~Littleborough to Todmorden~
25th August 2013
The Rochdale Canal
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Littleborough Railway Station
We caught the train from Todmorden to Littleborough with the aim of walking back to the car along the Rochdale Canal. Level? Well we did reach the summit!
Ealees
Just past the first of many locks, terraced houses in the hamlet of Ealees are well reflected in the still waters of the canal. All the following photos contain the same stretch of water, so I won't bother writing "Rochdale Canal" under each one!
 |
 |
 |
 |
Canal Views
<<< The Rochdale Canal is a navigable broad canal and is routed between Manchester and Sowerby Bridge.
The Rochdale is a called a broad canal because its locks are wide enough to allow vessels of 14 feet width. >>> edited, from Wikipedia
I have walked between Todmorden and Sowerby Bridge on previous occasions, this stretch is new to me.
Canalside Mills
The mills in this area are occupied by Fothergill Engineered Fabrics, they manufacture all sorts of highly technical clothing for military use, as well as coated conveyor belts for industrial applications.
One of the Many Locks
Rock Nook Mill
The original home of Fothergill & Harvey, now disused and in disrepair. Perhaps sought-after homes in years to come?
 |
 |
More of the Same
The pylons are part of the same "march" I saw on my recent Stoodley Pike walk.
Summit Pub
The village of Summit is, unsurprisingly, at the top of the pass between Littleborough and Todmorden. At 600ft above sea level, the "summit pound" of the Rochdale Canal has a proud boast:
 |
 |
Longlees Lock |
Wild Flower |
The rest of the walk is now downhill towards Walsden and Todmorden.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
More Canal Views
Gauxholme Viaduct
Horticultural interests and a little tentmanship in the vicinity of Gauxholme Viaduct.
Lock Ratchet
Lock 22 and The Gauxholme Viaduct
More of the railway viaduct and a photographer examines his shots. Note the arch, supporting hangers which carry the deck of the bridge.
Approaching Todmorden
As we near the end of the walk, we encounter the unfeasibly long and tall, brick retaining wall.
Todmorden Town Hall
Walkers: Karen and Me
Route: Littleborough to Todmorden along the Rochdale Canal
Time taken: 3 hours over a distance of about 6 miles.
Weather: Pleasant with sunny intervals and warm throughout.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2013 ©
Take me back to the start ....