Sowerby Bridge

The town and its canal basin grew up as an important transport centre from which goods from the local textile industry could be shipped east on the Calder Navigation to Hull and west on the Rochdale Canal to Manchester. It also became a key trans-shipment point between the two canals since the Calder & Hebble's locks could not accommodate the longer boats of the Rochdale.

Industrial and canal architecture at Sowerby Bridge
Today, both the basin and its surrounding area include numerous fine examples of 18th and 19th century industrial architecture, particularly in connection with the town's woollen mills and textile manufacturing industry, including the Sowerby Bridge Mills complex. The basin, in particular, retains much of its historic character and includes all the usual amenities required by boaters.

Tuel Lane Lock, to be found just to the west of Tuel Lane tunnel (114 yards) - itself immediately to the west of Sowerby Bridge Basin - is the deepest lock on the canal network at a shade under 19 feet.

Out and about from Sowerby Bridge
Just west of Sowerby Bridge is the ancient hilltop village of Sowerby itself – a medieval centre of textile making.

The thirty-three miles and 92 locks of the Rochdale Canal are paralleled by the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Company line, which is still very much operational today, meaning it is possible to walk or cycle sections of the canal, and easily return by rail.