A dozen-strong flotilla of boats from across the country took part in the week-long cruise, along a 20 mile stretch between Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne and Huddersfield, before finishing at Mirfield on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.
Volunteer lock-keepers from the Canal & River Trust, Tudor Cruising Club, Calder Navigation Society and Huddersfield Canal Society helped the boaters through the 74 locks along the route.
David Baldacchino, our waterway manager said: “The cruise was a huge success, we were all delighted to see so many boats together on the canal. I’d like to thank everyone who took part, as well as our volunteers and staff who helped people through the 74 locks. We want many more boats to visit the canal in the future, and see some of the best scenery on the canal network. Everyone’s had a great time, we just want to get the message out about what a wonderful canal the Huddersfield Narrow is.”
Alan Stopher, chair of the Huddersfield Canal Society added: “We were pleased at the level of interest from boaters and residents alike. It was a team effort to welcome and help crews navigate the Everest of Waterways and I’d like to thank all those who helped from the Trust and the other voluntary organisations involved.”
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal has 74 locks and is the highest navigable waterway in Britain. It is also home to one of the seven wonders of the waterways ‘Standedge Tunnel’ which is Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in the country.
