Moorings on the Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal is one of three trans-Pennine waterways and arguably the most demanding, climbing 33 kilometres across the Pennines between central Manchester and Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire through 91 locks. Restored at huge cost and reopened in full in 2002, the Rochdale crosses the watershed at Summit Pound — the highest broad-beam canal summit in England — and passes through the dramatic mill towns of Littleborough, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden along the way. For boat owners, the Rochdale offers true Pennine cruising: stone bridges, gritstone moors, terraced cotton mills and some of the most photogenic canal towns anywhere in the country. Hebden Bridge in particular has become a destination liveaboard mooring, with a vibrant arts community, independent shops and a strong canal culture. Long-stay moorings are available at Hebden Bridge Marina, Sowerby Bridge Wharf, Slattocks and central Manchester at Castlefield. The canal forms part of the South Pennine Ring and the Pennine Triangle, popular long-distance cruising routes. The catch is the lock count and Manchester's demanding urban locks (the 'Rochdale Nine' through the city centre are a serious workout). Boats are best limited to around 21 metres long for full transit. Rail at Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Manchester Victoria gives the Rochdale unusually good escape options for a Pennine waterway.