~Todmorden to Hebden Bridge~
3rd May 2014
The Rochdale Canal
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
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Todmorden |
The Rochdale Canal |
This six mile canal walk started in Todmorden at 08:50hrs. The sun is shining and the sky is blue; we are heading down the Calder Valley aiming for Hebden Bridge. This will be Molly's longest walk to date, her exercise limited by the confines of the towpath. Peter Ratcliffe accompanies us and has researched a refreshment opportunity for walkers and dogs in HB.
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The Gallery
Molly is wet because she skipped around a passing walker and fell into the canal. That'll teach her!
Turning Area
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Canalside Homes |
To Hebden Bridge |
The occupants of the barge had hired the craft and in one hour they had travelled not very far and negotiated three locks; each unto their own!
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Into Hebden Bridge
Music Event
There would be a music event in the afternoon to celebrate the Trades Club's 90th anniversarry and we helped the man with his canopy erection. Getting it up was a bit of a challenge for the organiser.
The Lamppost Cafe, Hebden Bridge
Here dogs are welcommed, with hessian sacks for them to lay on and free bowls of water. They also have a menu to choose treats from.
The Hebden Bridge
The original bridge over the river is where the town gets its name from. HB is a nice enough place, it seems to attract a miscellany of folk some with long hair, some with odd-shaped beards and many with strange clothing. And cyclists.
Bridgegate
Rochdale Canal at Hebden Bridge
All that remains now is the short walk to the railway station and a trip back to Todmorden, courtesy of Nothern Rail. £1.50 per adult single.
Integrated Transport
The is a small cafe at the station and buses regularly call to meet with the trains. As usual, if you see yourself in one of my photos, get in touch to claim your prize. Doesn't apply to my family and friends who come along with me!
The Train
This would be Molly's first trip on train and she found it to be quite exciting. Still there will be time enough for a sleep when we get home...
Launderest
Walkers: Peter, Richard and Molly the Dog
Time taken: 2hrs over a distance of about 6 miles.
Route: Park in Todmorden, join the canal and head eastwards to Hebden Bridge, quite straightforward.
Refreshments: The Lamppost Cafe is (was) innovative and very welcomming. "Human" menu is a bit limited and would suit vegetarians; "Doggy" menu looks good for the furry ones. Not quite satisfied, we had bacon butties at the railway station - ideal for travellers, in one of the old platform buildings. Note: not always open in my experience. Observation of later visits to HB: this cafe has gone away.
Weather: Sunny and warm.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2014 ©
Take me back to the start ....