It was with some fear and trepidation that we journeyed along this canal. As usual our
fears were unfounded. We found the canal attractive and totally graffiti free. The
handcuff locks are a pain but you do get used to them. We travelled early in the morning
and this is advice given by BW.
Apart from a few fishermen and friendly Walkers we saw hardly anyone. We were told
that any trouble on the waterway is around lock 13 where families and kids who will take
advantage from the pub congregate. Travelling early mean that you avoid potential
problems.
Hide valuables away and keep doors locked to avoid temptation. If you do come across
youngsters always make your first gesture a friendly one. There is a lot to enjoy on this
canal. At Piccadilly you enter the Rochdale canal. Don't bother to try and get a license
at the car park, you won't get one. Instead carry on down through the double locks.
The locks are heavy and slow to empty although the mechanisms are light enough with
unusual friction dampeners. The second lock is underground and in a most unpleasant
environment. The men who were hanging around though took absolutely no notice of us.
Once through this lock the journey is much more pleasant apart from the sting of the
£32 fee that the lock keeper will ask for at the third lock that is. At the bottom lock
there is a welcome café style pub, Dukes 92, serving Timothy Taylors Landlord and lovely
cheese and pate all day.
Return to the Waterway index