Difference between revisions of "South East England Sea and Tidal River Access"

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==Introduction==
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[[File:TedToShad.jpeg]]
 +
__NOTOC__
  
  
This page is initially just <i>"my sea kayaking notes tidied up a bit"</i>. The idea is not
+
This is an index page for many of the local potential paddles on our local tidal rivers and nearby coast. Each page covers a section of one of the local tidal rivers or a stretch of local coast.  
to list all the <u>trips</u> you might do in a sea kayak, but rather the places where you might
 
<u>start</u> and <u>finish</u> (and maybe stop for lunch). That way, you can make
 
up your <i>own</i> trips.
 
  
 +
They do not present '''complete trips''' that you might do in a sea kayak, but rather the places where you might '''start''' and '''finish''' (and maybe stop for lunch). That way, you can make up your own trips.
  
By putting up this first version, I'm hoping to stimulate contributions from others, and maybe
 
steer this in the direction of a shared-ownership document, with "sectional editors".
 
  
 
+
===Tidal Thames===
Comments/Improvements most welcome ! Probably via the <i>forum</i> initially...
+
* [[Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell|Teddington to Shadwell]]
 
+
* [[Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend|Shadwell to Gravesend]]
<p>
+
* [[Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven|Gravesend to Hole Haven]]
<small>
+
* [[Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea|Bow Creek and the River Lea]]
TonyR<br>
+
===Medway===
v1.04 23/08/2008
+
* [[Medway Tidal River]]
</small>
+
* [[Medway Marsh]]
</p>
+
=== [[The Swale]]===
==Contents==
+
==[[Isle of Sheppey]] ===
<!-- Local Jump block. Ultimately these will probably all be separate pages -->
+
=== [[North Kent Estuary]]===  
<ul>
+
=== East Kent Coast ===
 
+
* [[East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover|North Foreland to Dover]]
[[Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell]]
+
* [[East Kent Coast: River Stour|River Stour]]
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Tedd-Shad" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Tedd-Shad">  </a>
 
</li>
 
[[Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Shad-Grav" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Shad-Grav">  </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Grav-Sout" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Grav-Sout">  </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek">  </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[Medway Tidal River]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayRiver" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayRiver"></a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[Medway Marsh]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayMarsh" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayMarsh"></a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[The Swale]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale">      </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[Isle of Sheppey]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey">  </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[North Kent Estuary]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#NorthKent" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#NorthKent">  </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover]]
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Fore-Dover" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Fore-Dover"> </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
[[East Kent Coast: River Stour]]
 
 
 
<li><a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour">  </a>
 
</li>
 
 
 
 
 
</ul>
 
 
 
<!-- TIDAL THAMES: TEDDINGTON TO SHADWELL -->
 
 
 
----
 
<a class="" title="Tedd-Shad" name="Tedd-Shad"></a>
 
==Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10626/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10626/original.aspx" alt="Looking West along Battersea Park" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
Our start point for the Thames is the begining of the <i>tidal</i> section at <i>Teddington Lock</i>. Yes, I
 
am aware there are some <i>250 Kilometres</i> of water upstream of here, but it <u>flat</u> water. These pages
 
are about the <u>sea</u> !
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The TIDE at this top-end of the river is quite <i>asymmetric</i>, having roughly <b>9</b> hours of <i>ebb</i>
 
vs <b>3</b> hours of <i>flood</i> (vs about <b>7/5</b> at <i>London bridge</i>). HW at <i>Richmond/Teddington</i>
 
is around 1 hour after <i>London Bridge</i>. For those organising trips for the first time (and wanting tide support)
 
this is reasonably confusing ! <i>How long have I got to complete the trip ?</i>. Well, as long as you are
 
paddling with the tide, it turns out that you have around <i>6 hours</i> in <i>either</i> direction, as this
 
hypothetical tide timetable shows:
 
</p>
 
<pre>                HW    LW    HW<br>  Richmond      08:00  17:00  20:00    so 08:00-&gt;14:00 (~6 hours) paddling Eastbound<br>  London Bridge 07:00  14:00  19:00    or 14:00-&gt;20:00 (~6 hours) paddling Westbound<br></pre>
 
The <i>Teddington/Richmond </i>section has the added complication that only the "top 2 hours" of the tide
 
shows through, because a set of weir gates swing into place at <i>Richmond</i> to maintain levels above 1.7m over CD.
 
Allegedly, this is to assist navigation, but it also keeps the river looking plump and fullsome for the benefit
 
of local landowners, and provides a pleasing surface for the swans to glide around on. To keep things simple,
 
aim to pass <i>Richmond</i> within 2 hours of HW.
 
<p>
 
From <i>Richmond to Putney</i>, the river is quiet and almost rural. At most states of the tide there are
 
plenty of places to stop, the riverbank being mostly shingle. This is a popular area for <i>rowing</i>, so expect to
 
find teams out practising - often seemingly on the "wrong" side of the river (but "right" according to
 
<a mce_thref="" mce_href="">The Rowing Code</a>, if you can get your head around it!). Obviously, <i>kayakers</i> need to give
 
<i>rowers</i> a wide berth, as the latter cannot see where they're going (because they face the "wrong" way...)
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">0k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4314,-0.3232%28Teddington%20Lock%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4314,-0.3232(Teddington%20Lock)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Teddington Lock</b>
 
        <br>Tidal limit of the river
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>2k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4455,-0.3206%28HAM%20HOUSE%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4455,-0.3206(HAM%20HOUSE)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>HAM HOUSE</b>
 
        <br>River South. A perfect launch point in an otherwise difficult area ! Access via <i>Ham Street</i> to
 
    car park adjoining playing fields. Nice beach area for launching, especially at HW.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>5k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4588,-0.3081%28Richmond%20Bridge%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4588,-0.3081(Richmond%20Bridge)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Richmond Bridge</b>
 
        <br>River East. No easy parking anywhere nearby, but a nice touchdown spot at the foot of water lane,
 
    which is a kind of natural slipway. At HW springs, the river floods this whole riverbank area and
 
laps at the ankles of drinkers in the front yard of the <i>White Cross Hotel</i>.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>11k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4742,-0.2727%28Chiswick%20Bridge%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4742,-0.2727(Chiswick%20Bridge)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Chiswick Bridge</b>
 
        <br>River South. Natural landing/lunch point with a flight of steps leading up to the riverbank, and
 
    even a bench to sit on.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>12k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4728,-0.2548%28BARNES%20BRIDGE%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4728,-0.2548(BARNES%20BRIDGE)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>BARNES BRIDGE</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr. Good access here from the slipway in front of the Emmanuel School and
 
        <a href="http://www.cygnet-rc.org.uk" mce_href="http://www.cygnet-rc.org.uk" target="_BLANK">Cygnet Rowing Club</a> boat houses. Ample free parking
 
on Riverside Drive (Chris).
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<p>
 
East of <i>Putney</i>, everything changes ! You are entering a major capital city, so of course the river buzzes
 
with activity - and you need to keep your eyes open !
 
Access to the banks is also rather limited, as there are few slipways, and the huge tidal range (7 meters)
 
makes it impracticable to climb over the side walls. At low tide, there are sandbanks and beaches to take a
 
break on, but when the water is up, the next stopping point might be miles away. <i>Currents</i> can also run
 
quite fast (up to 3 knots) particularly in the <i>Westminster to London Bridge</i> section where the river is narrow.
 
These factors, plus the sheer density of traffic East of <i>Westminster bridge</i>, make this a river to take
 
seriously ! But it is also seriously nice, so don't be put off !
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">18k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4673,-0.2160%28PUTNEY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4673,-0.2160(PUTNEY)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>PUTNEY</b>
 
        <br>River South, 24hr. Several easy places to stop round here. This one is by the Pier/Embankment,
 
    Southwest of the bridge, and just West of the rowing club steps area - nice and quiet, with toilets nearby.
 
Other options include :
 
<br>(i) the slipway down from the road at the SW corner of the bridge
 
<br>(ii) another slipway next to the pub just SE of the bridge.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>22k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4762,-0.1758%28St%20Mary%27s%20Church%20Battersea%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4762,-0.1758(St%20Mary's%20Church%20Battersea)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>ST MARY'S CHURCH BATTERSEA</b>
 
        <br>River South, 24hr. Pleasant bit of waterfront with shingle beach and the odd barge, just where
 
    Battersea Church Road touches the river. Car access and parking nearby. The spire of St Mary's Church (1775)
 
is a distinctive landmark.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>26k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4882,-0.1242%28VAUXHALL%20MI5%20BEACH%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4882,-0.1242(VAUXHALL%20MI5%20BEACH)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>VAUXHALL MI5 BEACH</b>
 
        <br>River South, 24hr. This slipway used by the "Frog Tours" boats, and a short approach road
 
    off the embankment leads to it (although of course, little chance of parking anywhere).
 
            Portuguese-style <i>"Cafe Madeira"</i> nearby makes a nice fuel stop (Albert Embankment,
 
East side, in a railway arch - 300m)
 
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>33k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5076,-0.0500%28SHADWELL%20BEACH%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5076,-0.0500(SHADWELL%20BEACH)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>SHADWELL BEACH</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr (in a sense!). Steps lead down off the embankment to a sand/shingle beach
 
          6m above CD, so it's a wet launch only on the highest of tides (and muddy only on the lowest of lows).
 
          Access via <i>Glamis Rd</i>. Parking restrictions 08:30-17:30 Mon-Fri, but OK at all other times. This location
 
  is of course most famous as the home of the renowned
 
  <a href="http://www.towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk" mce_href="http://www.towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk" target="_BLANK">Tower Hamlets Canoe Club</a>,
 
  undoubtedly the best kayaking club in all Shadwell. Also just alongside is the renowned
 
  "Prospect of Whitby" pub, dating from 1543. So we take break here...
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- TIDAL THAMES: SHADWELL TO GRAVESEND-->
 
<a class="" title="Shad-Grav" name="Shad-Grav"></a>
 
==Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10627/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10627/original.aspx" alt="Just off Shadwell Beach looking East" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
The river widens considerably East of <i>Tower Bridge</i>, so currents in this section run more slowly, and there
 
are also fewer obstacles. Access to/from the shore remains patchy because of the large tidal range.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The landscape also changes radically. West of <i>Greenwich</i>, you know you're in the capital, with familiar landmarks
 
everywhere and promenading tourists staring down at you in bewilderment. East of <i>Greenwich</i>, you might recognise
 
<i>the Dome</i>, the <i>Woolwich Ferry</i> (still running !) and the M25 road bridge - but the rest is increasingly
 
anonymous and spread out. It's still an engaging paddle, though ! The 40K run between <i>Shadwell</i> and <i>Gravesend</i>
 
is a THCC club favourite.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">2k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0324%28Greenland%20Dock%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0324(Greenland%20Dock)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Greenland Dock</b>
 
        <br>River South, HW+-3. Entry point to the river via exposed steps down to sandbank 3m above CD, hence often
 
    submerged, and access not very easy. Plenty of (unrestricted) parking in neighbouring <i>Rope St</i>, by the ferry terminal.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>2k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4940,-0.0274%28Millwall%20Dock%20Slipway%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4940,-0.0274(Millwall%20Dock%20Slipway)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Millwall Dock slipway</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr. Former shipping entrance to the Millwall Dock, now converted to a slipway, and with
 
            easy access off Westferry Road. Parking restrictions 08:30-17:30 Mon-Fri, but OK at all other times.
 
            The dock entrance has a curious floating barrier across it, but with a flattened section at the
 
downstream end that you can just paddle over. Sailing dingys from the neighbouring
 
<a href="http://www.dswc.org/" mce_href="http://www.dswc.org/" target="_BLANK">Docklands Sailing Centre</a> launch from here into the river.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>4k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0122%28POPLAR%20ROWING%20CLUB%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0122(POPLAR%20ROWING%20CLUB)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>POPLAR ROWING CLUB</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr. Easy access slipway alongside the friendly
 
  <a href="http://www.pbdrc.co.uk/" mce_href="http://www.pbdrc.co.uk/" target="_BLANK">Poplar Rowing Club</a>, whose members are regularly seen training
 
  up and down this stretch of river - albeit "facing the wrong way".
 
          Parking restrictions 08:30-17:30 Mon-Fri, but OK at all other times.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>5k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4883,-0.0046%28NEWCASTLE%20DRAWDOCK%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4883,-0.0046(NEWCASTLE%20DRAWDOCK)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>NEWCASTLE DRAWDOCK</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr. Public slipway with easy access via <i>Manchester Rd</i>. Parking restrictions 08:30-17:30
 
    Mon-Fri, but OK at all other times.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>5k
 
</td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0013%28GREENWICH%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0013(GREENWICH)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>GREENWICH</b>
 
        <br>River South, 24hr? Access to shingle beach via <i>Lovells Wharf</i>.
 
    Parking nearby in <i>Pelton/Enderby</i> streets.
 
 
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>6k
 
</td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0054%28AMSTERDAM%20YARD%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0054(AMSTERDAM%20YARD)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>AMSTERDAM YARD</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr. Slipway down to a broad sand and shingle beach with a remarkable 150m of river frontage.
 
            London's answer to "Paris Plage" perhaps, and a tempting spot to sunbathe among the broken glass and
 
lorry tyres. Although a nice launch and landing spot, access from <i>Manchester Road</i>
 
is a bit more fiddly (drive in to unload, then drive back to park). Parking restrictions 08:30-17:30 Mon-Fri,
 
but OK at all other times. Probably the best access point for
 
<a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek">Bow Creek</a>,
 
being just 2K from the entrance.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>7k
 
</td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5016,-0.0020%28The%20Dome%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5016,-0.0020(The%20Dome)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>The Dome - Point Drawdock</b>
 
        <br>River South, 24hr. Gentle sloping foreshore on this bend in the river, just West of the Dome.
 
            Acccess to the water is good (and especially handy for <i>Bow Creek</i>) but car access and parking
 
very poor! Approach by road on the <i>A102 Blackwall Tunnel approach</i> (Northbound) peeling off at
 
the very last moment into the turnoff for <i>prohibited vehicles</i>. Follow this to a barrier which
 
is normally unmanned and can be raised by hand to get access to the foreshore (Drawdock Road) for
 
unloading - but not for parking.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>8k
 
</td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5072,0.0091%28Bow%20Creek%20Entrance%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5072,0.0091(Bow%20Creek%20Entrance)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>(Bow Creek Entrance)</b>
 
        <br>River North. Not an <i>access point</i>, but the junction of the tidal <i>River Lea</i> leading to
 
    <i>Bow Locks</i>, and the gateway to a complex network of waterways known as the "Bow Back Rivers"
 
(see <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek">Bow Creek</a>). This is an interesting area to paddle, but do be aware that
 
there is virtually  <u>no</u> access over the banks for the first 4K off the Thames - and no chance at
 
all at LW. So think before you enter !
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>&nbsp;
 
    </td>
 
<td>&nbsp;
 
</td>
 
<td>...<small><br>
 
        Downstream from here, river access to/from the shore gets progressively harder ! There are a number
 
            of <i>temporary landing spots</i> where it's possible to get out and stretch legs, eg:
 
</small>
 
<ul>
 
<small> </small>
 
<li><small>On sandbanks exposed around LW, eg just West of the <i>Flood Barrier</i> (North bank)
 
</small></li>
 
<li><small>On some sloping banksides around HW, especially where these have been stone-lined as at
 
                    <i>Gallions Reach</i> and <i>Barking Reach</i> (East of <i>Woolwich</i>, South bank)
 
</small></li>
 
<li><small>On occasional slipways, such as <a href="http://www.erithyachtclub.org.uk" mce_href="http://www.erithyachtclub.org.uk" target="_BLANK">Erith Yacht Club</a>,
 
                    (just East of Erith, South bank - road access only via locked compound AFAIK !)
 
</small></li>
 
</ul>
 
<small>            There are also a few emergency climb-out possibilities on to gantries of one sort or another
 
  (eg <i>Woolwich Ferry terminal North</i>). However, in general, there is so much mud piled up along
 
    the banks that access is only really possible close to HW, and only in isolated places. So be prepared
 
to paddle all the way through !</small>
 
<br>...
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>40k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4444,0.3777%28GRAVESEND%20WATERFRONT%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4444,0.3777(GRAVESEND%20WATERFRONT)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>GRAVESEND WATERFRONT</b>
 
        <br>24hr access via yacht club slipway on classic waterfront. Parking nearby, also cafe, toilets.
 
            Launching also possible off the beach at all but the lowest tides. This spot is a nice way to visualise
 
the transition from river to sea, being now 700m across and with large vessels passing through.
 
A group of working tugs is often stationed just offshore.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- TIDAL THAMES: GRAVESEND to HOLE HAVEN -->
 
<a class="" title="Grav-Sout" name="Grav-Sout"></a>
 
==Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10628/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10628/original.aspx" alt="Among the gantries near Hole Haven" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
At <i>Gravesend</i>, crossing the river is perhaps a <i>5 minute</i> paddle.
 
By <i>Hole Haven</i> (15K further downstream) the crossing has become perhaps <i>30 minutes</i>, and
 
and by <i>Southend</i> (10K further still) more like <i>1 hour</i>.
 
This is still "the river" rather than "the Estuary", but faced with these distances, and large commercial
 
vessels steaming past at 20 knots, it's no longer a simple hop from one bank to the other !
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
As elsewhere on the Thames, MUD is everywhere - so there are few places to stop other than near HW.
 
Riverbank access by road also gets harder and harder, as much of the water's edge is either given over to
 
the <i>Oil Industry</i> (an entire 10K stretch on the North bank approaching <i>Canvey Island</i>)
 
or is so marshy and flood-prone that there's basically nothing there ! Not even a road !
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
So if you're bent on paddling beyond here, you'd better be happy to go the distance.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">46k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4641,0.4545%28Cliffe%20Fort%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4641,0.4545(Cliffe%20Fort)&amp;z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Cliffe Fort</b>
 
        <br>River South, HW only, touch down possibility. If you're going East of here, you need to be deciding
 
    which bank to follow !
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>55k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5119,0.5510%28Hole%20Haven%20Slipway%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5119,0.5510(Hole%20Haven%20Slipway)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Hole Haven Slipway</b>
 
        <br>River North, 24hr Slipway, with approach road and parking just over the sea wall ! Even a pub !
 
    A rarity in an otherwise impregnable area. Whether you'd want to linger here is another matter...
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>61k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4788,0.6382%28Allhallows%20YC%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4788,0.6382(Allhallows%20YC)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Allhallows YC Slipway</b>
 
        <br>River South, Slipway belonging to <a href="http://www.ayc.uk.com/" mce_href="http://www.ayc.uk.com/" target="_blank">Allhallows Yacht Club</a>,
 
    access unknown.
 
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td>-
 
</td>
 
<td><i><small>to be continued...</small></i>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- TIDAL THAMES: BOW CREEK and the RIVER LEA -->
 
 
 
----
 
<a class="" title="BowCreek" name="BowCreek"></a>
 
==Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10629/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10629/original.aspx" alt="Just South of Bow Locks looking North" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
The river LEA is an extensive network of waterways, TIDAL and NON-TIDAL, with complex interconnections
 
and a long history of commercial exploitation. Until Summer 2007, it was possible to head North
 
on a rising tide off the Thames into <i>Bow Creek</i> (near the Dome) and keep going ... and going.
 
10K later, you would still be in salt water, heading across <i>Hackney Marshes</i>, having
 
encountered no locks or obstacles of any sort! Although not regarded as a "navigation", this whole
 
section was <i>de facto</i> navigable to kayaks, and was quietly appreciated by lovers of
 
<i>urban wilderness</i>.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
As we write (late 2007) a massive re-engineering exercise is underway in preparation for the
 
2012 Olympics. This has put the whole <i>Waterworks River</i> section North of <i>Prescott Lock</i>
 
out of bounds and also closed the side branches of the neighbouring NON-TIDAL network
 
(<i>Old River Lea, City Mill River</i> and the <i>Bow Back River</i>). When the protective
 
plastic is peeled off in late 2008, what emerges will be NON-TIDAL, with levels managed by a water
 
control structure alongside the new <i>Prescott Lock</i>. Only the 4K stub from here to the
 
Thames remains unchanged.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Those interested can track progress of the project via
 
<a href="http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/olympics/index.php" mce_href="http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/olympics/index.php" target="_BLANK">these British Waterways pages</a>.
 
British Waterways are of course keen advocates of the project, stressing the benefits of <i>regeneration</i>
 
of this long-neglected area, and of <i>water hygiene</i>. (There are currently regular sewage discharges,
 
evidence for which is seen in the <i>fig trees</i> lining the river banks. Humans eat figs, but the seeds
 
pass through undigested ! <i>"Too much information" </i>?)
 
Elsewhere, there are doubts about the chosen engineering solution, and disappointment at the loss of so
 
much tidal river, as eloquently expressed in
 
<a href="http://www.gamesmonitor.org.uk/files/The%20Lea%20in%20Good%20Hands.pdf" mce_href="http://www.gamesmonitor.org.uk/files/The%20Lea%20in%20Good%20Hands.pdf" target="_BLANK">
 
this paper from the Regents Network</a>.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
<!-- MEDWAY TIDAL RIVER -->
 
</p>
 
----
 
<a class="" title="MedwayRiver" name="MedwayRiver"></a>
 
==Medway Tidal River==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10630/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10630/original.aspx" alt="Near Wouldham, heading North" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
The tidal part of the Medway starts as an unpromising, muddy channel close to the M20, at <i>Allington Lock</i>.
 
It winds North through flattish and semi-rural landscape, before passing through the industrial towns
 
of <i>Rochester</i>, <i>Chatham</i> and <i>Gillingham</i> and their surrounding chalk downland.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
This is a pleasant area to paddle, particularly in Winter when it is quiet, or on windy days when
 
other more exposed outings are ruled out. Lying mostly North-South, it is well protected against
 
prevailing Westerlies.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Access is a bit difficult everywhere except at <i>Gillingham Strand</i> and <i>Allington Lock</i>,
 
the 2 endpoints of this section. Hence this tends to be a 25K "straight through" paddle. It can be done
 
in either direction, but is most practical in the Downstream (Northbound) direction, as this gets the
 
tide-critical access at <i>Allington Lock</i> out of the way at the start, and you have both the tide and
 
the river flow on your side. HW at <i>Allington lock</i> is around 2 hours after <i>HW Dover</i>.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">0k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2956,0.5019%28Allington%20lock%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2956,0.5019(Allington%20lock)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Allington lock</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 0.5h, landing on West side near the lock, Parking/food in nearby "Malta Inn"
 
    (tel 01622 717251) and large and popular waterfront pub.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>10k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3503,0.4566%28Wouldham%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3503,0.4566(Wouldham)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Wouldham</b>
 
        <br>HW only, East bank, road access difficult. Also a club pontoon on West bank as stopping point.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>16k
 
</td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3928,0.4994%28Rochester%20Bridge%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3928,0.4994(Rochester%20Bridge)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>Rochester Bridge</b>
 
        <br>Access via steps, no parking, best avoided.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>18k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3850,0.5205%28Chatham%20%22Blue%20Pontoon%22%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3850,0.5205(Chatham%20%22Blue%20Pontoon%22)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>Chatham "Blue" pontoon</b>
 
        <br>Just off <i>A231 Medway St</i>. Stopping point to rest/adjust kit, but no easy boat access or parking.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>24k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3976,0.5634%28GILLINGHAM%20STRAND%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3976,0.5634(GILLINGHAM%20STRAND)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>GILLINGHAM STRAND</b>
 
      <br>24hr slipway, parking, toilets, Cafe sometimes open. Excellent !
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- MEDWAY MARSH -->
 
<a class="" title="MedwayMarsh" name="MedwayMarsh"></a>
 
==Medway Marsh==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10631/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10631/original.aspx" alt="Medway Marsh" width="913" height="146">
 
<p>
 
East of <i>Gillingham</i>, the river opens into a vast area of saltmarsh. The main river track passes through
 
the middle, with flood plains to either side. To the North - the Hoo Peninsular and Isle of Grain, both heavily
 
industrialised and with long jetties reaching out from the land to the deep water. To the South - a largely unspoiled
 
coastline of apple orchards, small villages, a country park, and some of the best place names in the business:
 
<i>Horrid Hill, Slaughterhouse point, Bedlam's bottom</i>...
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The tide here floods in from the East, as expected, with <i>Sheerness</i> the guide port for tide times.
 
As with the nearby <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale">Swale</a>, principal hazard is the MUD, which is everywhere ! On a falling tide,
 
it is all too easy to get caught out and be stranded several kilometers from land - so it's important to keep your
 
navigation brain engaged - and to always know where the deep water is !
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Useable access points are all on the South side, but are really just HW touchdown spots, eg for lunch stops.
 
The best way to access this area is really to paddle in from either end - ie from <i>Gillingham Strand</i> in the
 
West or <i>Queenborough</i> in the East (both 24hr slipways)
 
 
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">-
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3753,0.6276%28Otterham%20Quay%29&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Otterham Quay</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 1h only, road access/parking difficult.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3760,0.6718%28Lower%20Halstow%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3760,0.6718(Lower%20Halstow)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Lower Halstow</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 1h only, lovely old jetty beside Saxon church, road access via <i>Lapwing Drive</i>. Parking OK.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3842,0.7140%28Raspberry%20Hill%29&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Raspberry Hill</b>
 
        <br>HW only. Saltmarsh touches the road at this point; great views; some parking on verges.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- THE SWALE -->
 
 
 
----
 
<a class="" title="Swale" name="Swale"></a>
 
==The Swale==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10632/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10632/original.aspx" alt="Hary Ferry looking North, 'Ferry Inn' in the background" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
The <i>Swale</i> is a stretch of tidal water that separates the
 
<a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey">Isle of Sheppey</a> from the
 
Kent mainland. It is open it both ends, so not really a <i>river</i> as popularly supposed. It has numerous creeks
 
off the South side.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The varying character of the Swale is summed up by the 2 neighbouring towns, which could hardly be more different:
 
<i>Sittingbourne</i> in the West is a depressing industrial slum, whose channel to the Swale (Milton Creek)
 
is the destination of choice for supermarket trolleys and truck tyres. Meanwhile, <i>Faversham</i>, just 10K to
 
the East, is a picture postcard of <i>Olde Kent</i>, with hopfields, oasthouses and sailing barges.
 
The Faversham end of the Swale, best accessed through <i>Harty Ferry</i>, is a gem ! Calm and peaceful,
 
especially in Winter.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Tide floods into the Swale from both ends, meeting up in the middle. Currents are thus strongest at the 2 ends,
 
with a notional "dead spot" where the 2 tides meet, somewhere east of <i>Milton Creek</i>. This can be turned to
 
advantage if circumnavigating Sheppey, by arranging to pass through this point just as the tide changes!
 
The Red and Green buoys also change sides near here, at Kingsferry Bridge.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
As with the nearby <i>Medway Marsh</i>, it's important to be careful on a falling tide ! Parts of the Swale are
 
a kilometer or more across, but dry very quickly leaving a navigable channel barely a 100 meters across,
 
and oceans of horrible, sticky mud.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Access Points listed here are just the SOUTH side ones. For the NORTH side, see the
 
<a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey">Isle of Sheppey</a>.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">0k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3907,0.7476%28Kingsferry%20Bridge%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3907,0.7476(Kingsferry%20Bridge)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Kingsferry Bridge</b>
 
        <br>24hr slipway, parking nearby (although perhaps a bit exposed), watch out for jet-skiiers!
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>9k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3464,0.8162%28Conyer%20Creek%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3464,0.8162(Conyer%20Creek)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Conyer Creek</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 1.5h, access a bit difficult, parking nearby, pub
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>13k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3467,0.8891%28Harty%20Ferry%20South%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3467,0.8891(Harty%20Ferry%20South)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>HARTY FERRY (SOUTH)</b>
 
        <br>24hr slipway, parking, lovely countryside. Best access point in the area!
 
            Directly opposite <i>Harty Ferry (North)</i> and the excellent "Ferry Inn" (see
 
            <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey">Isle of Sheppey</a>).
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>15k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3287,0.8806%28Oare%20Creek%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3287,0.8806(Oare%20Creek)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Oare Creek</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 1.5h, access over grass bank from roadway, parking OK, 2 food pubs nearby.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>19k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3187,0.8906%28Faversham%20Town%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3187,0.8906(Faversham%20Town)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Faversham Town</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 1h, access over grassy bank from <i>"Front Brents"</i>, opposite Shepherd Neame brewery.
 
    Parking nearby. At the junction between the 2 creeks is another stangely isolated pub, the "Shipwrights Arms".
 
            Food available. "Wet-friendly".
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- ISLE OF SHEPPEY -->
 
 
 
----
 
<a class="" title="Sheppey" name="Sheppey"></a>
 
==Isle of Sheppey==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10633/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10633/original.aspx" alt="Shell Ness Beach, Isle of Sheppey" width="913" height="146">
 
<p>
 
<i>"What country pray is this" ? </i>Proud home to Europe's largest manufacturer of <i>garden gnomes</i>,
 
Sheppey retains a sense of independence from neighbouring <i>England</i>. Things here have often seemed a cultural
 
decade or two behind the mainland - but are changing now, in part because the "new" bridge (July 2006) has made access
 
from <i>England</i> much quicker and more reliable. A bit rough, poor and rather shabby in parts, Sheppey is still
 
full of surprises.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Tides generally flood from the East and Ebb to the West, except on the South side, ie <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale">The Swale</a>,
 
which is fed from both ends. Tide times can all be taken as <i>Sheerness</i>. Circumnavigation of the island
 
(45-50K) makes a nice day trip.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">-
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4175,0.7396%28QUEENBOROUGH%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4175,0.7396(QUEENBOROUGH)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>QUEENBOROUGH</b>
 
        <br>24hr slipway into the Swale, near its junction with the Medway, and just round the corner from
 
            the charming but rather muddy Town Quay (HW +-2h ?). Toilets, free parking.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4367,0.7970%28Barton%27s%20Point%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4367,0.7970(Barton's%20Point)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>Barton's Point</b>
 
        <br>24hr sand/shingle beach, parking. 1 km West of here is the home of the
 
<a href="http://www.iossc.org.uk" mce_href="http://www.iossc.org.uk" target="_blank">Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club</a><a>
 
which has a truly excellent
 
</a><a href="http://www.iossc.org.uk/weather/index.php" mce_href="http://www.iossc.org.uk/weather/index.php" target="_blank">weathercam</a><a>.
 
        Just 3km offshore from here lies the intruiging wreck of the
 
        </a><a href="http://www.ssrichardmontgomery.com/" mce_href="http://www.ssrichardmontgomery.com/">SS Richard Montgomery</a>, a munitions ship which
 
ran aground here in 1944, spilling hundreds of tons of ordnance on to the sea bed (much of it still there
 
today!). This makes an interesting diversion if paddling along this coast, or crossing to Southend.
 
You literally "can't miss it". Parts of the vessel's rusting superstructure stick up above low tide
 
and the whole area is plastered with buoys and warning signs.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3947,0.9311%28Leysdown%20on%20Sea%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3947,0.9311(Leysdown%20on%20Sea)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Leysdown on Sea</b>
 
        <br>24hr sand/shingle beach, parking.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3693,0.9429%28Shell%20Ness%20-%20Sheppey%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3693,0.9429(Shell%20Ness%20-%20Sheppey)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Shell Ness - Sheppey</b>
 
        <br>Shell Ness is a natural beach made entirely of <i>sea shells</i> (pictured!) and offering a sheltered
 
    launch into the Swale, or a classic lunch spot. Car access possible from nearby <i>Leysdown</i>,
 
then a portage or trolley for the last few hundred meters. Avoid the roped-off bird sanctuary,
 
just West of the concrete bunker.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>-
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3549,0.8919%28Harty%20Ferry%20North%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3549,0.8919(Harty%20Ferry%20North)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>HARTY FERRY (NORTH)</b>
 
      <br>24hr slipway belonging to the "Ferry Inn" (01795 510214), a remarkable "wet friendly" pub which
 
          does food every day, and lets you camp in its grounds for a modest fee. Just 66k as the crow fields from
 
  <i>Shadwell Basin</i> this pub feels more isolated than you would believe possible. Until relatively
 
  recently, they had only "well" water and generated their own electricity. Car access is a little complicated,
 
  which is probably why it's so nice ! One of the few places that's easier to reach by Kayak than by road.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- NORTH KENT ESTUARY -->
 
 
 
----
 
<a class="" title="NorthKent" name="NorthKent"></a>
 
==North Kent Estuary==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10634/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10634/original.aspx" alt="Reculver Towers and Herne Bay, Looking West" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
From East Sheppey across to Whistable is a large area of mudflats, with limited access from the shore, and
 
a mini tide-race around <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale">The Swale</a> entrance. The 4K open crossing from <i>Shell Ness</i> to
 
<i>Whitstable</i> makes a nice outing when conditions are right. Arrival by sea at Whitstable offers the ultimate in
 
lunch stops: haul your boat up the shingle, step into <i>Whitstable Oyster Fishery</i> an order up your Moule/Frites.
 
Return to the sea afterwards with a sense of smug superiority.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
East of Whitstable, the mud progressively gives way to sandy beaches and seaside towns (<i>Herne Bay, Margate</i>)
 
with the prominent landmark of <i>Reculver</i> generally in sight. East from here, the water gets livelier as we
 
head East to <i>North Foreland</i>, and leave the shelter of the Estuary.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The Tides in this area flood from the East and ebb to the West as expected. Flows are not particularly strong
 
and can be paddled against easily enough if you stay inshore. Apart from a short run of cliffs East of <i>Herne Bay</i>
 
(cut off at HW) there is landing more or less anywhere and plenty of parking. Also plenty of candy-floss and
 
deep-fried doughnuts.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
1K offshore from <i>Herne Bay</i> are the stranded remains of the pier wrecked by a storm in 1978, worth a detour
 
to hear (or imagine) the echoes of the dance band still playing. Further offshore (8.5K due North) lies the
 
Wind Farm, built in early 2007 (NickJ, Sea4me and TonyR paddled out there for a look in Octovber 2007, leaving
 
just one thing behind: a camera!)
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">0k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3646,1.0257%28WHITSTABLE%20OYSTER%20FISHERY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3646,1.0257(WHITSTABLE%20OYSTER%20FISHERY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>WHITSTABLE OYSTER FISHERY</b>(East end of harbour wall)
 
        <br>24hr access, with some restaurant tables on the shingle beach (or you can eat inside).
 
    Some parking behind the restaurant in the entrance driveway.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>1k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3649,1.0320%28WHITSTABLE%20CONTINENTAL%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3649,1.0320(WHITSTABLE%20CONTINENTAL)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>WHITSTABLE CONTINENTAL</b>
 
      <br>(500m east of Harbour, signs for Continental Hotel).
 
          24hr shingle beach, shelter from groynes, parking, toilets, good hotel/restaurant.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>5k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3704,1.0982%28Hampton%20turn%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3704,1.0982(Hampton%20turn)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Hampton turn</b>
 
        <br>24 hr slipway used by jetskis, parking nearby.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>7k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3727,1.1210%28HERNE%20BAY%20BREAKWATER%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3727,1.1210(HERNE%20BAY%20BREAKWATER)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>HERNE BAY BREAKWATER</b>
 
        <br>24 hr shingle beach either side of pier, on-road parking. Toilets 200m west of pier.
 
            Also breakwater and 24hr slipway for boats with adjacent large car park by clock tower.
 
            Shelter "under the boardwalk" in rough weather. Cafes and candyfloss everywhere.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>12k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3801,1.2002%28Reculver%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3801,1.2002(Reculver)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Reculver</b>
 
        <br>24hr shingle beach just East of the towers (some distance from the car park). Toilets nearby,
 
    also seasonal cafe and 2 pubs.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>18k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3790,1.2811%28MINNIS%20BAY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3790,1.2811(MINNIS%20BAY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>MINNIS BAY</b>
 
        <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach next to "Minnis" pub/cafe, parking, other slipways further along.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>21k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3833,1.3322%28WESTGATE%20BAY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3833,1.3322(WESTGATE%20BAY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>WESGATE BAY</b>
 
        <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking, toilets, cafes.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>25k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3904,1.3809%28MARGATE%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3904,1.3809(MARGATE)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>MARGATE</b>
 
        <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, inside or outside breakwater, parking/toilets on top.
 
            Lots of submerged rocks just off the beach, so often best to enter at right-angles to the shore
 
in rough weather.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>28k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3922,1.4189%28PALM%20BAY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3922,1.4189(PALM%20BAY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>PALM BAY</b>
 
        <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, used by jetskis, parking
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>30k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3893,1.4356%28BOTANY%20BAY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3893,1.4356(BOTANY%20BAY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>BOTANY BAY</b>
 
        <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking, fairly exposed (swell, even small surf!)
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>32k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3798,1.4468%28JOSS%20BAY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3798,1.4468(JOSS%20BAY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>JOSS BAY</b>
 
        <br>24 hr sandy beach, parking, toilets, great little spot by the North Foreland lighthouse.
 
            Beach car park £5 per day (Aug 206) or can drop off boats and park in neighbouring <i>Elmwood Avenue</i>.
 
            Joss Bay is the area's only recognised
 
<a href="http://magicseaweed.com/Joss-Bay-Surf-Report/18/" mce_href="http://magicseaweed.com/Joss-Bay-Surf-Report/18/" target="_blank">Surfing location</a>,
 
and even has a
 
<a href="http://www.jossbay.co.uk" mce_href="http://www.jossbay.co.uk" target="_blank">surf school</a>!
 
            Waves are generally modest, larger at high tide and in a North-easterley wind.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<!-- EAST KENT COAST: NORTH FORELAND TO DOVER -->
 
<a class="" title="Fore-Dover" name="Fore-Dover"></a>
 
==East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10635/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10635/original.aspx" alt="North Foreland Light, alongside Joss Bay" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
This stretch of coast faces Eastwards out into the North Sea. We are out of the Estuary here, so this is
 
"real sea" (though calmed at LW by the infamous <i>Goodwin Sands</i>, some 10K offshore,
 
drying to several meters).
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The Northern coastline (<i>Foreland, Broadstairs, Ramsgate</i>) has chalk cliffs and a rocky-ish
 
foreshore, with some sandy beaches. South of Ramsgate (<i>Pegwell Bay, Deal, South Foreland</i>) this gives
 
way to flat landscape and sand/shingle beaches, before the cliffs rise again near <i>Dover</i>.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
A high spot for mariners is <i>Ramsgate</i>, a "proper" port which has a ferry (4 crossings to <i>Ostend</i>
 
daily) a marina, and a few working vessels. Outside the summer season, it is fairly quiet, so crossing the
 
harbour entrance is not a big deal (unlike <i>Dover</i>). Currents of up to 3 knots can be encountered
 
passing the Ramsgate Southern breakwater, which makes life interesting.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
Just South of <i>Ramsgate</i> lies <i>Pegwell Bay</i>, the "mini-estuary" of the <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour">River Stour</a>,
 
a pleasant paddle in its own right. This is a broad and flat stretch of sand, where the sea recedes nearly 3K at
 
lower water, drying almost all the way to Ramsgate harbour entrance!
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The big feature of this whole section is the "tidal offset" caused by the constriction of the Dover Straits.
 
Along this coast, <u>HW is not SLACK WATER</u> ! The tide instead runs NORTH from Dover HW-1.5 to Dover HW+4.5,
 
then reverses for a similar period. (The direction change is "4.5 hours late", in other words).
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
If paddling "round the corner" (ie to/from the Estuary) it's worth thinking about "tidal windows", ie whether
 
you can get tide support both ways. For those who like an easy life, the best plan is to go <i>clockwise</i>
 
(ie from Estuary to Channel) and to pass <i>North Foreland</i> between Dover HW+4.5 and HW+6. This nicely
 
links the 2 tides. It also rounds the corner close to local LW, so the uncovered foreshore (sand with some
 
rockpools) produces a quieter sea to pick through.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">35k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3586,1.4449%28Broadstairs%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3586,1.4449(Broadstairs)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
    </td>
 
<td><b>Broadstairs</b>
 
        <br>24 hr sandy bathing beach, launch inside breakwater, toilets; parking can be tricky.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>36k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3482,1.4395%28Dumpton%20Gap%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3482,1.4395(Dumpton%20Gap)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Dumpton Gap</b>
 
      <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>38k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3349,1.4284%28RAMSGATE%20EAST%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3349,1.4284(RAMSGATE%20EAST)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>RAMSGATE EAST</b>
 
        <br>24 hr sandy bathing beach, a few rocks, good parking. Access via steep turning off
 
    cliff-top <i>Victoria Parade</i>, avoiding town centre.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>39k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3264,1.4070%28RAMSGATE%20WEST%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3264,1.4070(RAMSGATE%20WEST)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>RAMSGATE WEST</b>
 
        <br>24 hr sandy bathing beach, parking, nice sheltered launch beside harbour breakwater.
 
            Best car access via the special PORT road off a roundabout the outside town, via a tunnel
 
            through the cliffs. Nice transport cafe just across the road, popular with truck drivers
 
waiting for the <i>Ostende</i> ferry. See notes under <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour">River Stour</a> if
 
planning to enter the river.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>42k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3283,1.3753%28Pegwell%20Bay%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3283,1.3753(Pegwell%20Bay)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Pegwell Bay</b>
 
        <br>HW only, because of extensive mudflats. Access near the Viking ship, parking nearby,
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>41k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3138,1.3664%28Shell%20Ness%20-%20Stour%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3138,1.3664(Shell%20Ness%20-%20Stour)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Shell Ness - Stour</b>
 
        <br>Entrance to the <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour">River Stour</a>. South of here is the long sandy beach
 
    of <i>Sandwich Bay</i>, where you can land just about anywhere, but with road access
 
difficult until <i>Deal</i>.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>54k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2240,1.4053%28DEAL%20PIER%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2240,1.4053(DEAL%20PIER)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>DEAL PIER</b>
 
        <br>24 hr pebble beach, parking, toilets, pubs/cafes/shops. Access easy everywhere along here.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>64k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.1504,1.3864%28St%20Margarets%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.1504,1.3864(St%20Margarets)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>St Margarets</b>
 
        <br>24hr attractive and popular pebble beach, only about 500m long and tucked under the White Cliffs,
 
    which rise up from here towards Dover. Access via steep &amp; windy cliff road from St Margaret's village
 
(not advisable with a trailer!). Pub, Cafe, Toilets and good parking (prices Sept 2006 were 40p per
 
hour 0900-1700 June-Sept only, free at all other times - including overnight).
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
<p>
 
<small>
 
<i>St Margarets</i> beach is just 2K North of DOVER HARBOUR Eastern entrance, which is busy with Ferry movements.
 
Paddling beyond here really requires care - and ideally a VHF call. This is the narrowest point of the Dover Straits
 
so water is always likely to be running fast, and the additional projection of the harbour breakwater a kilometer
 
or so into the flow, further squeezes things. The result is a mini-tide race and a sizeable eddy just of the
 
Eastern entrance, which could be fun to play in - were it not for the dangers of the constant ferry traffic.
 
</small>
 
<!-- EAST KENT COAST: RIVER STOUR -->
 
</p>
 
----
 
<a class="" title="KentStour" name="KentStour"></a>
 
==East Kent Coast: River Stour==
 
<!-- Picture -->
 
<img src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10636/original.aspx" mce_src="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/photos/tonyr/images/10636/original.aspx" alt="River Stour entrance at Pegwell Bay" width="913" height="146">
 
 
 
<p>
 
This little tidal river flows out from Canterbury, via Sandwich to the sandflats of Pegwell Bay.
 
Quiet, peaceful and sheltered, this is more of a <i>"Wind in the Willows"</i> experience than a
 
<i>white water </i>one. There are no rocks anywhere, and currents barely reach 2 knots even at
 
peak.
 
</p>
 
<p>Unlike the neighbouring sea coast at <i>Pegwell Bay</i>, there is no "tidal offset" to confuse things
 
here. The river floods and ebbs predictably. HW at <i>Sandwich</i> is around <i>Dover</i> HW+1 and
 
<i>Grove Ferry</i> is at Dover HW+2.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
The "top" end around <i>Fordwich</i> is particularly nice as it passes along the <i>Stodmarsh</i>
 
nature reserve, and has large wetland areas either side of the waterway. It's rare to see
 
any vessel larger than a kayak upstream of the <i>Grove Ferry</i> bridge because of its limited
 
headroom. Downstream of the bridge there are a few river cruisers, but typically only in Summer.
 
</p>
 
<p>
 
You can paddle this river in either direction, but it's best done with tide support, and with an
 
eye on the tides at <i>Sandwich</i>, where access at LW is a very muddy experience. Typical
 
"A to B" trips are between <i>Grove Ferry, Sandwich</i> and/or <i>Ramsgate West</i> via the Pegwell
 
Bay crossing.
 
</p>
 
<table>
 
<tbody>
 
<tr>
 
<td width="30">0k
 
    </td>
 
<td width="35"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2954,1.1227%28Fordwich%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2954,1.1227(Fordwich)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Fordwich</b>
 
        <br>Lovely old village through which the river passes, but with restricted access and difficult parking.
 
            24hr access possible just West of the road/river crossing in the village centre (temporary parking
 
            and climb down the slopey bank). There is also a local sailing outfit on the North side of the river
 
            just East of this bridge, with some access. Paddling upstream of here is made difficult by a
 
combination of private land ownership, and sluices across the river paths - a shame, as we are
 
barely 5K from <i>Canterbury</i> Town Centre. Generally better to enter the river at <i>Grove Ferry</i>...
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>7k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3236,1.2082%28GROVE%20FERRY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3236,1.2082(GROVE%20FERRY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>GROVE FERRY</b>
 
        <br>24hr (+-) access over the banks of the public car park / picnic site, adjoining <i>Stodmarsh</i>
 
bird reserve and the popular
 
<a href="http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/pubs.php/groveferryinn_canterbury" mce_href="http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/pubs.php/groveferryinn_canterbury" target="_blank">Grove Ferry Inn</a>.
 
        Best access point in the area ! There is no slipway, but tidal movement is quite limited this far upstream
 
        so it's always possible to get in and out.
 
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>11k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3324,1.2318%28Sarre%20Level%20Crossing%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3324,1.2318(Sarre%20Level%20Crossing)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Sarre Level Crossing</b>
 
        <br>Curious arrangement where the river passes close by a private house and driveway just 300m off the
 
    A253, but with a railway level crossing sandwiched in between. Access possible over the banks here, but
 
not easy to park anywhere. And of course you have to portage over the railway line !
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>13k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3243,1.2569%28Plucks%20Gutter%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3243,1.2569(Plucks%20Gutter)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Plucks Gutter</b>
 
        <br>Good name, isn't it ? Basically just a pub and a few houses where a road crosses the river.
 
            24hr access apparently possible via rowing club slipway on North side, East of the bridge, but
 
            parking difficult, except in the pub. Busy in Summer.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>17k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3176,1.3117%28Minster%20Marshes%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3176,1.3117(Minster%20Marshes)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Minster Marshes</b>
 
        <br>HW+- access to North Bank, with a small, gravel parking lot belonging to Fishing club.
 
            Civilisation is 1300m along track and over the railway line to Minster Village (shops, pubs, better parking)
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>21k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3018,1.3457%28Stonar%20Cut%20West%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3018,1.3457(Stonar%20Cut%20West)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>(Stonar Cut West)</b>
 
        <br>No access! Worthy of mention only because 10K downstream from here you will pass within 200m
 
    of this place, thanks to the huge loop section through Sandwich Town. A large sluice separates
 
the two. This is rather like those holes in the wall at <i>Ikea</i> where you can see into the future
 
(but in this case you can't pass through!)
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>25k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2754,1.3440%28SANDWICH%20TOWN%20QUAY%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2754,1.3440(SANDWICH%20TOWN%20QUAY)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>SANDWICH TOWN QUAY</b>
 
        <br>HW +- 2h, or get very muddy! Parking on quayside, restaurants, lovely town.
 
          (HW here is 1h after Dover, so access is really Dover HW-1 to Dover HW+3, perhaps more..)
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>31k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3017,1.3477%28Stonar%20Cut%20East%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3017,1.3477(Stonar%20Cut%20East)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>(Stonar Cut East)</b>
 
        <br>No access! See <i>Stonar Cut West</i> !
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
<tr>
 
<td>33k
 
    </td>
 
<td><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3143,1.3693%28Shell%20Ness%20Beach%29&amp;z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3143,1.3693(Shell%20Ness%20Beach)&amp;z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
 
</td>
 
<td><b>Shell Ness Beach</b>
 
        <br>24hr. Nice sandy spit by the river entrance to stop on. This is a beautifully private spot with
 
            a nice beach stroll from here South along Sandwich flats. It's seclusion is because the river
 
cuts off all land access to the North, while the nearest road access (a twisty golf course track,
 
with potentially a road <i>toll</i> to be paid) is several kilometers to the South.
 
            <br>If you're heading across the bay to Ramsgate, then it's normally OK to head for the cliffs
 
at around 045 degrees (the other way, it's the cooling towers at 225 degrees!). However,
 
bear it mind it can be very choppy here in Easterly conditions, and that with some 2k
 
of drying mud to cross, you could get caught. On a falling tide, you may prefer to follow the
 
yacht track and run 090 for 1K, then 045. There is a way out by the Viking Ship
 
in the top corner of the bay, but HW only.
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
----
 

Latest revision as of 19:57, 3 October 2013

TedToShad.jpeg


This is an index page for many of the local potential paddles on our local tidal rivers and nearby coast. Each page covers a section of one of the local tidal rivers or a stretch of local coast.

They do not present complete trips that you might do in a sea kayak, but rather the places where you might start and finish (and maybe stop for lunch). That way, you can make up your own trips.


Tidal Thames

Medway

The Swale

Isle of Sheppey

North Kent Estuary

East Kent Coast