Opened in 1804, the Rochdale Canal was Britain’s first trans-Pennine canal; it is 32 miles long, has 91 locks rising 600 feet and winds through historic market towns, industrial cityscapes and stunning upland landscapes.
Barges on the busy canal carried coal, wool, cotton, grain, cement, salt and timber between Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The development of railways and road transport led to a dramatic reduction in barge cargo and the canal was officially abandoned in 1952.
In the latter half of the 20th century, sections became derelict, filled-in, bridges lowered and the M62 motorway built across its line.
Restoration began in the mid-70s when a few enthusiasts formed the Rochdale Canal Society; work included the creation of a new channel under the M62, a new canal tunnel under the A627(M) roundabout, 12 new road bridges and the refurbishment of 24 locks.
It re-opened to boats in 2002.
This website is a gallery of over 500 photos I took from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester taken from the towpath and bridges over the canal.
To read more about the canal visit the Canal & River Trust website at:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/rochdale-canal