River Medway Paddle

Date/Time
Date(s) - 23/05/2026
07:30 - 16:00

Categories

Family & Friends Welcome:: No
Lead Coach:: Justin E
Event Organiser:: Justin E
Contact for Event:
Skill Level:: Intermediate
Age Limit:: Not suitable for children, due to the length of the paddle.
Type of water:: River
More information:

This is a lovely, all-day paddle, with some beautiful countryside and opportunities to try out a canoe slide and gentle moving water.

It is about 9 miles. All members are welcome, but it is vital that you are able to kayak/SUP at a reasonable pace and for that distance. Given the distance, it is not suitable for younger children.

You need to be able to transport your boat to the river (or reach out to other members for help transporting).

On arrival, we will sort out a shuttle (getting some of the cars to Yalding), so everyone needs to be at the car park for 7.45am as parking can get very busy from that point on. There are toilets at the car park and there is a café towards the end of the paddle.

There is also a pub (hurray!) at Yalding at the end where we will be stopping for drink – and food.

N.B. Please book your free place below, so we know numbers. If you have any questions, please contact the trip organiser – Justin E on WhatsApp.

OTHER INFORMATION

Put in/Take out: Put in is from a shallow slipway – very easy. The take out at Yalding is a purpose built canoe platform – not quite as easy as the put in but people will be able to hold your boat if you need assistance.

Water conditions: This part of the Medway is non-tidal so paddling conditions are easy. There are a number of canoe slides at the locks along the way. These are fairly easy and most people find them fun. There is easy portage (carrying your boat!) at each of the canoe slides so this is perfect for paddleboarders. For those of you who haven’t done this trip before, there is a lunch stop within a couple of hours at East Lock. We don’t rush on this trip. There are a couple of opportunities to play in the moving water at the bottom of the canoe slides and the bottom of sluice weir; a great chance to practise paddling through and against relatively fast-flowing water.

Sights and features on the trip: The Medway passes through the High Weald and Vale of Kent with its characteristic orchards and meadows. Paddling along the river you will see a wide variety of riverside plants, plus kingfishers and herons and – if you are very lucky – a glimpse of an otter. The route meanders past woods, meadows, and villages with a wealth of interest, including the very pretty village of East Peckham.

What to bring: This is a fairly long trip, so bring plenty of water and some food for lunch. In addition to your boat, helmet & buoyancy aid it is advisable to bring some additional outer layer clothing in case the weather changes during the trip. As we are getting into the Spring season, please make sure to take appropriate clothing especially if you go swimming! Feel free to ask for advice / recommendations via WhatsApp.

Borrowing a boat for the trip: If you would like to borrow a club boat / equipment, please send an email, with a minimum of 10 days’ notice to equipment@cvcc.org.uk. You should be able to transport the boat or have made arrangement with someone else to transport the boat on your behalf. The email should include what boat and equipment you are asking to borrow.