk along the old canal paths.
It is strongly advised not to enter the tunnel due to its abandoned state and the risk of cave-ins. Admire it from the entrance.
The main restriction is safety; do not attempt to go inside the tunnel. Otherwise, it's an open area for exploration.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the impressive historic tunnel entrance, walk along the old canal towpath, and explore the surrounding woodlands and streams.
Yes, the walking trails and the historical significance of the tunnel entrance are great for kids, but ensure they stay away from the tunnel mouth.
The valley is rich in nature, with opportunities to see various birds, and in spring, abundant wild garlic.
A visit can range from a quick stop to admire the entrance to several hours if you enjoy walking the trails and visiting the pub.
Restroom facilities are typically found at the Daneway Inn pub, which is a short walk from the tunnel entrance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Daneway Inn is a popular country pub located within a 10-minute walk of the tunnel entrance.
The Daneway Inn offers drinks, snacks, and meals, making it a convenient spot for refreshments after exploring.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the walking trails to enjoy a picnic, respecting the natural environment.
The Daneway Inn is the closest and most convenient dining option. Other village pubs might be a longer walk away.
Yes, the Daneway Inn is known for serving local ciders and ales, a perfect treat after a walk.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing tunnel mouth, the historic stonework, and the scenic beauty of the Daneway Valley, especially with the wild garlic in spring.
You can get dramatic shots from just inside the entrance, but remember safety first and avoid going too deep. The echoes can be fun for audio recording too!
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the stonework.
The canal bed offers a unique perspective looking into the tunnel. The surrounding woodlands also provide lovely natural backdrops.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the tunnel entrance, and a sturdy tripod can help in lower light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stop at The Daneway Inn, which is family-friendly and offers refreshments like soft drinks and ice cream, making it a perfect reward after a walk. The historical aspect of the tunnel can also spark curiosity about engineering and history in young minds.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of wild garlic in spring, which transforms the valley floor into a fragrant, green carpet. The area is also a good spot for birdwatching. Consider a longer walk from Sapperton village, incorporating the tunnel entrance and a stop at the Daneway Inn for a well-deserved break.
🏛️ History Buffs
While the tunnel itself is inaccessible, its preserved entrances serve as a powerful reminder of the canal era's impact on Britain. Researching the history of the Thames and Severn Canal beforehand can enhance the appreciation of this site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Engineering History
Today, the tunnel is abandoned and in parts has collapsed, making it a hazardous site. Visitors are strongly advised against entering. However, the preserved entrances on both the eastern and western sides offer a tangible connection to this industrial past. Exploring the surrounding Daneway Valley allows you to appreciate the landscape that this engineering marvel once traversed.
For those interested in industrial heritage, the tunnel stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the ambition of the canal era. It's a reminder of how waterways shaped Britain's economy and landscape before the advent of railways.
Exploring the Daneway Valley Trails
During spring, the valley is particularly enchanting, carpeted with wild garlic, creating a fragrant and visually stunning spectacle. This makes it an ideal time for photography and for families to explore. The area offers a peaceful escape from urban life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
Beyond the main towpath, numerous smaller woodland paths invite further exploration, leading to hidden nooks and scenic viewpoints. It’s a place where you can easily spend several hours, combining a historical visit with a refreshing nature walk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit