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Running between Manchester and West Yorkshire, the Rochdale Canal opened between Sowerby Bridge and Salford by1804. It was an important artery for the transport of goods between Lancashire and Yorkshire until the early twentieth century, then it succumbed to competition from the parallel railway. Recently derelict between Manchester and Littleborough, it was reopened for navigation on 1st July 2002. Unfortunately the reopened section was closed again in Summer 2003 as some of the locks were considered to be unsafe. Since being re-opend again, it has been closed from time to time due to leaks and other problems
The former derelict section was a haven for wild life - coots, moorhens, ducks, geese etc and is used as a venue for local angling societies.
For a virtual cruise along The Rochdale Canal, click Here
The reopening entailed the opening up of culverted sections, the reconstruction of bridges and a diversion where it passes under a motorway roundabout. To see before and after pictures clickHere
The canal uses a system of locks to climb over the Pennine Hills. Hollingworth Lake, above, was built to supply water for the operation of the locks The tow path, built to enable horses to pull the canal boats, is available for walks.
Pictures of the derelict section of the Rochdale Canal from both sides of Clegg Hall bridge, taken before reopening .
Pictures after refurbishment look like this:-
The old mill no longer looks like this, as it was burned down in 2003.
Canal boat at Clegg Hall bridge August 2002.
Canal boat passing through the swing bridge at Little Clegg.
Anglers on the Rochdale Canal at Walsden.
To see how locks work and a picture of a famous flight of locks in England click Here
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