Walking along the Rochdale Canal

The canal climbing the steep sided Calder valley from Todmorden to Walsden, showing the two lower locks of the Gauxholme flight of three locks. © www.penninewaterways.co.uk

The Rochdale Canal towpath provides perhaps the easiest way to walk the Pennine Hills. Its relaxed gradient enables you to penetrate deep into the heart of the hills without donning full hill-walking gear. For the more ambitious walker, the canal crosses the famous Pennine Way.

There is a towpath for the entire length of the canal, though you will have to follow a short diversion where the canal goes under the M62 motorway. There are frequent bus and rail services: the railway from Manchester Victoria to Sowerby Bridge (and on to Leeds) follows the canal closely, with frequent stops on local trains.

A number of important waymarked walking trails cross the canal, including the Pennine Bridleway (also suitable for horse rides and cyclists), Todmorden Centenary Way and Oldham Way.

Walking routes

Towpath Stoppages

16 Jan 2012 - 11 Mar 2012

Towpath Closure only: Between Kinhurst Bridge 28 and Woodhouse Bridge 27

Associated Regional Office: Manchester & Pennine Waterways

To facilitate installation of new overflow weir by the Environment Agency as part of their larger Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Tow Path will be completely closed during this time – please use alternative route, signed on site.
British Waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused.

(Enquiries: 01782 785703)