Our annual Gravesend to Shadwell paddle is on Saturday 21 April. At least once a year, usually in the Spring we do the trip from Gravesend; it's a very fine, full day of paddling over a distance of approx 24 miles. Because of the distance, the trip is only for sea boats and we would expect to complete the distance (including food breaks and beachcombing) in around six hours. The Thames at Gravesend is wide and very sea-like and if there is some wind, conditions can be very enjoyable (bouncy). I personally love this section of the river - more so than the western stretches. The industrail bleakness and the empty areas along the eastern corridor are just wonderful (currently being ruined by development). We can stop at places with fabulous names like Greenhithe, Erith, Tilbury, Purfleet, East Thurrock and Galleons Reach..........
There is a great put-in point at Gravesend; good car park; really excellent cafe and facilities overlooking the river...and Pocahontas is buried not too far away.
The outline plan:
- depart Shadwell approx 9am
- use the Shadwell kayak trailer to carry 11 boats
- probably need to use other cars also
- Malcolm has offered to use his mini bus to tow the trailer
- arrive Gravesend 10ish
- depart 10.45ish
- lunch on foreshore probably at Erith or Galleons
- return Shadwell late afternoon.
It's a long trip, but we will be taking it at a steady pace - it's not a race. This is a great intro to day-paddling and good practice for efficient long-distance work. Depending on numbers, we are likely to need cars in addition to Malcolm's Bongo mini bus. As an alternative, the station at Gravesend is a short walk to the put-in point for those coming by train.
In the past we have dealt with the collection of cars from Gravesend at the end of the day by either driving back with drivers to collect their cars or getting dropped off at London Bridge to take the train back. All of these arrangements can be worked-out nearer the time.
If you are interested, please liaise directly with Mike O'Reilly.