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It’s far from grim up north


The temporary partial closure of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has bought out the resilient side of hire boat companies and holiday-makers alike. Not one holiday has been cancelled and those due to take a canal holiday up north this summer are in for a real treat.

Although 60 miles of canal have had to close, due to the worst drought conditions we have seen in 100 years, there’s still 2,140 miles of canal navigation left to enjoy and much of this is in the north of the country.

To take advantage of this, hire boat companies with businesses on the affected stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal have relocated for the summer. The 60 mile closure, while temporary, means holiday makers will be exploring and discovering other areas of the north’s canals and navigations and there’s plenty for them to enjoy.

Rewarding experience

From the tranquillity and huge skies of the Selby Canal to the lofty heights of the Rochdale Canal, taking a canal boat holiday in the north of the country is a rewarding experience.

The Lancaster Canal is a great option for those who like cruising without being held up by locks. With 41 miles of lock free navigation, the Lancaster Canal is renowned for being one of the most scenic canals on the network and boasts the magnificent Lune Aqueduct.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is where you’ll find Standedge Tunnel, the country’s longest Canal Tunnel. This 20-mile stretch of canal takes in peaceful countryside, quaint villages and bustling cities with rewarding views around every corner.

The Rochdale Canal is one for those who enjoy taking their boat through locks. Being the highest canal in the country affords this canal unbeatable views. Connecting the centre of Manchester to the Calder & Hebble Navigation the Rochdale Canal is a great way to cross the Pennines and takes in fascinating towns like Sowerby Bridge.

Interesting and varied holiday location

We can’t afford to forget the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. 60 miles of it may be shut but that still leaves 67 miles to be enjoyed with the unaffected stretches being home to some of the country’s premier tourist attractions. Bingley Five Rise is an engineering masterpiece not to be missed and Skipton, Keighly and Saltaire show why Yorkshire makes such an interesting and varied holiday destination.

We couldn’t possibly list everything that the canals and rivers in the north have to offer in one feature. To help you out, Waterscape is full of information about places to go, events and information about the waterways to help you get the most from you time by the waterways.

To book your boating holiday in the north contact any of these companies or take a look at our guide to canal holidays for more information:

Hire boats
Canal Boat Escapes
Hapton Valley Boats
CanalBoat Cruises
Shire Cruisers
Rosewood Narrowboats
Silsden Boats

Hotel boats
The Lady Teal

Trip boats
Foulridge Canal Cruises

Last updated: 05/08/2010

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