Canal holidays in Yorkshire

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Short Breaks
One week holidays

Short break route

Hebden Bridge & Todmorden (20 miles 32 locks 12 hours)

Leaving our historic canal basin in Sowerby Bridge, your journey begins with the excitement of a new tunnel and the deepest lock in the country. The canal gradually climbs through woods, fields and small stone towns to Hebden Bridge . This old mill town nestles in a fork in the hills, houses piled tier upon tier. Hebden has excellent shops and is full of surprises – everything from horsey clothing to hand-made pottery.

Untie, and go on up the valley, its sides closing in with crags and trees and views of the moors high above. A stream runs alongside, and the locks are set among woods or stone cottages. The Pennine Way crosses at Callis .

So to Todmorden, completely untouristy yet with much to enjoy: fine Victorian buildings, especially the Town Hall, a lively market and many places to eat and drink, all dominated by a curving railway viaduct.

Make your way back.  This trip gives you plenty of time for walks, the pub or simply to sit and unwind, especially if you go Monday-Friday.

One week route

Calder Valley Exploration (37 miles 76 locks 30 hours)

This route is packed with dramatic scenery and romantic views. Leaving our historic canal basin in Sowerby Bridge, your journey begins with the excitement of a new tunnel and the deepest lock in the country. The canal gradually climbs through woods, fields and small stone towns to Hebden Bridge . This old mill town nestles in a fork in the hills, houses piled tier upon tier. Hebden has excellent shops and is full of surprises – everything from horsey clothing to hand-made pottery.

Untie, and go on up the valley, its sides closing in with crags and trees and views of the moors high above. A stream runs alongside, and the locks are set among woods or stone cottages. The Pennine Way crosses at Callis .

So to Todmorden, completely untouristy yet with much to enjoy: fine Victorian buildings, especially the Town Hall, a lively market and many places to eat and drink, all dominated by a curving railway viaduct. Pass the Great Wall of Todmorden, go under a splendidly overdone Gothic railway bridge, then stop at the Cross Keys (much recommended). Turn below Lock 33, and walk up to look at the summit – the second highest (just) in England ..

On your return trip, go down the Calder Valley through the woods to Brighouse. Good shopping, including a Sainsbury's with its own moorings, plentiful pubs and time to relax Finally, make your way back to base.

This trip gives you plenty of time for walks, the pub or simply to sit and unwind.