 There were a number of wharfs along the navigation, but the two most important ones where at the terminal bain in Wigan, where coal from Bradshaigh's mine was loaded, and at Gathurst, serving coal mines at Orrell.It appears that boats used on the navigation were between long, were less than wide, and had a draught of a little under .Few records of what was carried exist, but a boat named "Expedition" carried coal, cannel, cinders (coke) turn and paving stones downriver, and returned with timber, hides, kelp, soap ashes, barley, beans, and most importantly limestone, which was the major return cargo.