Blisworth canal tunnel

Just north of Stoke Bruerne you will find Blisworth tunnel - at 3,076 yards the third longest tunnel on the British canal system.

Its construction, which began in 1793, was attended with all sorts of problems - a tramway ran over the hill to connect the two sections of canal until it was opened in 1805. At first boats were legged through the tunnel; later steam tugs were introduced, but then better ventilation had to be introduced because of the deadly fumes.

The building by the tunnel mouth is an old forge and store for these tugs. It is once more in use as a blacksmith's forge, operated by Bob Nightingale.