The Rochdale Canal is a waterway stretching for 32 miles from Castlefield Basin to West Yorkshire along which you can enjoy walks on the banks and boating in the water. Thanks to its convenient connection across the Pennines, it's especially popular for leisure boating.
Just about anyone can find fun at this canal, whether you're looking to take in the sights or relax on the water. Most visitors spend about an hour or 2 along the canal, but considering its length, you could easily spend the day relaxing while cruising down the waterway in a boat.
Rochdale Canal in Manchester - one of the highlights of 11 Best Free Things to Do in Manchester (Read all about Manchester here)
Rochdale Canal highlights
One of the best parts of the Rochdale Canal is how it's connected to quite a few different leisure boating routes. It connects the Bridgewater Canal to the Ashton Canal, making it part of the Cheshire Ring, which is a popular canal ring that has been favored by leisure boaters for decades.
You'll find that the Rochdale Canal is also connected to all the canals on the western side of England. This creates extensive opportunities for exploration as top destinations like the Macclesfield Canal and the Trent and Mersey Canal are accessible.
Good to know when visiting Rochdale Canal
When you visit the Rochdale Canal, it's important to keep in mind that it goes over the Pennines rather than straight through. That means there are some serious climbs involved with several locks to go through. This will add some time to your journey, but the views from the canal are well worth it.
If you're looking to simply walk through the Pennines, the canal is going to be your best bet if you're looking for relaxation. While you'll find plenty of paths through the hills, the path by the canal is by far the gentlest.
photo by Dumphasizer (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Rochdale Canal in Manchester
Open: 24/7
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Manchester
YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
Britannia Hotel Manchester
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
voco Manchester City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly
The Alan
Motel One Manchester St. Peter's Square
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Britannia Sachas Hotel
