About

The Huddersfield Canal Society was formed in 1974 by a group of enthusiasts with the ambitious aim of restoring the then derelict Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation and improving the Broad Canal.

After 27 years of campaigning and restoration, led by Canal Society volunteers, the Narrow Canal was re-opened in May 2001 and gained Royal approval with an official ceremony by HRH Prince of Wales in the September that year.

Funding for removal of the final set of major blockages, amounting to £50 million, was received from the Millennium Lottery Fund and English Partnerships, with contributions from the Society, Tameside, Oldham and Kirklees Councils and the former British Waterways.  Click here to download Keith Gibson’s historical summary of the restoration and follow this link to see how the major blockages were removed.

The Society’s members and volunteers help protect and promote the canals so the years of hard work and investment can continued to be enjoyed by all.

How well do you know the Huddersfield Narrow Canal?

1. How many reservoirs were eventually built to supply water to the canal?

 
 
 

2. Which tunnel on this canal holds the record for being the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in Britain?

 
 
 

3. The canal’s summit is the highest navigable waterway in Britain. Approximately how high is it above sea level?

 
 
 

4. What is the maximum width (beam) allowed for a boat to navigate this “narrow” canal?

 
 
 

5. In what year did the canal officially reopen for navigation after being derelict for over 50 years?

 
 
 

6. How many locks are found along the approximately 20-mile length of the canal?

 
 
 

7. Who was the principal engineer who designed the canal but died before its completion?

 
 
 

8. Before engines were used, how were boats moved through the main tunnel?

 
 
 

9. The canal connects Huddersfield in the east to which town in the west?

 
 
 

10. When did the Huddersfield Narrow Canal open?

 
 
 

Question 1 of 10

Registered in England No. 1498800 – Huddersfield Canal Society Limited is a Registered Charity No. 510201

Comments are closed.