The Bridgewater Canal is a 65-kilometer-long waterway in England, connecting Manchester to Runcorn. Opened in 1761, it was the first canal in the world designed to carry freight, significantly influencing the industrial revolution by facilitating the transport of coal and other goods. Constructed by Francis Egerton, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, the canal features several aqueducts and locks. It played a crucial role in the development of the Manchester Ship Canal and remains a popular route for recreational boating and walking, showcasing the historical significance of inland waterways in the region.