Rochdale Canal: one way boat hire

ONE WAY TRIP via ROCHDALE CANAL

This shows some of the things you will see when you go on a one-way trip via the Rochdale Canal.

24. Rochdale Pioneers. 38 miles 100 locks 40 hours
Leaving our historic canal basin, your journey begins with the excitement of a new tunnel and the deepest lock in the country. The canal gradually climbs through woods, fields and small stone towns to Hebden Bridge. This old mill town nestles in a fork in the hills, houses piled tier upon tier. Hebden has excellent shops and is full of surprises – everything from horsey clothing to hand-made pottery. Untie, and go on up the valley, its sides closing in with crags and trees and views of the moors high above. A stream runs alongside, and the locks are set among woods or stone cottages. The Pennine Way crosses at Callis.
So to Todmorden, completely untouristy yet with much to enjoy – fine Victorian buildings, especially the Town Hall, a lively market and many places to eat and drink, all dominated by a curving railway viaduct. From here the going gets serious – more Alpine than Pennine. Another 18 locks in just three miles bring you breathless but exhilarated to the summit, at 600' the second highest you can scale in England. You will have earned a drink at the Summit Inn.
From here, you drop down into Littleborough. Pass Clegg Hall, a Grade 1 listed ruin. Soon you come to Rochdale itself, where some of the biggest restoration projects have been tackled, including the M62, which for so long seemed permanently to block the canal. Now you go under it by a short but ingenious deviation of the canal. Then descend through town and country, transformed by the restoration of the canal, right to the centre of Manchester. Pubs and restaurants welcome boaters, and the city is full of life and things to do. Finally, follow the Ashton to base.
Navigation notes: You require an active crew; the Rochdale Canal has many wide locks. At least one of the crew must have adequate experience (you need to know how to pace yourselves, and we may not be able to give lock instruction to those who chance to start from Ashton).
This journey is recommended for experienced crews only. The  western half of the Rochdale Canal is not yet in as good condition as other canals and you may experience difficulty or delays. Some of the locks can be hard work. Passage between Locks 66 and 81 must be pre-booked with Canal & River Trust (British Waterways) (01782 785703) and is available only for a limited number of boats each morning (except Wednesdays). Passage between Locks 36 and 37 (the summit) must also be booked (7 days). We will give further details in the Route Companion posted to you in good time before your holiday. You must tell us at the time of booking that you intend to do this route.
Transfer arrangements for Ashton:
Your direction of travel will be advised the week before you start. It depends on that taken by previous crews. Your Information Pack has all details for both directions.
You will come first to Sowerby Bridge whichever way the boat is going. All cars are parked at Sowerby Bridge - we have no parking at Ashton. The easy 20-mile transfer by minibus or taxi to or from Ashton will accordingly be at either the beginning (for the whole party) or the end (for the whole party or just the drivers) of your holiday. Cost about £40. Full information is sent to you in good time and details are discussed with you. Those travelling entirely by train can get to Ashton (Guide Bridge station) and Sowerby Bridge from main line trains at Manchester or Preston.
This one-way trip is available only on Cornwall. Monday start. You must tell us at the time of booking that you intend to travel via Rochdale.