Hebden Bridge.

4 Locks, 3 ½ Miles,1 Tunnel. Now moored at Hebden Bridge.

There was light drizzle in the air as we set off this morning. Stuart and Yvonne were going to tag along to Hebden Bridge before returning towards Sowerby bridge. By the time we had done 3 locks and reached the old Clog Mill by bridge 14 Stuart decided that because of the weather it would be prudent to wind and start heading back otherwise he could run short of time. Luck was on his side because we had no sooner winded him for his return journey when another hire boat from the same company came around the corner and they were more than happy to team up. Bang went Stuart’s lunch break, it was going to be a case of lunch on the run but at least they had a boat to lock through with who had plenty of crew members to help.

This used to be basement housing for the canal navvies. There was a house above this.

We only did one more lock which we shared with the BW tug that was returning to Hebden Bridge. We spoke to the BW guy about so many locks only having one paddle gear on the top gates and he told us that they were all being overhauled but by leaving one paddle gear operational at least boaters could still get through.

The old Croft Mill now flash apartments.  Hebden Bridge, Rochdale Canal.

After lunch we went for a walk into this fascinating Pennine town with it’s narrow cobbled streets, alleyway’s and buildings dating back to the 19th century. As we are close to the railway station a visit there was a must and a pleasant surprise it was. 

This shop had all the old window dressing of the early 1900's with more up to date stock inside. Hebden Bridge, Rochdale Canal.

Urban District Council 1898. Hebden Bridge, Rochdale Canal. Black doors on the right are the original fire station.

Getting back to the Clog factory which was still in production up until somewhere around the 1980’s, Stuart used to wear Clogs as a child as did most people around the Pennines.

Stairway to Heaven. Hebden Bridge, Rochdale Canal.

1880 locks, 3784 ½ miles, 70 tunnels, 127 swing bridges and 53 lift bridges since Nov 2006