~Mytholmroyd to Sowerby Bridge~
26th May 2014
A "Rochdale Canal" Walk
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
River Calder
The waters of Cragg Vale (left) meet the Calder at Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. This canal walk was carefully planned to finish at a particular refreshment establishment in Sowerby Bridge. We would then ride on the train back to "Royd".
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Molly |
St. Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd |
Molly and I had already had a walk down at Towneley (see foot of page) and we left her at home with son, Andy, on this occasion. The walk started from close to the railway station and crossed the road to pick up the canal towpath.
The Towpath
The Rochdale Canal, from Rochdale to Sowerby Bridge offers great opportunities for (dog)walks, bike rides, runs, cruises, paddles and angling. We could have started in Hebden Bridge, but HB is a place to avoid on Bank Holidays.
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Along comes a narrowboat, at a pace not too frantic and the Canada Geese, plus Goslings survive the gentle wash.
Looking Back Along The Towpath
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Unfortunately, puddles always seem to land in the middle of footpaths. The view up Calderdale is impressive today with the river and railway over to the left and the canal on the right.
Canalside Gardens
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Paddlers |
Fender |
At Luddendenfoot, there is a steel model of a narrowboat "fender". The rope balls protect boats and locks from unnecessary damage from the boats. Huge mills dominated Luddendenfoot's landscape, they've gone now and the pubs have closed. Road users miss so much, this canal walk is a gem.
Luddendenfoot Canalside
To Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge Lock 1
The beginning (or end) of The Rochdale Canal. And now for a walk up to The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms.
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Kayaking in The Calder |
Police Station |
A BBC drama "Happy Valley" is largely filmed around Sowerby Bridge and we spotted a scene in the cafe at the railway station, so it seemed like a good idea to go location spotting.
Coal Drops
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The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms
The former Sowerby Bridge station building is now a licensed refreshment opportunity. Their website is linked-in at the foot of the page.
Sowerby Bridge Railway Station
Our train was delayed by nearly 30 minutes due to "flooding" and would be further delayed by "signalling problems" between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale. It's £1.50 per person for a single between Sowerby Bridge and Mytholmroyd.
Walkers: Karen and Me
Route: Along the Rochdale Canal between Mytholmroyd and Sowerby Bridge, up to the railway station and back by train.
Time taken: 1hr 50 minutes over a distance of about 5 miles.
Greetings: Many, many towpath users. All bar a thin couple were friendly, maybe they needed a good meal.
Weather: Dry and sunny.
Refreshments: The Jubille Refreshment Rooms at Sowerby Bridge Railway Station. Well, it serves hot food between 12noon and 2pm, so watch out for that. The mugs of tea were OK, but we prefer pots and extra hot water. I think they should offer a small selection of popular confectionery for rail users. Real Ales are available for beer drinkers.
Earlier in the day at Towneley
Towneley Hall
Molly & Jack
Born in different years, but just a day apart.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2014 ©
Take me back to the start ....