Huddersfield Canal Society
Ensuring the viability and promotion of the Huddersfield Narrow and Broad Canals as navigable waterways within the overall network in perpetuity
The Huddersfield Canal Society was formed in 1974 by a group of enthusiasts with the ambitious aim of restoring the then derelict Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation and improving the Broad Canal.
After 27 years of campaigning and restoration, led by Canal Society volunteers, the Narrow Canal was re-opened in May 2001 and gained Royal approval with an official ceremony by HRH Prince of Wales in the September that year.
Funding for removal of the final set of major blockages, amounting to £30 million, was received from the Millennium Lottery Fund and English Partnerships, with contributions from the Society, Tameside, Oldham and Kirklees Councils and the former British Waterways. Click here to download Keith Gibson's historical summary of the restoration and follow this link to see how the major blockages were removed.
After 27 years of campaigning and restoration, led by Canal Society volunteers, the Narrow Canal was re-opened in May 2001 and gained Royal approval with an official ceremony by HRH Prince of Wales in the September that year.
Funding for removal of the final set of major blockages, amounting to £30 million, was received from the Millennium Lottery Fund and English Partnerships, with contributions from the Society, Tameside, Oldham and Kirklees Councils and the former British Waterways. Click here to download Keith Gibson's historical summary of the restoration and follow this link to see how the major blockages were removed.
The Society's members and volunteers help protect and promote the canals so the years of hard work and investment can continued to be enjoyed by all.
Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham, OL3 5QR
The Society's offices are idyllically located at Wool Road, Dobcross, in a former transhipment warehouse whose history is somewhat obscure and temperature variable!
December 2010 - Things in store for 2013?
Office: Tel: 01457 871800
December 2010 - Things in store for 2013?Office: Tel: 01457 871800
Mon. -Thu. 09.00 -16.00, Fri. 09.00 -13.00
If you would like to come and see us, please call to make an appointment as we may not always be in. The nearest railway station is Greenfield and bus services from Manchester and Huddersfield pass by. There is a free car park on the opposite side of the canal to our building. Walk out of the car park, turn left, cross the road bridge and turn left down the signed track. Or come by boat!
Where are the Canals
The Huddersfield Narrow and Broad canals represent the shortest route across the Pennine hills and significantly reduced commercial carrying times between the trading centres of Lancashire and Yorkshire and hence the ports of Liverpool and Hull.
The Canals are easily accessible from the motorway and road network. For Ashton, come off the M60 at Junction 23 and follow the brown signs for Portland Basin (A635). For Huddersfield, come off the M62 at Junction 24 and take the A629 South. If you are coming from the M1, come off at Junction 38 and follow the A637, A624 and A629 northwesterly for Huddersfield.
On the West side, the Narrow Canal climbs the Tame valley from Ashton-u-Lyne in the West to the Standedge Tunnel entrance at Diggle, passing through the towns of Stalybridge, Mossley, Greenfield and Uppermill. Of course it also emerges from the Tunnel at Diggle and descends the Tame valley to Ashton depending on which way you're going!
Voted one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Waterways', Standedge Tunnel runs for 5.2km, 194m below the moors and at 196m above sea level you can boat no higher on the network! Thanks, in part, to the Society's campaigning, boaters can now navigate the Tunnel themselves with the guidance of a Canal & River Trust chaperone.
Emerging from the Tunnel, the Narrow Canal descends to Huddersfield and the Broad Canal along the Colne Valley passing the towns of Marsden, Slaithwaite and Milnsbridge and vice versa.
A Canal of Contrasts
From Industry past to dramatic landscapes
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is 20 miles long and runs from Ashton-under-Lyne to Huddersfield connecting the Ashton Canal in the West to the Huddersfield Broad (Sir John Ramsden’s Canal) in the East.
Work building the Canal commenced in 1794 and though it was largely completed some five years later, the construction of 3.1 miles of Standedge Tunnel took a further eleven years. Passing under the Pennines between Diggle and Marsden, the Tunnel was, and remains today, the longest, highest (above sea level) and deepest (underground) canal tunnel in Britain. It also boasts the oldest navigable cast iron aqueduct in the country at Stalybridge, constructed by the renowned engineer, Benjamin Outram in 1801.
The Canal was officially opened for through navigation on the 4th April 1811.
The Canal operated for 140 years but most of it was officially abandoned in 1944. Although minor, local traffic continued into the 1950s, many sections were infilled by the early 1960s and later developed. What remained of the Canal fell into dereliction.
Now fully restored to through navigation, not only can boaters experience the challenge of this 'Everest of the Canal System', but it's free for everyone else to enjoy; a fascinating linear park for all.
Work building the Canal commenced in 1794 and though it was largely completed some five years later, the construction of 3.1 miles of Standedge Tunnel took a further eleven years. Passing under the Pennines between Diggle and Marsden, the Tunnel was, and remains today, the longest, highest (above sea level) and deepest (underground) canal tunnel in Britain. It also boasts the oldest navigable cast iron aqueduct in the country at Stalybridge, constructed by the renowned engineer, Benjamin Outram in 1801.
The Canal was officially opened for through navigation on the 4th April 1811.
The Canal operated for 140 years but most of it was officially abandoned in 1944. Although minor, local traffic continued into the 1950s, many sections were infilled by the early 1960s and later developed. What remained of the Canal fell into dereliction.
Now fully restored to through navigation, not only can boaters experience the challenge of this 'Everest of the Canal System', but it's free for everyone else to enjoy; a fascinating linear park for all.
As the highest navigation, there are spectacular views
Looking East to Marsden above Lock 40E
Much heritage remains
At Lock 31E looking North with Cellars Clough Mill in the distance
Looking East to Marsden above Lock 40EMuch heritage remains
At Lock 31E looking North with Cellars Clough Mill in the distance
Canals for All
Emerging from Diggle PortalBoating on the Narrow Canal:
About 20 miles with 74 Locks of which:
42 are Manual, 11 are Hydraulic and 21 are a combination of Manual and Hydraulic.
The Narrow Locks take 70' craft with a maximum width of 6'10". The chaperoned transit of Standedge Tunnel must be booked in advance and takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week of the cruising season. Click here to view the Customer Guidelines for Standedge Tunnel.
To all those planning a cruise on our fine waterway
Following the successful lock gate replacement work in Winter 2011/2, we've now had confirmation of the correct dates for winter closure work in 2012/3:
Lock
4E - Top and bottom gate replacement - Mon 12/11/12 to Fri
21/12/12
Lock
9E - Top and bottom gate replacement - Wed 02/01/13 to Fri
08/02/13
Lock
19E - Top and bottom gate replacement - Mon 12/11/12 to Fri
21/12/12
Lock
20E - Top and bottom gate replacement - Wed 02/01/13 to Fri
08/02/13
Lock
30E - Top and bottom gate replacement - Mon 11/02/13 to Fri
08/03/13
Lock
34E - Bottom gate paddle repair - Mon 11/02/13 to Fri
08/03/13
Please note that the map link on the CRT website has errors which were copied into our current Issue (179) of Pennine Link in good faith. The above dates are as supplied by CRT at Red Bull in the last week of September 2012. This is a great improvement on the original programme which encroached beyond Easter 2013 and we would like to record our thanks to the Canal & River Trust for revising the programme.
Towpath & Canal at Linthwaite
Walking & Jogging
The towpath is an excellent route for everything from a gentle stroll to a more strenuous effort. The surface varies in quality and though generally good, certain sections do become puddled and rather muddy when wet. Our 'Towpath Guide' tells you all you need to know.
Fishing at Well-i-hole Road, Greenfield
Fishing
A number of different Fishing Clubs rent and stock stretches of the Canal. Please see the Canal & River Trust website for full details including applying online for a rod licence click here.
Towpath at SlaithwaiteCycling
Cycling along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath is now allowed. However, you should be aware that sections are rather narrow and there are a lot of low bridges and 'blind' spots. Please consider others enjoying the tranquillity of the canal, especially walkers and fishermen. See the Canal & River Trust website for more details, click here.
Remember:
Pedestrians do have priority on towpaths.
Pedestrians do have priority on towpaths.
Still Waters on the Ashton CanalHave a Trip
Boat trips on and near the Narrow::
Huddersfield Canal Society
12-seater 'Marsden Shuttle' at Marsden.
01457 871800
Tameside Canal Boat Trust
42-seater 'Still Waters' at Portland Basin. 07966 212902
East Manchester Community Boat Project
12-seater 'Community Spirit' at Portland Basin. 0161 351 0241
Saddleworth Canal Cruises
50-seater 'Pennine Moonraker' at Uppermill.
07711 180496
Why support the Huddersfield Narrow ...
... because the Canal is a wonderful resource used by all sorts of people, not only boaters, who come to enjoy its tranquility, heritage and spectacular scenery.
We believe it is something worth working for and supporting. So, how can you help us?
Why not join the Huddersfield Canal Society or perhaps make a donation to our cause ...
If you are a taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation by asking for your payment to be treated as Gift Aid. Simply select the Donate with Gift Aid option.
Would you like to consider further ways of helping us financially?
Please download our Donations Pack for more suggestions.
Please download our Donations Pack for more suggestions.
Thank you for helping the Huddersfield Canal Society in it's work.
Reflections of the Past ...
Audio Trail
The character of Betty Buckley, Tunnel Chain Keeper at Marsden, appointed
August 1856, salary 5/- (25p) a week
If you saw and enjoyed our bi-centenary drama production “Reflections of the Past” in September 2011 then you have another chance to do so; if you did not see it then, you can now experience what you missed. Oldham Theatre Workshop, in collaboration with the Society, have produced an audio version of the production which can be accessed by clicking here.
We have been able to develop this project as a result of grants we have secured from three sources. These are The Heritage Lottery Fund, Pennine Prospects and Oldham Council’s Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership. Together, this financial support, amounting to £6,000, has covered the full cost of the work and we are enormously grateful to the funders for their commitment.
2012 Photographic Competition
Here are the winning photos from the Society's Annual Photographic Competition
Overall Winner - Autumn Colours and nb 'Sherwood' at Wool Road - John Brierley, Uppermill
HNC Category Winner - On the Diggle Flight - Mrs A Scott, Rotherham
Other Waterways Category Winner - Ashton Canal, Droylsden - Alan Crosby, Littlemoss
HNC Runner-Up - Lock 18W, Mossley - Graham Alder, Middlesborough
Other Waterways Runner-Up - Gauxholme Bridge, Rochdale Canal - Mrs A Scott, Rotherham
Commended - Wool Road, Dobcross - Mrs A Scott, Rotherham
Commended - Hebden Bridge, Rochdale Canal - Mrs A Scott, Rotherham
Events
Month
Day
Watch this space!
Volunteering
Please note: For insurance purposes, volunteers must be members of the Canal Society.
Society volunteers run the 12 seater 'Marsden Shuttle' Water Taxi between Marsden Station and Tunnel End Cottages most Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of October each year, depending on the availability of its skippers and crew.
The first trip leaves from above Lock 42E, very near the Station, at 11.30am and then every 30 minutes until 3.30pm. The trip to Tunnel End takes about 10-12 minutes and the return schedule is every 30 minutes from 12 noon to 3.00pm. When the boat is running, you will not have to wait more than 30 minutes for it to arrive.
Single Fares: Adults - £1.00 Child - 50p
Society Members - Free (Show your membership card) Not a member?
Marsden Shuttle leaving Tunnel End
Marsden Shuttle leaving Tunnel End Volunteers undergo a programme of training and, if they wish, have the opportunity to train for a Certificate of Community Boat Management and become an authorised skipper for the Shuttle.
Volunteers get involved in general canal maintenance tasks; here preparing to paint Lock 24E at Slaithwaite.
Work parties take place on alternate Fridays throughout the year (weather permitting). Please contact organiser Trevor Ellis on 01484 534666 for further information, including dates and venues of future working parties.
Still Waters at Portland Basin
On behalf of the Tameside Canal Boat Trust, Society Volunteers also run the tug and butty 'Still Waters' at Portland Basin, Ashton-u-Lyne. The butty is equipped with a wheelchair lift for disabled passengers. Operating most Sundays and Bank Holidays for the public, it is also available for group charter during the week. Contact Trust Secretary Barry Edwards on 07515 878549 for more details and bookings.
Joining the Canal Society
Being part of something special
The Huddersfield Canal Society enjoys support from all over the country, not only from restoration enthusiasts and boaters, but from those who can see the need for improvements and the wider benefits to local communities. This support has been maintained since the 1970s and with an operational canal, the Society has changed direction to a new role. Members are kept informed of what's going on via the Society's respected journal 'Pennine Link' and for anyone who subscribes, including non-members, an Email Newsletter 'Pennine Link Extra' (Please use the Contact Us form to send us your EMail address and a short message)
Our quarterly magazine, 'Pennine Link' has developed over the years; latest edition - Issue180 Winter 2012. Our archive goes back to June 1974 with Bulletin No1 and we are in the process of scanning the documents to make them available as searchable pdf files. Follow this link to see the editions scanned so far ... more will be added regularly until we can offer the full set!
Why don't you join us and be
part of something special.
part of something special.
As a member, you get:
* Quarterly Magazine - Pennine Link
* EMail Newsletter - Pennine Link Extra
* Free Boat trips on the Marsden Shuttle
* Opportunities for volunteering
* Quarterly Magazine - Pennine Link
* EMail Newsletter - Pennine Link Extra
* Free Boat trips on the Marsden Shuttle
* Opportunities for volunteering
If you would like to join the Canal Society now, click the appropriate membership category below to pay for your initial subscription through PayPal. Rest assured, this is not an automatically recurring payment with PayPal; renewal reminders will be sent with your magazine on the anniversary of your joining.
The Huddersfield Canal Society is a registered charity (number
510201). If you are a taxpayer, you can increase the value of your subscription,
by asking for your payment to be treated as Gift Aid. Currently, every £1 we receive will then be worth £1.25 to us by reclaiming the tax you have already paid.
By choosing the Gift Aid category to pay your subscription, you
are declaring that you are a UK taxpayer who has paid an amount of income or capital gains tax equal to any tax reclaimed and that you wish your subscription to
be treated as Gift Aid.
We will keep a record of your name, address and amounts paid so that this can be audited by HM Customs & Revenue as necessary.
We will keep a record of your name, address and amounts paid so that this can be audited by HM Customs & Revenue as necessary.
Please pay for your membership here:
(You can pay for renewals as well; just put "Renewal" in the 'Instructions to Merchant 'section of the PayPal form)
If you would rather pay us by cheque, use the download button to get an Application Form.
Not sure about joining? Why not send us your postal address and we'll send you a complimentary copy of our full colour magazine to convince you! click here
The 74 Club
Conquering the 'Everest' of the canal system
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is hard work for boaters, so if you have navigated all 74 locks on this waterway, you deserve to treat yourself to a lasting souvenir to mark your achievement.
The Society has commissioned a brass plaque to acknowledge boaters who have 'done' the Narrow and they are available by application from the Society office.
Transit of the Standedge Tunnel is accepted as proof of navigation.
The plaque is available at £5.00 for Huddersfield Canal Society members, £8.00 for non-members and £4.00 for non-members who join the Society at the time of applying. Postage & packing is £1.00 per plaque.
Use the Download button to get an Application Form. It has space for you to comment on your boating experience; all comments are passed to the Manchester & Pennine Waterways Partnership to help maintain the Narrow as a 'must do' waterway!Shopping
For our merchandise shown in the tabbed section below, you can simply send a cheque payable to: 'Huddersfield Canal Society' with a covering note to the office at Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham, OL3 5QR
or why not buy securely with PayPal ...
or why not buy securely with PayPal ...
Please note: By placing an order your email address will automatically be entered onto our email database. If you do not wish to be added to this list, please put a note on the 'Instructions to Merchant' section on the Paypal Link.
Your ideal companion for exploring the Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Full colour, A5-sized pictorial guide.
90 pages with over 400 colour photographs and 36 detailed maps at 1:400 scale.
ISBN 978-0-9514270-1-9
90 pages with over 400 colour photographs and 36 detailed maps at 1:400 scale.
ISBN 978-0-9514270-1-9
£4.99 plus p&p
How it was done!
The Impossible Dream tells the story of the restoration of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, from work by enthusiasts in the early 1970s, through to the official re-opening by HRH the Prince of Wales, in September 2001.
£10.99 plus p&p
An historical perspective
Keith Gibson & David Finnis' account of 200 years in the life of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal (publ. 2010).
£12.99 plus p&p
Regrettably the publisher has gone into liquidation and the book is currently unavailable. However, we are hopeful the stock will be sold to a distributor and we can offer this title again. Keep watching ...
South Pennine Ring
GEO Projects canal users map of the Huddersfield and Rochdale and Canals and connecting waterways. Second edition.
£4.95 plus p&p
Solid Brass Plaque celebrating the Bicentenary of the official opening of Standedge Tunnel
Especially commissioned to commemorate the bicentenary of the official opening of Standedge Tunnel, and hence the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation, on the 4th April 1811
£10.00 with p&p
£10.00 with p&p
History & Restoration
Keith Gibson's account of the history and restoration of the Rochdale Canal (publ 2004)
£16.99 plus £1.50 p&p
Contact us
If you're interested in joining the Society, getting involved as a volunteer or have any questions, please feel free to use the panels opposite to send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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Links to Others
Click on each logo to find out more ...
The new Charitable organisation which has taken over responsibility for the waterway network from British Waterways. The Narrow Canal is administered by Manchester & Pennine Waterways and the Broad Canal, by North East Waterways.
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal passes through the Council regions of Tameside, Oldham and Kirklees.
The Councils have long supported the restoration of the Canal and in doing so, have had to face their own particular engineering challenges to re-open the navigation.
Following the project's completion in 2001, the Councils make a proportionate annual contribution (under a 21 year Agreement) to the Canal's maintenance costs.
Official website for Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, giving
details of opening times, Tunnel trip prices, arrangements for boats making a transit, events, etc.
Dedicated to the canals of the South Pennines with plenty of information on the Huddersfield Canals including a virtual cruise along the Narrow and pictures of the Millennium Commission funded restoration.
Campaigning for the protection and restoration of the Hollinwood Branch Canal.
Campaigning for the protection and restoration of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal
Near the junction of the Ashton & Peak Forest Canals, offering a range of boaters' services, including dry dock. Day boats for hire on the Peak Forest Canal.
Chandlery, moorings and boaters' facilities at Huddersfield, near the Eastern end of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
Members' Area
At an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Huddersfield Canal Society Ltd on the 17th January 2013, a Resolution was passed to give the Society authority to supply documents, including accounts, by website.
The Minutes of the EGM and a copy of the latest Accounts and Financial Statement can be downloaded by clicking on the relevant graphic opposite.
