Rochdale Canal Transit 2025

[LockOnTommi]

Hi All

 

We are planning for a transit of the Rochdale Canal around Feb/March next year and wondered if anyone has experience/advice of crossing at that time of year. 
 

It looks like hard work and we have seen mixed reviews but we would really like to tick it off the list. 

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

I think people do go over during the winter,

Might be possible there’s less of a water issue 🤷‍♀️

Very well worth the effort, not to be rushed,

stunning and beautiful landscape with some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. 

[LockOnTommi]

Thanks Glenn, that sounds much more positive, We can see the benefit to a steady pace by just counting the locks 😂😂

[LadyG]

Its my favourite, in many ways, though I'd not contemplate the Manchester end singlehanded.

In summer, you might be unable to move the boat very quickly [or at all] due to water levels. Not so bad in winter, though you might get iced in, lol.

 

Edited September 4 by LadyG

[dmr]

Check for winter stoppages, there is quite a bit of work getting done on the Manchester side, and I think something on the Yorkshire side too.

 

Late winter/early spring is a good time for the Rochdale as there should be plenty of water, but there is also a chance of getting a bit of ice or even snow.

Leave a bit of spare time in case of problems, and its worth spending a bit of time on the Yorkshire side. Also good to stay still on the heavy rainy days.

Which direction of transit?

[LockOnTommi]

All good info thanks, current plan would be west to east, planning to winter on the Macclesfield then drop down Marple. Timing does not need to be exact but we don’t fancy wrestling with low water in the summer months. And would want to make a leisurely crossing.

[dmr]

If you go ahead with this trip then contact us nearer the time, start a new thread on this forum? There are a few people here who know the Rochdale quite well and a bit of advance planning can tip the odds a bit in your favour.

West to East is good as you get the bad bit out of the way and then enjoy Yorkshire, though it can be more tricky if water is in short supply.

I assume your boat is short enough to carry on to the Calder and Hebble?

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

The worst thing that can happen is LockOnTommi will fall in love with the Valley and never want to leave,

it’s why I’m frightened to return 😃

it can take awhile to escape

[dmr]

19 minutes ago, beerbeerbeerbeerbeer said:

The worst thing that can happen is LockOnTommi will fall in love with the Valley and never want to leave,

it’s why I’m frightened to return 😃

it can take awhile to escape

 

We have chatted to a few locals who said they were ex boaters, explored the Rochdale and decided to sell the boat and buy a house in the valley, but thats a bit drastic.

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

are houses that cheap I could sell me boat for one?

😃