The Rochdale Canal

After the excitement of the new tunnel and lock the new canal gradually climbs through woods, fields and small stone towns to Hebden Bridge.

This old mill town nestles in a fork in the hills, houses piled tier upon tier. Now well known as a tourist centre, Hebden has excellent shops and is full of surprises - everything from horsey clothing to hand made glass. Untie, and go on up the valley, its sides closing in with crags and trees and views of the moors high above. A stream runs alongside, and the locks are set among woods or stone cottages.

The Pennine Way crosses at Callis. So to Todmorden, completely untouristy yet with much to enjoy - fine Victorian buildings especially the Town Hall, a lively market and many places to eat and drink, all dominated by a magnificent railway viaduct.

From here the going gets serious - more Alpine then Pennine. Another 18 locks in just three miles bring you breathless but exhilarated to the summit, at 600’ the highest you can scale in England. Pause for refreshment at the Summit Inn, before dropping down to Littleborough, definitely in Lancashire and the end of the line for now. One day , the link will be made with the other end of the Rochdale Canal, in Manchester.