This section of the Grand Union Canal from the River Thames at Brentford was opened in 1794. It was the first section of what was originally called the Grand Junction Canal. Its purpose was to provide a new, shorter and quicker transport route between London and Birmingham by connecting with a network of canals at Braunston near Daventry. When the canal reached Braunston in 1805 it cut 60 miles off the shortest alternative route.
To the east of West Drayton the canal follows the Great Western Main Line but here the canal swings away to the north-west as it heads up to Uxbridge. The towpath is followed by the London LOOP.