Bridgewater Canal
 

The canal takes it's name from Francis Egerton, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater for whom the canal was built.

The canal's total length is about 40 miles, and is spanned by 78 bridges. It is a contour canal, i.e. it runs on the same level throughout it's length. The only locks are at Hulme which provide access to the River Irwell and at Runcorn for access to the Manchester Ship Canal.

It also connects with the Rochdale Canal at Manchester and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Preston Brook.

Along the canal at Worsley, is the entrance to the underground canal system. A total of 52 miles extending as far as Farnworth. This underground canal intersected with coal mines to the north to transport coal from the face.