Easy Access Launch/Exit Point On The Non Tidal River Medway -6

 Yalding - Hampstead Lock No 7.

Easy access via either the slipway or canoe platform for your downstream paddle towards Teston Lock. To launch to travel upstream towards Yalding you will need to put in at the canoe platform on the far side of the lock.

Parking is very limited at the lock, however, there is a small car park at Yalding station which is 183 metres (61 yards) away.

Address: 

Hampstead Lane, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6AD.

Easy Access Launch/Exit Point On The Non Tidal River Medway -5

 Medway Canoe Trail - Yalding Canoe Platform

Yalding canoe platform is located in Hampstead Lane, next to the environment office. Roadside parking is available adjacent to the launch site and for a considerable distance along Hampstead Lane. However, this is an extremely popular launch site and gets extremely busy with paddlers and people picnicking at weekends and during the school holidays in the warmer months. 

The map below highlights the total possible parking area on Hampstead Lane. 

Click on the map to enlarge.

When launching your canoe/kayak, you can paddle under the lift bridge upstream towards Tonbridge, the other direction take you downstream towards Hampstead Lock where you will have to portage to continue on your journey.

Toilet and shower facilities are available at the Environment Agency building (coin-operated), and there is also a fresh water tap.

Address:

Yalding Canoe Platform

Hampstead Lane, Yalding, Maidstone ME18 6HG

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

Easy Access Launch/Exit Point On The Non Tidal River Medway -3

The Medway Canoe Trail - Tonbridge Slipway.

This is my go-to place if I just fancy an hour or two out on the paddle, or to clear my head. I also test out my new kayaks here. Although this is the official start of the Medway Canoe Trail, it is possible to paddle upstream as far as Leigh Flood Barrier, however, there is no launch or exit point at or near the flood barrier. 

Click on photos to enlarge

General Description: 

The slipway is directly opposite Tonbridge park and the river runs around the outside of the park in a complete circle which makes it ideal for novice kayakers, or those wanting to test their new kayaks for the first time. 

You can either turn left from the slipway and then take the next right traveling clockwise around the park or turn right from the slipway and travel anti-clockwise around the park. 

If you turn right, when you get to the railway bridge, turn right and follow the river upstream. The river is very scenic and includes opportunities to explore some minor tributaries. About 2 miles above Tonbridge you will reach the Leigh Flood Barrier. 

Following The Trail Downstream:

If you travel down to the lock (300m), you'll pass Tonbridge Castle on your left. 

How To Get There By Car:

Tonbridge is easily accessible from the A21 about 10 miles to the south of the M25 at Junction 5. 

On arrival at Tonbridge by car, follow the signs to the Swimming Pool and park in the Lower Castle Field Car Park, this is a Pay & Display car park. Free on Sundays.

For those with SatNavs, a nearby postcode is TN9 1HR

The  Launch Site:

There is a slipway at the end of the main car park on the far left.

Pro:

• Easy access slipway.
• Large car park.
• Little to no motorised craft from Leigh Flood Barrier to Town Lock.

Con:

• Pay & Display car park.
• Access to the park and swimming pool are via the car park, it can get extremely busy during the warmer months and school holidays.

The Slade, Tonbridge TN9 1HR

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. 

Contact Allington Lock and Slipway

Phone:  01622 752864

Website: www.allingtonlock.co.uk

Address:

Castle Rd, Allington, Maidstone ME16 0LU, UK

Novice Kayakers Launch/Exit Point On The Non-Tidal River Medway - 1

 I am frequently asked where is a good launch point for a novice kayaker on the non-tidal River Medway. 

Click on photo to enlarge

Teston Lock is accessed via Teston Bridge Country Park. The Teston Lock canoe platforms make light work of boarding and exiting your kayak/canoe. This said, there is a downside, the lock is 276 metres (300 yards) from the car parking area.

From Teston Lock you can head upstream towards Yalding, or downstream towards East Farleigh Lock.

Address:

Teston Bridge Country Park:

Teston Lane

Teston

Kent

ME18 5BX

Opening Times:

Opens: 8am

Closes: dusk or 4pm (whichever is earlier)

Parking:

Pay and display...

Monday to Friday

£1.50 per day.

Weekends and Bank Holidays

£2.50 per day.

Information correct at the time of publishing.

Website:

Teston Bridge Country Park