Day Boat Hire
Bronte Boats
New Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 8AD.
Day Boat Hire
#1 Rated Attraction on the Rochdale Canal and Calder & Hebble Navigation
Attractions on the Rochdale Canal and Calder & Hebble Navigation
The Rochdale Canal and Calder & Hebble Navigation are two important waterways in northern England, forming a key link across the Pennines between Manchester and the Yorkshire town of Sowerby Bridge. The Rochdale Canal, opened in 1804, was the first trans-Pennine canal, renowned for its challenging flight of locks and dramatic scenery as it climbs through moorlands and valleys. At Sowerby Bridge, it connects with the Calder & Hebble Navigation—a canalized river route completed in the late 18th century to facilitate the transport of wool, coal, and other goods through West Yorkshire. Today, these waterways are popular with boaters, walkers, and cyclists, offering a scenic and historic route through vibrant cities, market towns, and picturesque countryside, as well as access to a rich heritage of locks, aqueducts, and canal-side pubs.
Britain’s 4,700 miles of canals and rivers are lined with historic pubs, castles, and engineering marvels. Visitors can enjoy canalside pubs like the Admiral Nelson and The Turf Hotel, explore castles such as Beeston and Chirk, and see attractions like the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Anderton Boat Lift, and National Waterways Museums. Day boat hire is widely available, and guided cruises offer relaxing ways to discover the canals’ heritage and scenery.
Rochdale Canal and Calder & Hebble Navigation's Best Attractions in 2026