This page is devoted to underground features
that are artificial.
Crimson Hill Canal Tunnel
This 1800 yard long tunnel was excavated in
the mid 19th century for the Chard to Taunton Canal which
in the event only operated for 15 or so years. There were
three tunnels. An estimated 1300 yards of tunnel is still
accessible although one end is in a private garden. A footpath
passes the northern end and there is an interpretation board
nearby which gives more information about the tunnel. Apart
from containing some colourful calcite formations formed from
leached mortar the tunnel provides a haven for wildlife in
the winter including roosting horsehoe bats, frogs, toads
and newts.
The Northern Entrance |
Just inside |
View up the tunnel |
One of the presumed drainage holes in the wall |
Stalactite formations |
Near the collapse |
Stalagmite pillar |
Lesser horseshoe bat visible on top left |
The point at which the tunnel widens |
The main collapse |
Calcite in the Lias |
Stalactites |
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Upstream of the collapse |
By a wall collapse |
Stalagmite flow behind the tunnel wall |
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800 metres in the tunnel reaches an earth choke |
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At the choked terminus |
Lillesdon Canal Tunnel
This 400 yard long tunnel is also part of the
defunct Chard to Taunton Canal and lies not far to the north
of Crimson Hill. It is still open at both ends although the
northern is partly obstructed by pumping equipment which is
in use at the time of writing. There is about a metre or so
of water in the tunnel and it is navigable by dinghy for most
of its length. 100 metres or so from the southern end is a
turning area and the tunnel is partially filled with silt
making the final few metres very tricky to negotiate. There
are no collapses and the tunnel is well preserved with numerous
stalactite formations along the walls.
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