Bridges. They don't make 'em like this any more.

In a recent post I showed Awbridge Lock by Awbridge Bridge. Across the tail of the lock, right by the bridge, is a cast iron bridge for the lock operator to cross by. This has a gap for the tow rope to pass through and no guard rail. It is a delight to use.


At Botterham Staircase bottom lock there's another one. This time it has sides about a foot high, complete with notches cut by decades of tow ropes rubbing past them.


I love quirky bits of canal architecture like these. Wouldn't it be terrible if everything was standardised?