The small cluster of buildings in the distance is at Heybridge Basin and there are two ways to get there, walk from Maldon, about 2 miles from the town centre, or by car. This view is taken on the footpath from Maldon.

There is a large free car park and a tearoom on the sea wall with outside tables for good weather where you can sit in the sun and watch the boats go by.

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The white fluffy-looking stuff is Norfolk Reed.

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This is where you will first arrive at Heybridge basin if you walk from Maldon. The blue railings are part of the lock that gives access to and from the canal at high tide.

To get to the other side of the canal you go across the walkway on the top of the lock gates.

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This shows the lock with the outermost gates being near to the camera. The large blue arm over the grass is pushed to open or close the gates. There is a walkway across the top of the gates.

The signal lights control boats waiting to enter the lock from the River Blackwater.

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More about the canal