Boating along the Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal is now taking its place as a deservedly popular cruising route. The Pennine scenery makes for exhilarating boating, and with its broad locks and open aspect, the canal makes a terrific contrast to its neighbour the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Amongst its many (92) locks, one of the canal's landmarks is the Tuel Lane Deep Lock. Road improvements in Sowerby Bridge at the eastern end of the canal, necessitated combining the original locks 3 and 4 into one cavernous structure with an impressive 20ft rise. Passage for boaters is assisted by a lock-keeper (07717 348258) who is available seven days a week between 8am and 5pm. Do not enter the tunnel below the lock without checking first with the lock-keeper.

Passage through the 'Manchester 18' locks, from the suburbs of Manchester into the city centre at Dale Street, must be booked in advance with British Waterways. Again, staff will help you through this section.

The nine locks through central Manchester were never closed, from the junction with the Ashton Canal at Dale Street, to the junction with the Bridgewater Canal at Castlefield. They form an essential part of the Cheshire Ring. A separate toll is no longer levied for this section.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.