A practical paddler’s guide (launches, locks, distances, and camping
The River Medway Canoe Trail is a classic southeast England paddle: ~29 km (18–20 miles) of gentle, lock-controlled river running from Tonbridge through rural Kent to Allington, just above the tidal section at Maidstone. It’s graded easy (placid flow), making it ideal for beginners, families, or multi-day canoe camping trips.
Overview of the Route
- Start: Tonbridge (Town Lock / Tonbridge Castle)
- Finish: Allington Lock (tidal limit)
- Total distance: ~29 km / 18–20 miles
-
Typical duration:
- 1 long day paddle
- or 2–3 days with camping stops
The river is non-tidal up to Allington Lock, and flows through a sequence of locks and weirs that must usually be portaged (though canoe chutes may exist at some).
Launch Points & Parking
Tonbridge (Start)
- Primary put-in: Lower Castle Field (near Tonbridge Castle)
- Parking: Public car park (height barrier noted)
-
Alternatives nearby:
- Barden Park (free access)
- Cannon Lane Bridge (short-term mooring)
Mid-route access/parking
Useful for splitting the trip:
- Yalding (Hampstead Lock area) – roadside parking
- Teston Lock / Teston Country Park – parking (honesty box / paid)
- Golden Green – informal roadside access
Allington Lock (Finish)
- Slipway suitable for most craft
- Parking available (paid)
- Toilets, showers, water, and camping on-site
Locks & Distances (Tonbridge → Allington)
There are 10 locks in total, spaced fairly evenly along the route. Distances below are to the next downstream lock:
| Lock | Distance to next lock |
|---|---|
| Town Lock (Tonbridge) | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
| Eldridges Lock | 1.0 mile (1.6 km) |
| Porters Lock | 1.25 miles (2.0 km) |
| East Lock | 0.75 mile (1.2 km) |
| Oak Weir Lock | 1.25 miles (2.0 km) |
| Sluice Weir Lock | 2.25 miles (3.6 km) |
| Hampstead Lock (Yalding) | 3.0 miles (4.8 km) |
| Teston Lock | 2.0 miles (3.2 km) |
| East Farleigh Lock | 4.5 miles (7.2 km) |
| Allington Lock | End of navigation |
What to expect at locks
- Most are self-operated (simple paddles and gates)
- Allington Lock is staffed and marks the tidal boundary
-
Canoes typically:
- Use portage paths, or
- Occasionally use canoe chutes (where present)
Suggested Itinerary (2 Days)
Day 1: Tonbridge → Yalding (~12–15 km)
- Pass: Town, Eldridges, Porters, East, Oak Weir, Sluice Weir locks
- Landscape: open meadows → wooded valley
- Good overnight area: Yalding / Hampstead Lock
Day 2: Yalding → Allington (~14–17 km)
- Pass: Hampstead, Teston, East Farleigh locks
- Finish at Allington Lock (tidal limit)
Campsites & Overnight Options
Official / Known Options
-
Allington Lock
- On-site camping, toilets, showers, water
-
Yalding area
- Informal paddler camping is sometimes available (e.g. local clubs)
⚠️ Note:
- Wild camping is not officially permitted without landowner permission in England
- Lock areas and informal sites are commonly used but should be treated respectfully
Facilities Along the Route
Lock facilities (selected)
- Town Lock (Tonbridge): token-operated, nearby town services
- East Lock: short-term mooring available
-
Allington Lock:
- Toilets & showers
- Drinking water
- Waste disposal
- Slipway & camping
- Moorings
Hazards & Navigation Notes
- All locks and weirs should be treated as hazards → portage recommended
- Speed limit: 5 knots
- Below Allington = tidal water (plan carefully)
- River depth decreases upstream (Tonbridge section is shallowest)
Character of the Paddle
- Tonbridge → Yalding: open countryside, orchards, meadows
- Yalding → Maidstone: more wooded, scenic valley
- Approach to Allington: wider river, more urban edges
Wildlife often includes kingfishers, herons, and occasionally otters.
Final Tips
- Plan portages at every lock
- Split into 2 days for a relaxed trip
- Use Yalding or Teston as natural break points
- Finish at Allington Lock before tide influences
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