A Walk by the
Canal Around Dewsbury
Our local canals and rivers have a long history, and many people do not appreciate the heritage we have around us. Dewsbury was, and still is an important town with four major railway companies once having goods and passenger stations in the town, now reduced to one passenger station. The canal came as long ago as 1762, and more recently we are within ten minutes of two major motorways.
This walk will perhaps take you to places you have not seen before, but also there is a historical description of the routes, which might help walkers to appreciate a little more about this area.
It might be useful to read the routes before you start, and study the maps, which are as it was in 1938!
The towpath has recently been levelled and widened and is suitable for wheelchair users as far as Double Locks, but this does include a steep cobbled ramp.
The walk takes us on a gentle one mile stroll from Dewsbury canal basin, Mill Street East to Double Locks and then you can return the way you came.
However the walk continues along the towpath to Mill Bank Lock through pleasant country with good views of Ossett, Horbury and Thornhill. The return walk is on a slightly different route and picks up some items of railway interest.
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Walk compiled by Alan Robinson