Help to Hebden.

We went shopping and another look round Todmoreden before leaving. As we arrived back at the boat one of the other boats had gone and another was just walking up towards the water point, or so I thought, but they were actually waiting for a 95 year old Aunt to arrive on the bus. We agreed to wait and share the locks to Hebden Bridge. We didn't have long to weight before we were both off.

The locks are now more spaced out now we are descending from on high and after the first lock of the day on the outskirts of Todmorden the next was out in the country with views to the moor tops on either side.

Our lock partners were 'Blue Griffin' and despite it not really speeding things up, it certainly means there is much less walking to do, which after the 66 locks is most welcome.

This is one mill that has been saved by conversion to apartments. There are loads of similar buildings that could have the same done.

Whilst the hills seem to be less high the views are still pretty amazing

This is Nanholme Mills that was built about 1859 for cotton spinning and manufacture. By 1879 the factory had 208 looms with 5000 spindles. By the 1960's it had been sold to Smith and Nephew, maybe for making bandages and cloth for elastoplast. It is now divided up as separate units, one of which is Pickwell and Arenold who build canal boats. The chimney was lowered but the stump can still be seen.

This wood on the east bank of the canal reminds we of something out of the 'Hobbit' films.

Lock 12 at Charlestown shows just how close the river Calder and the Rochdale Canal become. During the floods over the winter there was no way of seeing where one started and one finished.

The approaches to Hebden Bridge are still pretty scenic, and would look even better if the sun had been out, as it frequently was.

Stubbing Wharf, on the outskirts of Hebden Bridge, looks very inviting but we were pushing on to the town centre as we were meeting up with old friends from 25 years ago.

The mill chimney announces the imminent arrival in Hebden Bridge.

Just over the aqueduct is where the Calder and the Hebden Water meet before passing under the canal. The stone buildings give these Pennine towns an air of permanence and no nonsense.

The Innovation Centre is housed in the old Hebden Bridge Mill which still seems to 'pack them in'.

This nice old building was linked by a walkway with the one over the road. I wonder what it was for?

Oxford House is a lovely building on Albert Street. Almost opposite is the Albert pub which we found to our liking. I tried the Slight Fox beers that are brewed a bit down the road at Mytholroyd, and found them very tasty. It was all we could do to drag ourselves from the gin, and food, menus. I think there would be a great atmosphere here over next weekend as there is the Folks and Roots weekend going.

No chance for us to stay as we have to crack onwards. However I have forgotten to call to book Tuel Lane lock at Sowerby Bridge, so lets hope it will be okay.