Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
37
Huddesfield Narrow Canal
Distance
37km from the Ashton Canal to the Calder & Hebble Navigation
Highlights
Standedge Tunnel and visitor centre
Locomotive Bridge in Turnbridge, with a windlass-operated vertically lifting deck
Navigation Authority
Canal & River Trust
Canal Society
Huddersfield Canal Society
OS 1:50,000 Sheets
109 Manchester
110 Sheffield & Huddersfield
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal was designed by Benjamin Outram as the most southerly and
shortest of the three canal links across the Pennines. Begun in 1794, it was opened in 1811. It
was not a great success commercially. Joining the eastern end of the Ashton Canal in Ashton-
under-Lyne at its first of 74 locks, it had a direct connection to the Cheshire Ring, allowing
access to Lancashire, Merseyside and the Black Country. Closure came in 1944 but it was re-
tained as a canal water supply and reopened in 2001.
Approaching the prominent radio aerial above Grasscroft, the canal crosses over the river
on small aqueduct. The placid cricket ground nearby on the right has a panoramic backdrop
of crags and scars leading up to Saddleworth Moor, the Peak District National Park and an
obelisk above Tunstead to watch if the game gets tedious. After Saddleworth Rangers Rugby
League Football Club ground, the athletic activity continues with a running track and a sports
field the other side of the A669. After the A670, the canal flanks a landscaped region at Up-
permill. A grassed area and car park are surrounded by the Granby Arms, the Waggon Inn and
