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 Please Note. This Route is unfortunately not available until June 2006.
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 (click www.manchester.com  for details). Finally, follow the Ashton to base.
Navigation notes: You require an active crew; the Rochdale 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).
The western half of the Rochdale was only recently reopened, and you should be prepared for delays, particularly if traffic is heavy. Some of the locks can be hard work. We will reserve passage between Locks 66 and 83 (available only for a limited number of boats each morning). We will give further details in the Notes posted to you in good time before your holiday.
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 here for security. 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 Somerset or Westmorland. Monday start. You must tell us on your booking form that you wish to go via Rochdale.