The canal through Ryeford and Ebley once served two coal wharfs, four woollen cloth mills and several other business premises. Fine examples of former industrial buildings and/or mill owner's houses can be viewed from the towpath or by short diversions.
After the canal was closed in 1954, the section through Ebley gradually became a stagnant 'stinking ditch'. It was filled in for a time and then re-watered in the early 21st century.
