Walk: Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge

This walk from Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge will take you along the towpath of the Rochdale Canal and you will be surrounded by heritage and panoramic views.

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The Route

• what3words for start point: ///bats.begun.clubs
• Start Point: Sowerby Bridge Wharf
• Finish Point: Hebden Bridge
• Distance: 5.5 Miles

GPX Route Map

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Walk Description

Sowerby Bridge is where the Calder and Hebble Navigation seamlessly becomes the Rochdale Canal.

Start the walk at Sowerby Bridge Wharf, the cobbled basin where the 18th-century canal buildings have been lovingly restored. You will join the Rochdale Canal at Lock 1 and follow it a short distance, past Lock 2 and then cross the road.

After crossing the road, you can pick back up the canal and towpath at Tuel Lane Lock. Tuel Lane Lock is the deepest lock on Britain’s canals at 19 ½ ft, and boats can only travel through when lock keepers are present.

Leaving Sowerby Bridge behind, you will follow through the leafy Calder Valley with its panoramic views. The next place you come across is Luddenden Foot followed by Brearley where you will see some canal-side cottages and a lock. Continuing along the towpath you will soon enter Mytholmroyd, the birthplace of poet Ted Hughes.

As you carry on along the towpath, the quirky town of Hebden Bridge will be in front of you. Entering Hebden Bridge, you will first come across the Marina, then you can choose to explore the town's amazing independent cafes, shops and galleries or return to Sowerby Bridge by train or on foot.