River Medway Paddle

Date/Time
Date(s) - 19/10/2024
07:30 - 12:30

Categories No Categories

Family & Friends Welcome:: No
Lead Coach:: Justin E
Event Organiser:: Justin E
Contact for Event:
Skill Level:: Intermediate
Age Limit:
Type of water:: River
More information:

This is a lovely, all-day paddle.

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. You also need to be able to transport your boat to the river.

We will need to sort out a shuttle so everyone needs to be at the car park for 7.30am as parking can get very busy from that point on. There are toilets at the car park and there is a cafe at Paddle Cabin towards the end.

There is also a pub (hurray!) at the end.

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. The email should include what boat and equipment you are asking to borrow, for what purpose and for how long.

N.B. Numbers for this trip are limited to 16. If you would like to go, please contact the trip organiser – Justin Early on the WhatsApp group or on 07837 004347.

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. However most of the locks can be portaged if you prefer. There is an easy portage at Tonbridge Town Lock (no canoe slide) shortly after the start of the trip. 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 at the bottom of a couple of the canoe slides and the bottom of sluice weir

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. There will be a stop for coffee and cake at the Paddle Cabin, approximately six miles from the start.

What to bring: This is a fairly long trip so bring plenty of water (or other drink of choice) and some food for lunch. There is a lunch stop within a couple of hours at East Lock. We will stop at the paddle cabin at Branbridges East Peckham where there is a café and you can get coffee and cake before heading off towards the end of our trip at Yalding where there is a pub where some of us will probably have a drink and some food if you want to join us. 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 Autumn season, please make sure to take appropriate clothing especially if you go swimming! Feel free to ask for advice / recommendations on the dedicated what’s app group.