One of Huddersfield's Canals

Tuesday, 15 September 2009 08:57

We found the canal in Huddersfield - eventually

We followed the town map down towards the canal - but we were not "in the know". It is quite difficult to see where to get onto the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, if you approach from the west of the town.

At Longroyd Bridge (25), walkers going east are diverted into Huddersfield, avoiding the tunnels. It makes for an interesting walk between large warehouses and factories!

Lock 2E is visible over a high wall on Chapel Hill Road

We went down to the towpath, just after Bates Tunnel, at Queens Street South Bridge (22).

Bates Tunnel east portal

This section is all new, as the Bates Tunnel, Sellers Tunnel and associated locks had to be constructed during restoration because of buildings that were now in the way of the navigation.

Notice at Bates Tunnel

The canal never reached its potential as envisaged at its inception in 1794. It took 17 years to complete and trade fell off with the arrival of the railway. It was incorporated with the railways in 1845.

The canal is 20 miles long and has 42 locks and the highest, longest and deepest tunnel in the country. Standedge Tunnel is 3 miles long and is now navigable by boaters with supervision from BW staff.

But I digress - when we go through the famous tunnel (not this year!), you will have all the details of our experience!

Looking back at the "new cut" after Bates Tunnel

Alongside the canal are warehouses, now converted to dwellings, offices and University buildings. The other side is overshadowed by trees and high banks.

Towpath looking west from lock (1E) landing

The warning signs are very clear for boaters

Stanley Dawson Lock (1E) has some repair "issues"

Bottom gates

The lock is situated adjacent to more University buildings, before the canal takes a bend towards the heart of the University of Huddersfield.

Stanley Dawson Lock

Huddersfield's second canal is not far away - but more of this later!