An Urban Escape on the Rochdale Canal

The Rochdale Canal offers a peaceful, flat, and easy walk, even through the urban sprawl of Sowerby Bridge. This 1-mile stretch from Rose Grove Bridge (3) to Tower Hill Bridge (1A) is a perfect escape, taking you through some of the canal's most interesting features.

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From Rose Grove to the Tunnel

Our journey begins at Rose Grove Bridge, a classic stone-arched bridge that feels a world away from the town's bustle. The path is a tranquil, tree-lined track with the canal running alongside. The water here is calm, reflecting the trees and sky beautifully, creating a sense of peace. As you walk, you'll hear the gentle sounds of nature and the lapping of water, a calming soundtrack for your stroll.

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The Hollins Tunnel

After a short walk, the path leads to the Hollins Tunnel, also known as the Cemetery Tunnel. This is an incredible sight, with its moss-covered stone archway providing a dramatic entrance. The tunnel is a feat of engineering, and a walk through it feels like stepping back in time. The reflection of the tunnel's mouth on the still water inside is a remarkable sight, highlighting the symmetry and craftsmanship of its construction.

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The Final Stretch

Once you emerge from the tunnel, the canal curves towards Sowerby Bridge. The path becomes more open, offering glimpses of the town's historic buildings and the impressive hillside landscape. You'll pass under the Co-Op Bridge, an old railway bridge with a modern twist, and finally, arrive at Tower Hill Bridge (1A).

This final section is especially interesting as it marks a point of historical change. The Rochdale Canal, once a bustling commercial waterway, was infilled here in 1952. The waterway was effectively cut off at Tower Hill Bridge, and this part of the canal now connects to the Tuel Lane Tunnel, which opened as part of the canal's restoration. This restoration and reconnection of the Rochdale Canal have allowed this scenic path to be enjoyed by walkers and nature lovers once again.

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These two pictures show both sides of Bridge 3 High Royd.

These two pictures show the stretch of Canal towpath between Rose Grove, High Royd Bridge and Hollins Tunnel.

Inside Hollins Tunnel.

Hollins Tunnel entrance on the Sowerby Bridge side.

The canal curbing towards Sowerby Bridge, the Co-Op bridge visible crossing over the canal. The bridge provides access to Hollins Mill Lane from the Industrial Road area of Sowerby Bridge, but does not give any access to the canal.

The canal underneath Bridge 1A. In 1952 the canal was infilled from just beyond the arch, the bridge was also known as Tuel Lane Bridge until the road that crossed over it was rerouted and then it was changed to Tower Hill Bridge. The tower block is Ladstone Towers, built when large areas of low quality housing around the area was demolished in the mid 1960's.

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