It was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1772, but the plans changed and the main line was built from Chester to Nantwich.

[2] Opposing factions amalgamated in February 1793, and an Act of Parliament was obtained in April, which resulted in a line from Ellesmere Port to a junction with the Chester Canal opening in January 1797.

[3] Work started in early 1794 on a line from Hordley, near Frankton, to Llanymynech, after which it would be joined by the proposed Montgomeryshire Canal at Carreghofa.

From the junction, the Chester Canal runs to the north-west, and is level for 4.1 miles (6.6 km) to the two staircase locks at Bunbury.

Heading in the other direction towards Wolverhampton, the canal is level for 10.7 miles (17.2 km) to the bottom lock of the 15-lock Audlem flight.

To the north of the locks is Hurleston Reservoir, which is filled by water which passes along the canal from the Horseshoe Falls at Llantysilio.