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Littleborough

Potato Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester

Littleborough came into prominence as a wool and cotton-weaving centre during the Industrial Revolution but has always had an important position as the junction of two ancient turn-pike trading routes. The coming of the canal and railway only increased its role as a transport hub.

Here the Rochdale Canal travels over the impressive open Pennine Moors where it once had no less than eight feeder reservoirs; today it is fed by only two, Chelburn and Hollingworth Lake. During Victorian times, the Lake became known as the 'Weighvers Seaport'. Entertainment was provided by a number of hotels and outdoor dancing stages, a roller skating rink, 'steam horses'; as well as regular steamer trips across the Lake.

Today, Hollingworth Lake attracts many visitors who enjoy walking, water-based activities and events such as the annual Easter Fair and Summer Special Gala in August. Nearby is the Swing Cottage Craft Studio that sells local high-quality craft goods with a tea-room and B&B.

Days out in Littleborough
Littleborough is built of local stone and has many fine buildings including the unusual circular Wheatsheaf building, the Coach House Heritage Centre and the old Falcon Inn. Close by are Blackstone Edge and the Roman Road, part of the Pennine Way. Blackstone Edge is a sombre escarpment of dark, millstone grit with panoramic views to the valleys below. A unique paved ancient trackway probably originating from Roman times, plus the Aiggin Stone and packhorse routes are all found here. The Moorcock Inn and the White House Inn on Blackstone Edge are good places to relax after exploring the area.

The Summit
The Summit is the highest point of the canal, 601 feet above sea level, with stunning views over a valley created by glacial melt-water during the Ice Age. The Summit pound is 7ft deep and acts as a mini-reservoir, holding the extra water necessary to fill the descending locks. Here you can also find the one and half mile Summit Tunnel the world's first major railway tunnel, built in 1839 by the great railway pioneer George Stephenson.

The descent to Todmorden offers exhilarating views down the valley. Just before you approach Todmorden you will see the magnificent 18-arch stone castellated viaduct over the canal at Gauxholme.