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South Pennine Ring: Ashton Canal, Calder & Hebble Navigation, Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Rochdale Canal. 97 miles with 197 locks. Allow 2+ weeks.
The Main Pennine Ring: Leeds & Liverpool + the Leigh Branch, Aire & Calder Navigation Wakefield Branch, Calder & Hebble Navigation, Huddersfield Broad & Narrow Canals, Ashton Canal and the Bridgewater - without the Rochdale. 183.5 miles with 220 locks. Allow 3+ weeks.
If you include the Rochdale Canal, there are an additional 96 locks and 32 miles.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel Aqueduct
Embark on a scenic waterway adventure through northern England’s iconic Pennines by exploring the Pennine Canal Rings. These spectacular circular routes are steeped in industrial heritage, dotted with historic towns, and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Perfect for narrowboat holidays and hire boat explorers, the Pennine Rings offer unforgettable experiences for both novice and seasoned boaters.
The term "Pennine Canal Rings" generally refers to two major circular routes that traverse the Pennine hills via restored canals and historical waterways:
Breathtaking routes combining urban exploration, rural charm, and canal engineering marvels.
Two Routes, Nine Key Waterways Across Both Rings:
Leeds & Liverpool + the Leigh Branch
Aire & Calder Navigation Wakefield Branch
Calder & Hebble Navigation
Huddersfield Broad & Narrow Canals
Ashton Canal
Rochdale Canal
Bridgewater Canal
South Pennine Ring: Ashton Canal, Calder & Hebble Navigation, Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Rochdale Canal. 97 miles with 197 locks. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for a relaxing cruise.
The Main Pennine Ring: Leeds & Liverpool + the Leigh Branch, Aire & Calder Navigation Wakefield Branch, Calder & Hebble Navigation, Huddersfield Broad & Narrow Canals, Ashton Canal and the Bridgewater - without the Rochdale. 183.5 miles with 220 locks. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for this impressive canal ring.
Find reliable hire boat operators across the Pennine region to start your ring adventure:
These companies offer training, fully equipped boats, and route guidance—ideal for first-time boaters.
Enjoy mooring near some of the north’s best eateries and traditional pubs:
The Pennine Rings feature lock flights, aqueducts, tunnels, and mill towns with industrial charm:
Whether you’re navigating majestic hills, relaxing in market towns, or exploring cultural cities, the Pennine Canal Rings are an unbeatable choice for an adventurous boating holiday.
Book your narrowboat hire, from the Narrowboat Hire Companies listed on this page, and explore a unique side of northern England that only a canal can offer.
Cruising the Pennine Rings: The Pinnacle of Waterway Routes
Exploring the intricate waterways of the Pennine Rings offers a unique and immersive experience for boaters seeking a blend of scenic beauty, historical richness, and the camaraderie of the canal community. As you navigate through this intricate network of canals and locks, each twist and turn reveals a story of the Pennines, the heart of England's waterway heritage. Here's a boater's perspective on cruising the Pennine Rings.
Embarking on the Pennine Adventure:
The journey begins with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Setting off from the vibrant canal hubs, you slowly transition into the tranquillity of the Pennine Rings, leaving behind the hustle and bustle for a more serene waterborne lifestyle.
Locks and Challenges: The Pennine Peculiarity:
Cruising the Pennine Rings introduces boaters to a distinctive feature — the multitude of locks. Navigating through these locks becomes not just a physical task but a shared adventure, often bringing boaters together to conquer the challenges and relish the triumphs.
Spectacular Scenery of the Pennines:
The Pennine Rings unfold some of the most spectacular scenery England has to offer. From rolling hills to charming villages, each bend in the canal reveals a new tableau, creating a continuous sense of awe for the beauty of the Pennines.
Canal-Side Villages and Historic Pubs:
The canal-side villages along the Pennine Rings are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Moor your boat, step ashore, and find yourself immersed in the history and charm of centuries-old pubs, where the echoes of laughter and shared tales blend with the clinking of glasses.
Community Spirit at Canal Junctions:
Canal junctions along the Pennine Rings become more than meeting points; they are vibrant hubs of community spirit. Here, boaters swap stories, share tips, and form a camaraderie that transcends the transient nature of canal living.
Pennine Tunnels: A Subterranean Adventure:
Venturing through the Pennine tunnels is a unique aspect of this waterway network. As your boat glides through the darkness, the dim light at the end of the tunnel heralds a sense of accomplishment, making each tunnel passage a memorable experience.
The spectacular Standedge Tunnel at 5675 yards in length is the longest, deepest and highest tunnel still in use today. Completed in 1811 and taking 17 years to finish. After falling into decline it closed in 1916. After an ambitious and difficult restoration, the tunnel re-opened in 2001 and is now a Must See/Visit if you love canals and engineering.
Navigating Summit Level: A Triumph of Engineering:
Reaching the summit level of the Pennine Rings is an achievement celebrated by boaters. Surrounded by panoramic views, it's a moment to appreciate the engineering marvels that make canal cruising a harmonious dance with nature and technology.
Evening Serenity and Canal Sunsets:
Evenings along the Pennine Rings offer a serene backdrop for boaters. As the sun sets, casting hues of orange and pink across the water, the tranquil atmosphere is punctuated only by the gentle lapping of canal waves against the boat's hull.
Navigational Challenges: A Learning Experience:
While cruising the Pennine Rings involves challenges, they become valuable learning experiences. Boaters become adept at reading the nuances of each lock, understanding the water currents, and embracing the rhythm of the canals.
Unexpected Encounters on the Towpath:
The towpath is not just a walkway; it's a space for unexpected encounters. From fellow boaters sharing travel tips to friendly locals offering a helping hand, the towpath becomes a dynamic tapestry of connections.
Historical Heritage of Canal Warehouses:
Mooring alongside historical canal warehouses offers boaters a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the Pennines. These warehouses, now often repurposed, stand as silent witnesses to the bustling trade routes of yesteryears.
Farewell to Pennine Rings: A Tapestry of Memories:
As the journey through the Pennine Rings comes to an end, boaters carry with them a tapestry of memories. From the challenges conquered to the friendships forged, each canal stretch becomes a chapter in the ongoing story of their canal adventures.
Cruising the Pennine Rings from a boater's perspective is not just a journey; it's a profound connection with the rich tapestry of England's waterway heritage. It's about embracing challenges, relishing scenic wonders, and, above all, becoming part of a community of canal enthusiasts who share a passion for exploration and the joy of the open water.
Canals - Miles & Locks
Rochdale Canal 91 locks - 32 miles.
Leeds & Liverpool 85 locks - 91.5 miles.
The Leigh Branch 2 locks - 7.5 miles.
Aire & Calder Navigation Wakefield Branch 4 locks - 10 miles.
Calder & Hebble Navigation 28 locks - 21.5 miles
Huddersfield Broad Canal 9 locks - 3.75 miles
Huddersfield Narrow Canal 74 locks - 19.3 miles
Ashton Canal 18 locks - 6.8 miles
Bridgewater Canal 0 locks - 12 miles
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3048 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
Waterways Resources -
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Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.
