Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal is a waterway that runs about 33 miles from Manchester to Sowerby Bridge in the north. It has 91 locks spaced along the route to help boats rise and fall as the water level changes across the landscape.

The canal was built between 1794 and 1804 as the first shipping route to cross the Pennines mountains. It allowed cotton, wool, coal, and timber to move between Manchester and northern regions, supporting the industries that grew in these areas.

The waterway's banks reveal industrial-era structures, mills, and bridges that shaped the towns along its path. People now use it as a place to walk, cycle, and spend time outdoors, turning a commercial route into a community space.

Boating requires lock experience since navigating through numerous chambers takes concentration and proper technique. Walking and cycling paths run alongside the waterway, with parking and facilities available in the larger towns along the route.

The waterway relies on a system of reservoirs like Blackstone Edge and Hollingworth Lake upstream to store water. Without these storage areas, the numerous locks would not have enough water to function properly throughout the year.

GPS coordinates: 53.70970,-1.90870

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08