Your floating hotel on the Canals and Rivers of the UK

Our guide to the waterways of the UK in detail.

The Ashton Canal.

Throughout it's five miles the Aston canal goes through a densely built up area often fairly run down. It's clear water, excellent towpath and the numerous ancient canal structures make it a welcome refuge, allowing people to step out from city life into the atmosphere of the 18th century.

You join it at the top of the Rochdale nine through a sharp junction and straight away start up the eighteen narrow locks which are well spread out throughout the first half of the canal. Extensive new development is transforming this area.

Half way up the locks you pass by the Stadium put up for the Commonwealth games a few years ago.

The last couple of miles are lock free though still built up. The canal finally finishes at Portland basin. The direct line continues on as the Huddersfield narrow canal while the Peak Forest canal turns off sharply to the south at Dunkinfield junction.

• Portland Basin Museum at Ashton. A lively modern museum in a historic canal side setting. A 1920's street, local crafts and industries and giant historic machines. Alongside the canal.

Some pictures of this canal?

Pictures of the Aston canal.

A history of this canal.

Find our information about other canals on the canal index page.

Unfortunately we will not be on this canal in 2008 during our cruises.

If you have any questions then do ring us on 07977 229103
or email us at martinreed@reedboats.co.uk