--- In [email protected], "PHILIP H" <p.haslin...@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone have any experiences of boating (or otherwise) on the Rochdale
> Canal? I am a relative newcomer to boating on the Canals although I enjoy
> wildlife and about 15 years ago went for holidays with my parents and one of
> my cousins on the Norfolk Broads. We enjoyed them tremendously.
> Thank you,
> Philip (UK)
>
Perhaps I am biased - as I live at the eastern end of the Rochdale, near to the
canal, at Sowerby Bridge - but I would thoroughly recommend a trip on the
Rochdale. Alongside the beautiful rolling Pennine countryside, the canal also
travels through many interesting towns en route - often quaint, steeped in
history and with interesting industrial architecture, often clinging to the
sides of very steep hills. There's also the interest of having the deepest Lock
on an inland waterway in Britain (with 'reet friendly' Yorkshire Lock-keepers
to guide you through!), the highest Broad Canal in the country, and the highest
Broad Lock at the Summit. Plus there are excellent hostelries/ eateries
canal-side at most, if not all of the usual stopping points on the eastern
side. 2 Hire Boat companies at this end, if you don't have your own boat.
I spend a lot of time walking the towpaths and photographing on and around the
Rochdale (just got back from walking about 8 miles total to be with horseboat
'Elland' today!), and get to talk to alot of boaters as a result, particularly
on the hire boats. Given that the latter are often first-timers, and therefore
might be expected to experience the odd difficulty, I don't tend to hear
complaints - only how much people have enjoyed their holiday.
Thoroughly recommended, and still time to do it this year! September/ October,
as well as early Spring, can produce some particularly beautiful colours.
Diane
