David Wilson, Out and About.: Easy Access Launch/Exit Point On The Non Tidal River Medway -2

The Medway Canoe Trail.

At the end of the Medway Canoe Trail, Allington Lock is without doubt the easiest place to launch your canoe or kayak. The car park is within metres of the slipway and canoe platform.

Click on photos to enlarge

To gain access to the slipway/canoe platform, you will need to pay your parking fee to the lockkeeper at the Environment Office on site. Included in your parking fee is access to the toilets and shower, the lockkeeper will give you the door code. There is no additional charge to launch your craft.

Allington Lock Parking:

Vehicles - £5

Vehicles with trailer - £10 per day

Pros:

Easy access via slipway or canoe platform.
Parking, toilets, and shower facilities.
Freshwater tap.
Camping available.
Pub restaurant opposite the slipway.

Cons:

Car park can fill up very quickly, arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The section of the non-tidal river between Allington Lock and Maidstone can be quite busy during the week as there are often coxless fours training on this section of the river, At weekends there are lots of single sculls. These crafts can reach speeds of up to 21 km/h (13 mph), although the maximum speed on this section of the river is 5 knots (9 km/h-5.8 mph). Once you are through Maidstone town centre, the river narrower and becomes quieter and more like a canal.