Castlefield Basin Culvert, Manchester, June 09

[concreteJungle]

After a few aborted attempts I finally got to have a look at the Medlock culvert that runs from the plug hole nearer the city center, under Castlefield Basin, to the outfall near Potato Wharf.

(Sorry iphone pic was only one I had!)
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/IMG_0147.jpg

I only got 50m or so down before the water threaten to breach my chest waders, so this is definitely a boat job. I spotted a few things beneath the surface that would puncture one so caution would be required.

I only took a few photos as the culvert wasn't tripod or camera friendly, but I haven't seen any others of it so I thought I would post them anyway.

Looks like there was another branch on the left some time ago
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/Untitled-1.jpg

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/IMG_0963.jpg

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/IMG_0950.jpg

It would be interesting to see if the tunnel opens out into a straight or goes on one big curve, alas the depth got the better of me so I turned back.

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/Untitled-2.jpg

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/IMG_0960.jpg

If the end was reached there is the plug hole
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/concreteJunglePhotos/Castlefield%20Basin%20Culvert/DSC05518.jpg

I've heard some people have been down it, although the current is weak at the outfall it looks like a beast here!

[stepping lightly]

I've heard some people have been down it

Yes but not recomended , we had all the gear and its still dodgy , nice to see the other end....if we have a drout the chances are it will get a through trip :popcorn

[stepping lightly]

Argggg, now you're gonna make me wait right? :p

It seems we are all going to have to wait :popcorn

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x45/Sly-stolen-moments/IMG_5538.jpg
An impasse in the boat means its time to don those speedos :crazy