Geograph - photograph every grid square

A footpath (The Staffordshire Way) across the bridge leads to the magnificent Essex Bridge over the River Trent SJ9922 : Essex Bridge, Shugborough and through Shugborough Park (right) and to the left the path leads under the railway to the village of Great Haywood. SJ9922 : Trent Lane, Great Haywood, Staffordshire

Both the lock gate paddles are up, allowing water to drain out of the lock chamber so that the waiting boat (just visible through the arch) can enter. This is quite a small lock, only lowering the water by 4ft 2in (1.27m). Many narrow locks on the canal alter water levels by as much as ten to twelve feet.