Canals In Tameside
Tameside lies seven miles to the east of Manchester and comprises nine towns brought together in 1974. The Borough takes its name from the River Tame which helped power the Industrial Revolution two centuries ago. During this period a complex network of canals was constructed which linked Tameside with the rest of the country, bringing in supplies of raw material to feed the developing industries and thriving towns of Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde, Mossley and Stalybridge.
Today the canals have a new role - providing leisure and recreational opportunities for many people - walkers, anglers, canoeists, canal cruisers and many others..
The Guide
This guide tells the story of Tameside's three canals - Peak Forest, Ashton and Huddersfield Narrow - their rise, decline and rebirth. Attractions, events and activities are highlighted for you to enjoy.
The Ashton and Peak Forest Canals form an integral part of the famous Cheshire Ring of Canals.
We look at each of Tameside's canals in turn with their confluence at Portland Basin in Ashton as our focal point.
Portland Basin | Canals and Countryside | Restoration | History and Happenings | Trips | Wooden Canal Boat Society | British Waterways | Further Information
Portland Basin
The area of Portland Basin is at the hub of Tameside's canal network. Here the three canals meet and it is known as Dukinfield Junction amongst the canal fraternity.
It is a good starting point for exploration along the canals especially as it is the location of the Portland Basin Museum
The museum tells the history of Tameside from pre-industrialisation to the present day and subjects range from the cotton industry to fish and chips. Admission is free. It is located in a former canal warehouse on the Ashton Canal. The warehouse was built by the Ashton Canal Company in 1834 to cope with the ever increasing traffic on the Canal, particularly to the mills on the west side of Ashton. Much of the building was destroyed by fire in 1972 but was rebuilt by Tameside Council and reopened as a museum in 1988. It has since been extended and enhanced to provide even better visitor facilities and was reopened in Spring 1999. Outside there is a giant waterwheel which was installed between 1839 and 1841. Nearby there are picnic tables and, of course, the towpaths heading off in three directions and giving you the chance to explore the changing landscape of Tameside's canals.
Canals and Countryside
The Huddersfield Narrow and the Peak Forest canals lie almost parallel to the River Tame from Saddleworth in the north through Mossley Stalybridge. Ashton, Hyde and Denton. The Hollinwood and Fairbottom Branch Canals run through the Medlock Valley linking Littlemoss, Daisy Nook Country Park and Park Bridge. The Valleys provides excellent opportunities for countryside activities.
For more information about countryside areas contact:
Tameside Greenspace, Hyde Depot, Park Road, Hyde. SK14 4JT Or 
0161 342 3055
Or for more information visit the Countryside website.
Canal Restoration
The Huddersfield Canal Society founded in 1974, works tirelessly to support the restoration of the unique and historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, the organisation has both full time staff and numerous volunteers actively involved in fund raising and restoration work.
The Society, in partnership with Tameside, Oldham and Kirklees Councils and the former British Waterways, celebrated the complete reopening of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal across the Pennines.
If you would like to discover more about the canal and the work of the society, or perhaps become a member using the contact details below:
Huddersfield Canal Society - Transhipment Warehouse, Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham, OL3 5QR 01457 871800
Canal History and Happenings
If these pages have whetted your appetite to learn more about the history of Tameside canals, why not visit Tameside's Local Studies Library. There you can learn about the people who lived and worked on the canals.
In addition to a large collection of books, the library has a collection of canal trail guides, maps, photographs, old newspapers and oral history recordings.
Amongst the archives, the library holds the Minutes of the Peak Forest Canal Company between 1794-1845, Ashton Canal Company Minutes 1798-1815, Huddersfield Canal Company Minutes 1794-1843, as well as the Ashton-under-Lyne Canals Acts 1792-1842.
A delightful way to enjoy Tameside's canals is on a canal boat trip. Journeys of exploration are available along all three canals.
Saddleworth Canal Cruises
The Pennine Moonraker trip boat operated by Saddleworth Canal Cruises can be found at Uppermill.
East Manchester Community Boat Project
East Manchester Community Boat Project is a registered charity, run entirely by volunteers, providing free days out on the canal. They have an equal opportunities policy and do not discriminate against any group of passengers. They can accommodate two wheelchair users and their passengers regularly include those who are mentally or physically disabled, those who are underprivileged or disadvantaged, the elderly, ex-offenders, the young, community groups, and single parent families - the list is almost endless. Their 56ft narrowboat Community Spirit is moored at Portland Basin.
For more information and booking 07503 145146 or 
booking@emcbp.org.uk
The Wooden Canal Boat Society (WCBS)
Traditionally canal boats were wooden but later iron and steel became more common. The Wooden Canal Boat Society exists to build and restore wooden boats thus preserving this important part of waterway heritage. New members and volunteers are always most welcome.
For more information please contact 173 Stamford street Central Ashton under Lyne OL6 7PS . 0161 330 8422
Canal and river trust
The canal and river trust look after the three canals in Tameside and help to promote their use for recreational purposes. They can provide comprehensive leaflets, events listings and boat hire information. They also issue cycling and fishing permits. For more information visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/
Further Information
We hope you enjoy your discovery of Tameside's canals and that you will visit the area again.
