BarnoldswickThree canals cross the Pennines, each with its own character, but all showing the determination of two centuries ago to get goods moving across the hills and build prosperity. Today you can see their history all around as you travel, but also how the West Riding is adapting to 21st century life. Our base at Lower Park Marina is ideally situated for exploring all the northern waterways.
Suggested Routes:We have routes to suit all levels of experience from newcomers to those who have been boating for decades. Choose from:
Short breaks 3 & 4 night holidays
Out & Back 7 night holidays
Longer trips 14 nights
The ultimate in slowing down: take this route if you just want to switch off. Set off through Barnoldswick, a Yorkshire town summarily transferred (stone by stone?) to Lancashire in 1974, then we’ll escort you through the three locks at Greenberfield. Stop at the Cross Keys at East Marton and enjoy a good meal in lively company. Next day, set off into one of the remotest and most beautiful places anywhere on the canals, with sheep and birds in all directions. Turn before Bank Newton, and go back past the boatyard to Foulridge. Travel through the mysterious tunnel and turn before the top of Barrowford, before making your way back. Don’t miss the Abbot’s Harbour at East Marton, the Anchor at Salterforth or Café Cargo at Foulridge.
This route winds along the contours on the side of Airedale, with extensive views of sheep country, and stone growing out of the landscape – farmhouses, barns, stone walls in all directions and the occasional village or small town. At Greenberfield, you leave the summit level, and paradoxically pass into the wildest scenery, where you could moor for days with no human contact but the occasional passing boat, walker or cyclist. Across the valley, you may see a boat behind a stone wall, apparently heading in the same direction as you on a parallel canal – only to find that you meet on a hairpin bend, and pass. Then the Bank Newton flight leads you round and down into Gargrave, an unspoilt canal village with shops and a great choice of places to eat and drink – our favourite is the Masons Arms. Turn and moor above Higherland Lock before heading back.
Go down to the bottom of the Gargrave flight (see above). From here it’s level all the way to Skipton, with views of the hills and lots of swing bridges. Quite suddenly, you are in Skipton, and can moor right in the centre of town. Explore the castle, cattle and street markets and shops, before turning to head back. Most would find this too demanding for a weekend, but it makes a very fulfilling midweek break.
This route winds along the contours on the side of Airedale, with extensive views of sheep country, and stone growing out of the landscape – farmhouses, barns, stone walls in all directions and the occasional village or small town. At Greenberfield, you leave the summit level, and paradoxically pass into wilder scenery, where you could moor for days with no human contact but the occasional passing boat, walker or cyclist. Across the valley, you may see a boat behind a stone wall, apparently heading in the same direction as you on a parallel canal – only to find that you meet on a hairpin bend, and pass. Then the Bank Newton flight leads you round and down into Gargrave, an unspoilt canal village. From here it’s level all the way to Skipton, with views of the hills and lots of swing bridges. Quite suddenly, you are in Skipton, and can moor right in the centre of town. Explore the castle, cattle and street markets and shops, before turning to head back.
Bingley 58 miles 30 locks 30 hours
Head for Skipton (see above), then carry on along the side of the Aire Valley, with extensive views through the trees. Pass through the romantic village of Kildwick, clinging to the hillside with the canal going placidly through the middle. Silsden is a bigger town, with shops and eating places. Keighley Golf Course has astonishing rhododendrons in May. Moor at Bridge 197A and walk down to East Riddlesden Hall NT, a 17th century manor house with fine garden; or get a bus to Keighley Station, and take the steam train (of Railway Children fame) to Haworth, and walk up the steep hill to the Bronte Parsonage. Turn at the top of the Five Rise.
From the top of Bingley (see above), pass down the Five Rise, the first of several staircases – the most dramatic sort of lock. Soon you arrive in the World Heritage Site of Saltaire, Sir Titus Salt’s Italianate mills and model town founded on the wool of the alpaca. See the streets named after his eleven children, and find his statue in the nearby park. There’s also a splendid display of Hockneys – he is a Bradford lad. Turn after Bridge 218.
Rishton 47 miles 14 locks 20 hours
Plunge straight into Foulridge Tunnel, and then drop down Barrowford Locks onto the level you will stay with for 20 miles. Sail above Burnley’s rooftops on its embankment, one of the Seven Wonders of the waterways. Stop to visit the Weavers’ Triangle, full of textile history. Regain more open scenery, and carry on through Church and Rishton. Turn after Bridge 106A. This trip has fairly long urban stretches as well as views of the (Lancashire) Calder valley and Pendle Hill, and is full of industrial history and other interest.
Wigan 90 miles 40 locks 40 hours
A journey entirely in Lancashire, this is ambitious but rewarding for experienced boaters. After Rishton (see above), carry on through Blackburn. At the bottom of Johnson’s Hillock flight you pass a never-completed link to the Lancaster Canal. Carry on along the contour above the River Douglas, till you arrive at the top of Wigan. Take a bus into this interesting town with excellent shops and covered market, but the passage down the flight is for another time....
If you are looking for a short break (3 or 4 nights), you have a good
choice
from Sowerby Bridge. Please search again,
specifying Weekend or Midweek Break, and look out for boats under
Location: Sowerby Bridge.
We offer a wide range of boats and routes from our main base in
Sowerby Bridge. Please search again,
specifying Week, and look out for boats under Location: Sowerby Bridge.
We also offer you a choice of three one-way trips: by the Leeds & Liverpool,
by the Huddersfield Narrow, or by the Rochdale. All provide
unforgettable journeys across the Pennines, and are suitable only for
experienced crews. One way trips are available only on selected boats.
For the Leeds & Liverpool, look under Location: Sowerby Bridge/Barnoldswick for Dorset (4+2 berth) and Gloucester (4+2 or 6+2 berth).
For the Rochdale and Huddersfield Narrow, look under Location: Sowerby Bridge/Ashton for Cornwall (4+2 berth).