Easy Access Launch/Exit Point On The Non Tidal River Medway -4

Lees Car Park & Picnic Area, Yalding: (Click on photos to enlarge)

Lees Car Park is a massive field, and parking is paid for at the entrance barrier. The river is accessed via a slipway at the far right (Yalding Town Bridge end) of the field.

From this slipway, you are only able to paddle downstream towards Teston Lock. To travel upstream from Yalding, you will have to launch from either the Yalding Canoe platform or Hampstead Lock.

It is also possible to travel upstream by paddling downstream and taking the left turn at Hampstead Marina, this leads to Hampstead Lock. The distance from Lees Car Park and Hampstead Lock downstream is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile)

Please note, in the warmer weather when the water levels are low, it can be a challenge to launch your kayak/canoe as you may need to wad in some distance. Also, a launch can be hindered by the flow from the weir.

This is a great location for a family picnic, you can also access Teapot Island via a footbridge. 

Pro:

• Ample parking.
• Toilets.
• Slipway
• A great place for a picnic.
• Access to Teapot Island via a footbridge.

Con: 

• Can get waterlogged at certain times of the year.
• Difficult to launch when water levels are low.
• Only able to paddle downstream from this launch point

Address:

Lees Car Park and Picnic Area. Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6HG