The Rochdale Canal. England.
The Rochdale Canal is a spectacular 33 mile, broad beam waterway in Northern England, stretching from Castlefield Junction in central Manchester to Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire.
Famous for crossing the rugged Pennines via 91 locks, it connects the Bridgewater and Ashton Canals in Lancashire to the Calder and Hebble Navigation in West Yorkshire.
The canal was opened in 1804 and was the very first trans- Pennine canal route. In 1952 the canal was closed for navigation as competition from the railways and roads were more preferred for delivering cargo.
Following a massive volunteer - led effort the canal was restored and reopened across its entire 33 - mile length in 2002.
The Rochdale Canal showcases a blend of industrial heritage and magnificent scenery.
Great for boaters and walkers alike, travelers can enjoy a mix of traditional canal side villagers with scenic open landscapes.
As a lover of photography, I find the paths of the canal waterways in the UK a ideal place to find a special moment through the lens. I am forever striving to find that special shot.
I find the history of the UK canal waterways fascinating and inspiring. The canal community of volunteers and boaters keep the canal waterways of the UK going and are unsung heroes.
In this blog are some of the locations I have visited on the UK Canal network with a link to my collections and products.
I cant wait to return and visit more locations on The Rochdale Canal with my camera. My first web link below is my blog cover photo. Hebden Bridge. The Rochdale Canal. West Yorkshire.
Hebden Bridge. The Rochdale Canal. West Yorkshire. England.
Hebden Bridge is located in the Upper Calder Valley, approximately eight miles west from Halifax and 14 miles northeast of Rochdale. It lies at the confluence of the River Calder and Hebden Water.
The town of Hebden Bridge is characterized by steep hills and fast flowing streams, which historically facilitated the development of water-powered weaving mills during the 19th century.
During the Industrial Revolution the town became a major hub for garment making and adopted the nickname of "Trouser Town"
Since the 1970s Hebden Bridge has attracted many artists and creative individuals and has a thriving art scene.
The town is recognized as a "Funky Town" and it showcases many independent shops, galleries, cafes and bars.
A strong sustainability focus is forever apparent in Hebden Bridge with many visible local initiatives
The canal path in Hebden Bridge is a stones throw away from the railway station. It is a well maintained canal running through the middle of the town and has amazing views that displays the quirkiness and amazing architecture of Hebden Bridge. The River Calder and the park run adjacent to the canal.
For my first canal walk in Hebden Bridge I headed east to Sowerby Bridge. The walk is 5.5 miles and is easy going and flat with well maintained paths. It passes through the picturesque villages of Mytholmroyd and Luddendenfoot before reaching Sowerby Bridge Wharf, the terminal basin of the Calder & Hebble Navigation.
For my second canal walk in Hebden Bridge I added west to Todmorden covering approximately 5 miles. A very pleasant walk with pretty locks, old bridges and historic mills. The walk also has good views of the River Calder. The walk passes through Calderside, Charlestown, Eastwood, Lobmill and Millwood.
Todmorden and Sowerby Bridge railway stations have direct links back to Hebden Bridge.
Hebden Bridge is a ideal location for a weekend break that combines the vibrancy of the town and the amazing walks along the Rochdale Canal.
My Hebden Bridge Giclée Mounted Wall Art Prints Collection can be found on the link below.
Luddendenfoot. The Rochdale Canal. West Yorkshire. England.
Luddendenfoot is situated between the larger towns of Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge on the Rochdale Canal. The village is seeped in history with roots dating back to the 13th century.
From 1770 cotton production was widespread in the Calder Valley and several old cotton mills can be located in Luddendenfoot with one located on the canal footpath.
View picture link of Luddendenfoot Mill on the Rochdale Canal.
Luddendenfoot benefited with the the opening of the Rochdale Canal in 1804. The Textile industry in this period was central to the villages economy with several mills operating in the village.
There are numerous walking trails in Luddendenfoot leading you to the sites of the old mills, some dating back to the 13th century.
Also in village you have St. Mary's Church and The Lord Nelson Inn which are both grade 2 listed buildings. Both date back to the 13th Century with links to the Bronte Family.
Luddendenfoot and the surrounding areas have also been used as filming locations for BBC Dramas such as Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley.
The population of Luddendenfoot is approximately 3,000. It is a lovely scenic village with a offering of parks and cafes and access to the industrial heritage of the village.
As you walk along the canal path in Luddendenfoot, you experience some special views of the architecture hugging the canal waterline.
Luddendenfoot is a hidden gem and well worth visiting when exploring the Rochdale Canal.
The link below shows the architecture of Luddendenfoot along the canal waterside.
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View our Collections:
🖼️ Giclée Mounted Wall Art Prints – Canal Waterways of England – click here
🍽️ Stylish Textured Glass Chopping Boards – Peak District & Peak Forest Canal – click here
🖼️ Giclée Mounted Wall Art Prints – The Hebden Bridge Collection – click here