Leeds to Hebden Bridge

A cruise from Leeds to Hebden Bridge on the Rochdale Canal is the perfect introduction to the waterways in the Pennines. First, you’ll leave the bustling city centre of Leeds, where the Leeds and Liverpool canal turns into the Aire and Calder Navigation. Continue until Castleford Junction and turn right onto the Calder and Hebble Navigation. Soon you’ll reach Sowerby Bridge with its impressive Transshipment basins and Canal Warehouses. A climb up Wainhouse Tower with its 400 steps is rewarded with great views over the town and the surrounding hills. Once you have left Sowerby Bridge, the navigation turns into the Rochdale Canal. It’s a very pleasant cruise through open countryside, with only a few villages, pubs and plenty of wildlife on the way. After 5 miles, you’ll reach the turning point for your journey, Hebden Bridge. The town is renowned for its creative residents and, of course, pubs. Hebden Bridge is also a great starting point for a variety of walks into the surrounding hillside. Now it’s time to turn around and make your way back through the rugged beauty of the Pennines to Leeds.