A Canal-Side Stroll Through Time: Discovering Sowerby Bridge Wharf
I had a spare half hour burning a hole in my pocket, the kind of time that begs to be used for something more than scrolling through my phone. Camera in hand, I decided to explore the historic canal wharf at Sowerby Bridge – a fascinating spot where the Rochdale Canal kisses the Calder & Hebble Navigation. It's a place where the echoes of industry mingle with the gentle lapping of water against canal boats, a perfect blend of past and present.
This isn't just any canal wharf. It's a story etched in brick and stone, a testament to the bustling waterways of a bygone era. Think back to the 1770s, when the Calder & Hebble Navigation first snaked its way into Sowerby Bridge. The construction of warehouses 1 and 2 followed, sturdy structures that now house the lively Moorings bar, the aromatic Temujin restaurant, and a collection of quirky little businesses. These Grade II listed buildings whisper tales of trade and innovation.
But the story doesn't end there. When the Rochdale Canal Act was passed in 1793, the Calder & Hebble Canal Company was tasked with building wharves and warehouses to serve the Rochdale Canal – talk about a welcome (and expensive!) surprise! This led to the creation of warehouses 3 and 4. Warehouse 3, affectionately nicknamed the "salt warehouse," became a vital hub for storing salt. Remarkably, it's the only warehouse boasting canal-side access to both the Rochdale Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation. Like its older siblings, it's a Grade II listed gem, now buzzing with small businesses and nestled beside the still-active boat yard.
My mini-adventure began at lock number 2, just before the shadowy entrance to Tuel Lane Tunnel. Following the towpath along the Rochdale Canal, I passed lock 1, the imposing warehouses 3 and 4, and reached the Kirkham Turn – the point where the two canals converge. It's a mesmerizing sight, the waters swirling together, carrying reflections of the sky and the surrounding architecture. From there, I continued to Chain Bridge, which arches gracefully over the Calder and Hebble Navigation, with the welcoming Navigation Inn standing guard nearby.
For my return journey, I strolled along the opposite towpath, heading back towards the main basin and the venerable warehouse number 1. The whole walk was a delightful snapshot of Sowerby Bridge's heritage. It's a place where you can almost feel the pulse of history, where the clinking of glasses in the pubs blends with the quiet murmur of the water, and where the legacy of industry meets the charm of a modern community. If you find yourself with half an hour to spare, I highly recommend a wander along this historic wharf. You might just discover a hidden gem, or perhaps, like me, you'll simply enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.
