From Lock 1 to Hollins Tunnel: The Rochdale Canal

 The Rochdale Canal, a historic waterway winding its way through the picturesque landscapes of northern England, offers a tranquil escape for boaters and nature enthusiasts alike. This blog post will delve into the enchanting stretch of the canal from Lock 1 to Hollins Tunnel.

A Glimpse into History

The Rochdale Canal, completed in 1804, was a marvel of 18th-century engineering. Its construction revolutionized transportation and trade in the region. It was closed to navigation in 1952. Today, the canal serves as a popular leisure destination, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Lock 1 to Sowerby Bridge

The journey begins at Lock 1, Sowerby Bridge lower alongside the canal wharf. Passing through Lock 2 and the newly restored section from here to Bridge 1a Tower Hill. This section was infilled in the 1950's and a new road and car park were built over what was locks 3 and 4. This section of canal was restored in 1996 when Locks 3 - 4 were were replaced by Tuel Lane Lock and Tunnel, the deepest inland lock in the United Kingdom making possible the first full length navigation of the Rochdale Canal since 1937.

Sowerby Bridge: A Canalside Gem

Sowerby Bridge, a vibrant town nestled along the canal, is a highlight of the journey. The town's historic buildings, charming shops, and bustling market square offer a glimpse into its rich heritage. The canalside path is ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides, providing stunning views of the canal and the surrounding countryside.

The Enigmatic Hollins Tunnel

The journey culminates at Hollins Tunnel, a short tunnel through the hillside. Constructed in the early 19th century, the tunnel was a significant engineering feat of its time. Today, it remains a fascinating relic of the industrial age still accessible by pedestrians, cyclists and boats despite being over 200 years old.

A Peaceful Retreat

Whether you're a seasoned boater or a casual visitor, the Rochdale Canal offers a truly unforgettable experience. The serene beauty of the canal, combined with the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, make it a must-visit destination. So, why not embark on a journey along this historic waterway and discover the magic of the Rochdale Canal for yourself.

The pictures below were taken in November 2013 with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, clicking any of them will open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography Zazzle store where merchandise featuring my images can be purchased.

I decided to give them a monochrome look to compensate for the Samsung Galaxy colours looking washed out.

Lock 1 Sowerby Bridge Lower, Sits on the edge of the canal basin, where the Rochdale Canal and Calder and Hebble Navigation meet.

Another of Lock 1, Lock 2 can be seen a short distance away.

Lock 2, Sowerby Bridge upper with the entrance to Tuel Lane Tunnel beyond. Growing up min the 1980's the area beyond the far locks gates was infilled and a grass embankment was in it's place.

Lock 3/4 Tuel Lane, the deepest canal lock in the United Kingdom at a depth of 19feet 8.5inches.

Bridge 1a Tower Hill Bridge, from the 1950's until the canal was re-opened in 1996 the canal terminated just the other side of the bridge, the section towards me forming part of a car park.

Co-op Bridge over the canal is thought to be at least 150 years old. It provided access from the nearby terrace housing to the mills down the valley. The canal tow path can not be accessed from the bridge.

The entrance to Hollins Tunnel.

Inside Hollins Tunnel, another memory from a distant past is walking through the dark tunnel for what felt like an age from 1 side to the other. With no lighting it was always a difficult walk in the darker winter months, I remember their was a hole on the footpath that was always difficult to avoid, I imagine if it was still their now many a cyclist and pedestrian would have got wet.

The images displayed here are in a 900 x 600 x 150 resolution, all pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Please take a moment to check out my other stores on Zazzle, and Photo4Me profile via the links below,

Zazzle's editing tools and multiple merchandise options allow you to find exactly the product you are looking for.

Discover the beauty of Portinatx, Ibiza, through my Zazzle collection.

Ibiza, the sun-kissed jewel of the Mediterranean, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. However, beyond the party scene, the island offers hidden gems like Portinatx, a tranquil coastal paradise.

A Serene Escape

Portinatx, nestled on the northern tip of Ibiza, is a haven of peace and tranquility. Its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and picturesque coves make it an ideal destination for relaxation and water sports. Whether you're seeking a leisurely swim, a thrilling boat trip, or simply a moment of solitude, Portinatx has it all.

Capturing the Essence of Portinatx

To commemorate my unforgettable experiences in Portinatx, I've curated a collection of Zazzle products that capture the essence of this idyllic location, my collection showcases the beauty of Portinatx in various forms:

Personalize any of these images onto a wide range of products or transfer them to your preferred items. Zazzle's design tools let you customize them further to suit your unique style.

All images are displayed in a reduced resolution of 900 x 600 x 150, click any image to be taken to my Ibiza collection on Zazzle.

I am offering these images on products including, wall art, posters, 6x4 prints and postcards but they can be added to a number of different merchandise to suit your needs. The images uploaded to Zazzle are 6000 x 4000 x 300 and unwatermarked.

All links should open in another window. All Images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Please take a moment to check out my stores below.

Rochdale Canal Overflows in Sowerby Bridge

The 2015 Boxing Day floods marked a turning point for Sowerby Bridge, a town accustomed to the gentle rhythm of its waterways. For the first time in generations, the Rochdale Canal, once a vital artery of the local economy, was overwhelmed. The canal's banks gave way, flooding the towpath and inundating the locks. This historic event, coupled with the devastating impact of the Rivers Ryburn and Calder, forever etched itself into the town's memory.

These Polaroid photographs, preserved in timeless black and white, serve as a poignant reminder of the 2015 Boxing Day floods. The monochromatic format lends a historical and almost melancholic quality to the images, underscoring the enduring impact of this natural disaster.

The pictures displayed here are all in 900 x 600 x 150 resolution. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Zazzle store where 6 x 4 x 300 prints are available for a small fee. This can be edited and added to additional products of your choosing.

Thanks for looking, all the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

All links will open in another window.