The canal was built on the south bank of the River Irwell through the area now known as Clifton Country Park.

As the canal passes through Clifton Country Park a footpath is maintained along the former towpath.

Some of the original features are still evident, albeit in extremely poor condition.

Between 1752 and 1756, James Brindley devised a method of pumping water from the nearby Wet Earth Colliery using power harnessed from the River Irwell via a water wheel.

In 1799 Benjamin Outram installed a lock [1] along the canal, to avoid taking too much water.