Welcome to Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal is a waterway that runs through the county of Lancashire in the north of England. It was opened in 1804 and was designed to connect the towns of Manchester and Rochdale, providing a vital transport link for the textile industry in the region. The canal is 32 miles long and passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in the area, including the Pennine hills.

The Rochdale Canal was a major engineering feat when it was built, with 92 locks and several aqueducts and tunnels. It was a vital transport link for the textile industry in the region, allowing raw materials to be transported to the mills and finished goods to be transported to markets across the country. The canal was also used to transport coal, which was essential for powering the mills. Today, the canal is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and boaters, with many people enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the chance to explore the history of the area.

The Rochdale Canal has had a chequered history, with periods of decline and neglect followed by periods of restoration and renewal. In the 1960s, the canal was closed to navigation and fell into disrepair, with many sections becoming overgrown and unusable. However, in the 1990s, a major restoration project was undertaken, which saw the canal reopened to navigation and many of the locks and other structures restored to their former glory. Today, the Rochdale Canal is a thriving waterway, with many people enjoying the chance to explore this historic and beautiful part of Lancashire.