Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal is a fascinating waterway that stretches approximately 32 miles, connecting the city of Manchester to Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire. Originally opened in 1804, the canal played a crucial role in the industrial revolution, facilitating the transport of goods, particularly wool and coal, across the Pennines. It was built to link the thriving textile mills of Manchester with the markets of West Yorkshire, showcasing the engineering prowess of the time.

One of the most notable features of the Rochdale Canal is its impressive system of locks. The canal boasts 91 locks in total, including the challenging ‘Rochdale Nine,’ a flight of nine locks that descend steeply in a short distance near the city of Rochdale. These locks are among the highest in the country, and navigating them is a unique experience for boaters, requiring careful attention and teamwork.

The Rochdale Canal is connected to several other waterways, most notably the River Roch, which flows into the canal in Manchester, and the Calder and Hebble Navigation at Sowerby Bridge. This connectivity allows for a variety of cruising options, linking boaters to an extensive network of canals in the North of England.

In terms of interesting features, the canal is home to several iconic structures, including the stunning aqueducts and bridges that span its route. The impressive Hebden Bridge and the scenic views around the town of Hebden Royd offer picturesque spots for visitors. Wildlife thrives along the canal, with numerous bird species and lush greenery, making it a popular route for walkers and cyclists as well.

The Rochdale Canal’s history, engineering, and natural beauty make it a significant part of England’s industrial heritage and a lovely destination for leisurely exploration.

Canal Specification

Max Boat Length72ft
Max Boat Width9ft 5″
Number of Locks91
Length32 Miles

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River/Canal Route Planning

If you are looking for a canal/river route planner, we recommend Canal Plan, we use it to plan our routes, and then once we have a plan our maps are useful to find what else there is on the way


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