The Rochdale Canal from Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge 2.8.14 - 5.5 miles

The Rochdale Canal 
Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge (5.5 miles) 20. 7. 14

Starting the Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale canal goes from Kirkam Turn in Sowerby Bridge to Manchester over the Pennines. It is 32 miles long, mainly sharing the valley with the road, river and train line. There are 92 locks in total (that's 3 locks per mile!), the summit is 183 metres above sea level at the aptly named town of Summit. The complete restoration of the Rochdale Canal was finalised in 2002 with the Tuel tunnel opening completing this mammoth task.

Just another 33 miles for Manchester then....

"The Rochdale Canal starts at Sowerby Bridge, it's a great little town based around the canal. But by the time Sunday comes it's time to move on. We've been here 3 days and were looking for our next wonderful place, this time on The Rochdale Canal heading towards Hebden Bridge, and eventually ....... Manchester."

Entering the second lock with nb Netty Pig III

We set off on Sunday 20th July at 9.45am. You have to book your passage with the lock keeper 24 hours before you want to go through, we'd spoken to him yesterday and arranged a time of 10 am to go through. As we were moving towards the locks a shout came from the visitor moorings, after sign language and various 'cupping of ones ear' we understood there were some people on nb Netty Pig who wanted to come through the locks with us. So we waited for them to come round to the locks, meanwhile Paul had gone to check in with the lock keeper, I was introduced to the posh people, who's names, can you believe it were Peter and Lynnette Mills! My little brother is Peter Mills and I'm nearly Lynnette Mills! We'd seen them last year on the Kennett & Avon and they wanted to share our locks. So after waiting for a nb (Shire Oak again) to come down the deepest lock, through the bendiest tunnel and down the remaining two locks it was our turn to go up.

Netty Pig III entering the Tuel Tunnel

We went up the first two, lock keeper giving Paul and Peter a hand with the lock while Lynnette and I took the boats in. At the top of the two locks was the gaping mouth of the Tuel Tunnel. 

Then it was our turn...

Netty Pig's just gone round the left hand bend...

... and we make the turn in the well lit tunnel

Netty Pig went first, led the way through the tunnel, having to do a sharp left turn inside, lights shone the way so it was simple. 

Making the turn.... and look ahead, it's the lock

Netty Pig's taken up most of the lock, but he soon straightens up ......

Immediately leaving the tunnel we entered Tuel Lock, the deepest double lock on the system; 19' 8.5". Paul was on the front of the boat and wrapped his front rope round the vertical pole in the lock wall and I did the same to the back end. 

.... and we're in the country's deepest double lock, 19' 8.5" waiting to go up. The lock's operated by 4 lock keepers!

There were 4 C&RT workers here, some working, some watching! They let the water in slowly and we gradually rose up in the lock with the watchfull eyes of all the workers! It was a deep one and seemed to take ages! 

Eventually we were at the top, conquered the deepest lock on the system!

We got to the top, 3 on one gate...

.... and one on the other! See the volunteer is the only one wearing a life jacket! (They're all supposed to!)

We set off out of Sowerby Bridge, slowly in the shallow canal, already looking for somewhere to stop. 

This was so pretty, but so shallow by the banks we couldn't get anywhere near the sides

We wanted to find a place to stop away from everyone. We had a few 'musts' ie. lots of grass on the towpath, not under trees, no cyclists, somewhere we could get the boat in nice and close, good walks; all these stipulations were because we wanted to stay for a few days and do some painting. That all went out of the window when we found out 'beggars can't be choosers' and you have to take what you can!

Its so beautiful here, we're still following Netty Pig for now but still on the lookout for somewhere to stop

And around each corner it just keeps getting better and better!

The main road, the train line and the canal all follow the river valley, beyond that are the high hills and mountainous peaks of the Pennines, this is South Yorkshire at its best! The views are stunning, you feel like you're all sharing this little gateway through the high hills. It's very pretty, the canal seems about 18" lower than it should be, so it's pretty vital to stick to the middle for risk of grounding.

We get to our 4th lock and see this sign.... so we have to wait while Netty Pig goes through the lock alone

Paul goes to help and sets the lock for me to bring the boat in

After trying several times to pull over and discovering it was too shallow and rocky under the water surface we ploughed on through a few more locks until we got to Mytholmroyd, a small town about a mile before Hebden Bridge.

Looking back at this funny little bridge hole, so unlike all the others on this canal

We went up Broadbottom Lock and there was a bit of metal armaco just next to the lock mooring that seemed to have our name on it! We pulled over, got the boat up against the bank and tied up.

In Mytholmroyd we found somewhere to stop .... not perfect, but we're in against the side at least!

There was a really busy road right near us behind a stone wall, lots of traffic noise, especially sirens! But apart from that it was ok here.

View from over the wall...this temporarily calmed the traffic noise down....

You can see how near we were, no wonder it was noisy! The road, rail, river and canal all share the same valley!

We had wonderful and very high walks, rocky streams channel their way down the mountains through the woodlands and grassy sheep fields. 

We had wonderfully high walks up huge 'mountains' ....

.... and lovely paths through woodlands

And refreshingly cool streams for Jack to lap up

There were lots of people and cyclists enjoying the canal wandering the towpath but we could get on and do a bit of work. It was quite built up here so we didn't feel we should be running the genny to power the tools but still managed to do some much needed tarting up to the paintwork.

We had a very enjoyable few days here at Mytholmroyd but on Wednesday 22nd July we decided to set off for Hebden Bridge. It was a beautiful sunny day and after one last walk around my favourite ever walk up the hills we were off again.

We had one short tunnel, with a bend, one lock and one mile to do to get to Hebden Bridge

The shed says 'Welcome to Hebden Bridge, Mayroyd Moorings'.
They had gardens up very steep slopes, backing on to the very busy road!

Some had sheds built into the steep cutting.... the road is just above the top of the shed

We only had a short stretch to do, about a mile and one lock! 

This sign is on the main road as you approach Hebden Bridge

We soon arrived in Hebden Bridge and went to the water point to fill up with water and dump rubbish. 

Arriving in Hebden Bridge.... just around the corner is where we stop

Here we fill up with water and dump our rubbish

Then I had to reverse back down the canal to get us onto the 24 hr moorings.

There were no more places to get in on the 14 day spots, so we had planned to overstay! But luck was on our side. We got talking to a fellow boater and discovered they were leaving their spot on the 14 days and they would let us know when so we could go straight in and take their place!

We got our place on the 14 day mooring, right by a kids playpark and opposite a car park and busy road!

Soon enough they gave us the nod and we reversed again, finally we were sorted!

Hebden Bridge - we have arrived!

Looking up from Black Pit Lock near to where we moored the boat 

This has been the absolute highlight for us. We decided to stay here for two weeks, soaking in the atmosphere of this wonderful town set in a Yorkshire valley, mountains of the Pennines all around, one way in and one way out! The weather has been mainly sunny, odd cloudy day and one or two rainy days.

Paul did the mammoth trip down to Milton Keynes to get the car, we now had wheels to go and explore!

We've walked our socks off, explored up hill and down dale, eaten Thai food, Weatherspoons Sunday Roast, chips and ice creams a plenty. We walked up to the highest beach in England (1000ft above sea level) and swum in the fresh and clean rain water filled dam, known as Gaddings Dam. We've walked to Stoodley Pike, Hardcastle Craggs, through the beautiful village on the top of the mountain called Heptonstall. 
We've chatted to so many people, we've done our washing in the local laundrette, shopped in some of the most interesting little shops, and even visited our friends in Manchester for a great night, including full mid-week roast! Weve driven round the tightest hairpin bends, had the best views and window shopped till we dropped. Words really cannot describe to you what a lovely place this is so take a look at a tiny sample of our thousands of pictures! 

The Shoulder of Mutton pub where we had the most enormous 'to share' meal!

This was our meal to share....

.... we just couldn't manage those last few curly fries!

Get yer FREE bike wash ere!

Hippies in the park with solar powered music system! They're having a lovely time in the sun!

Bubblegum flavoured ice cream with bubblegum sauce and hundreds and thousands!

One of the many back streets where washing hangs across the back alley between houses

People all about enjoying the beauty of Hebden Bridge

Up the top, looking over to Heptonstall on the top across the valley. We also walked to the cliffs in the picture 

Looking down at Mytholmroyd from the top

Hebden Bridge in the valley below

This was a little tunnel built for walkers under a farmers track. They take walking seriously up here!

Another view looking down on Hebden Bridge

This famous bridge in Hebden Bridge was washed away in the 2012 flooding here. 

Something's going on here, this weird cloud formation just isn't right!

Walking up to Rakes Head, Stoodley Pike in the far distance.... we're going to get there one day soon!

Up at Rakes Head, what a view

That's one of our missions this week, to get to the viewing platform on Stoodley Pike

Jack's having a lovely time up here in the baron lands 

These windswept trees look windswept because its bloomin windy up here!

It's a long way up to Heptonstall Cliffs, also known as Hell Hole Cliffs

'Come on then, what ya doin down there mum?'

... and we kept climbing, and kept climbing... more and more stone steps lead the way

Our view from the top, looking over the valley below over to Stoodley Pike again. 

We got to the Heptonstall Cliffs and there was a bunch of nutters trying to climb them!

On our way over the top and down again, it's a steep drop down there

... and Jack's knackered once again! 

The way up to the highest beach in England, on foot, right to the top!

Looking down at the Shepherds Rest Inn, near to where we parked the car. We've already gone a long way....

.... but there's still further to go! Jack's always in the lead of us oldies!

.... and finally we make it, Gaddings Dam, the highest beach in England! 

Time for a swim... while Jack keeps a watchful eye on me!

And Paul catches some rays after his swim in the refreshing, clean and clear rain water

Jack sits it out in the sun, he's had a refreshing swim and now time to dry off

View to the beach... and what a view!

And we can see Stoodley Pike in the distance.... that's for another day

.... and we're on our way down now, towards the Shepherds Rest Inn

Looking back, we've just been there! Another group of people make their way up the steep climb

The Shepherds Rest, a pub in the middle of the Pennines

And on our way back to the boat, and there she is, standing tall and proud at the top of Stoodley Pike

Another view looking down on Hebden Bridge, can't get enough views!

We spend most of our time walking up steep climbs to the top of huge hills (mountains if you've lived in East Anglia!)

Steep drop down to your left Paul!

Haven't seen these size bails of hay, or a tractor like this for a while... takes me back!

A brilliant time had by all.... our visit to Tel and Fleezies house with our great friends from Manchester, and a full mid-week roast dinner! Thanks guys, we had an awesome time, and so did Jack!

On our way to Hardcastle Craggs, its a good long walk but so worth it

Jack cools off in the stream waiting for a stick to chase

Down the steps again to the river valley....

... which way now mum?

Its a balancing act following some parts of the footpath, but it makes it so interesting

Paul gingerly steps across the stream

Saw this notice on a wall at the old Gibson Mill

And this is Gibson Mill!

Little stream coming down the mountains

We saw this sign on one of our dog walks.... luckily the lambs weren't in the field, no one was shot!

Back in Hebden and the Vintage Rally taking place... this horse is ready for work pulling the trip boat along the canal

There were rows and rows of old shiny cars... and it rained most of the day

We walked to Todmordon and spotted this sign by a horses field, made us laugh!

Edible Todmordon.... edible fruit, veg and herbs are planted around the town for you to help yourselves

Celebrating Paul's new job, the Thai Restaurant in Hebden Bridge

We start on our journey up to Stoodley Pike...

On the way up, no sign yet....

Windy up here, oh, my hairs messed up.... hey ho!

We started from the bottom corner of Withens Clough Reservoir...

Stopping for some drink and sustenance before we start again, our epic climb

In sight now, Stoodley Pike stands proud and tall at the top of the mountain

Getting bigger as we make our way over dry moorlands....

.... and over dodgy ladders over walls

Jack waits patiently for me to do the old lady climb over yet another style

We're nearly there! 

Jack was first to reach the monument...

Paul at the top

'Made it mum! Look at the views!

View from the viewing platform looking down towards Todmorden and the valleys surrounding

Posing with the monument behind.... we got here and boy is it windy!

These lads race around the top like its flat land! Better here than in front of the computer!

On our way down we link up with the Pennine Way and go the long way round

Still going down....stunning

Sheep pose on these rocks, theyre dotted about on the tops of the mountains, few and far between

Seems like it's completely empty up here, silent from every noise, not even a bird sound, pure silence

Making our way back down the hills

... and through the woodlands

... till we get to the reservoir. Made it!

And still the stunning views are all around us!

Leaving the reservoir we made our way along some winding roads and spotted this dalmation having a rest on the parcel shelf!

We parked up at the White Horse pub and walked again, up, up and away into the hills again

Jacks still waiting for his old mum and dad to catch up with him

We get higher and see Manchester from the top... and another reservoir too!

Paul pauses to take it all in!

There's a long and winding road to the pub, with Manchester and Rochdale in the distance

More views while we're here!

Back on our way to the White Horse to get the car... not sure they do too much local trade here!

Out walking again on a different day, we decide to explore Heptonstall Moor... and purple heather!

On our way up the footpath to the fields of purple

Rolling hills and dry stone walls, just jaw dropping 

We've reached the purple heather! Yippee!

Choosing a path was the hardest decision here, so we went to the top!

Love it! Its beautiful, and we love it!

Jack scurries about amongst the heather

And back down we go now, following the signs

Patchwork fields in the distance, and even further is Stoodley Pike... can't get away from it!

The view from the other side of the heather mountain... another stunner

And back we go, more purple!

Did Eva Cassidy ever sing about 'Fields of Purple'. Well she should have done!
Love this desolate house high up in the mountain, empty but with some magic and some money ....

This is mine... all mine!

Jack's having so much fun... 

... back through the cobbled streets of Heptonstall, such a wonderful day out!

After our absolutely wonderful two weeks spent in Hebden Bridge it's now time to move on. We've had a great couple of weeks and explored everywhere we wanted to but mooring only allows 14 days, so we have to move on. Its exciting wondering what's around the corner, what the next day has in store for you. So tomorrow we leave for Todmorden, the canal's getting more and more locky, so its hard work just doing a few miles.....good night Hebden Bridge... we'll be back another day.

Good night Hebden Bridge, and thank you