Blackburn is the biggest city the canal passes through between Leeds and Liverpool.  Blackburn was the last city to be connected to the canal in 1810. The canal brought agricultural produce and raw cotton and coal to Blackburn and took away the processed cotton cloth. The price of cotton fell and production increased. The size of the mills grew and because of their need for water and coal they were built along the canal. There were 39 mills by the canal. The canal was used for day trips for mill workers.
The first barges to arrive in Blackburn on June 27, 1810, brought yarn, tallow, molasses, oil, lead, timber, malt, and 380tons of coal.
Henry Astin ran a packet boat between Burnley and Blackburn in 1824 a journey of 16 miles in 4 hours.
There has obviously been a lot of redevelopment of this stretch of canal. Sadly as in most places much of it seems to have been a one off and has not been maintained. The warehouses at Eanam Wharf and the buildings by the locks have been redeveloped to a high standard, it is a shame however that access to the front of the warehouses is blocked. The towpath is in good condition and suitable for walking, cycling and wheelchairs.