The canal through Dudbridge and Wallbridge once served two important wharfs, four woollen cloth mills, Stroud gasworks and several other business premises. Most of these can still be seen in some form when walking the towpath or taking short diversions.
Soon after the canal was closed in 1954, this section was converted into a river to reduce flooding in the River Frome's historic channel. It was converted back into a canal (with a gentle flow) in 2012.
