Difference between revisions of "South East England Sea and Tidal River Access"
(Created page with '<h2>Introduction</h2> <p> This page is initially just <i>"my sea kayaking notes tidied up a bit"</i>. The idea is not to list all the <u>trips</u> you might do in a sea kayak, b...') |
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This page is initially just <i>"my sea kayaking notes tidied up a bit"</i>. The idea is not | This page is initially just <i>"my sea kayaking notes tidied up a bit"</i>. The idea is not | ||
to list all the <u>trips</u> you might do in a sea kayak, but rather the places where you might | 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 | <u>start</u> and <u>finish</u> (and maybe stop for lunch). That way, you can make | ||
up your <i>own</i> trips. | up your <i>own</i> trips. | ||
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By putting up this first version, I'm hoping to stimulate contributions from others, and maybe | 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". | steer this in the direction of a shared-ownership document, with "sectional editors". | ||
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Comments/Improvements most welcome ! Probably via the <i>forum</i> initially... | Comments/Improvements most welcome ! Probably via the <i>forum</i> initially... | ||
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<small> | <small> |
Revision as of 20:14, 8 June 2009
Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Contents
- 3 Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell
- 4 Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend
- 5 Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven
- 6 Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea
- 7 Medway Tidal River
- 8 Medway Marsh
- 9 The Swale
- 10 Isle of Sheppey
- 11 North Kent Estuary
- 12 East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover
- 13 East Kent Coast: River Stour
Introduction
This page is initially just "my sea kayaking notes tidied up a bit". The idea is not
to list all the trips 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".
Comments/Improvements most welcome ! Probably via the forum initially...
TonyR
v1.04 23/08/2008
Contents
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Tedd-Shad" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Tedd-Shad"> Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Shad-Grav" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Shad-Grav"> Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Grav-Sout" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Grav-Sout"> Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#BowCreek"> Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayRiver" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayRiver">Medway Tidal River</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayMarsh" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#MedwayMarsh">Medway Marsh</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Swale"> The Swale</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Sheppey"> Isle of Sheppey</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#NorthKent" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#NorthKent"> North Kent Estuary</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Fore-Dover" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#Fore-Dover"> East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover</a>
- <a href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour" mce_href="http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/content/SeaAccess.aspx#KentStour"> East Kent Coast: River Stour</a>
<a class="" title="Tedd-Shad" name="Tedd-Shad"></a>
Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell
<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">
Our start point for the Thames is the begining of the tidal section at Teddington Lock. Yes, I am aware there are some 250 Kilometres of water upstream of here, but it flat water. These pages are about the sea !
The TIDE at this top-end of the river is quite asymmetric, having roughly 9 hours of ebb vs 3 hours of flood (vs about 7/5 at London bridge). HW at Richmond/Teddington is around 1 hour after London Bridge. For those organising trips for the first time (and wanting tide support) this is reasonably confusing ! How long have I got to complete the trip ?. Well, as long as you are paddling with the tide, it turns out that you have around 6 hours in either direction, as this hypothetical tide timetable shows:
HW LW HW<br> Richmond 08:00 17:00 20:00 so 08:00->14:00 (~6 hours) paddling Eastbound<br> London Bridge 07:00 14:00 19:00 or 14:00->20:00 (~6 hours) paddling Westbound<br>
The Teddington/Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond within 2 hours of HW.
From Richmond to Putney, 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 rowing, 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, kayakers need to give rowers a wide berth, as the latter cannot see where they're going (because they face the "wrong" way...)
<tbody> </tbody>0k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4314,-0.3232%28Teddington%20Lock%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4314,-0.3232(Teddington%20Lock)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | Teddington Lock
|
2k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4455,-0.3206%28HAM%20HOUSE%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4455,-0.3206(HAM%20HOUSE)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | HAM HOUSE
car park adjoining playing fields. Nice beach area for launching, especially at HW. |
5k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4588,-0.3081%28Richmond%20Bridge%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4588,-0.3081(Richmond%20Bridge)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | Richmond Bridge
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 White Cross Hotel. |
11k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4742,-0.2727%28Chiswick%20Bridge%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4742,-0.2727(Chiswick%20Bridge)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | Chiswick Bridge
even a bench to sit on. |
12k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4728,-0.2548%28BARNES%20BRIDGE%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4728,-0.2548(BARNES%20BRIDGE)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | BARNES BRIDGE
on Riverside Drive (Chris). |
East of Putney, 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. Currents can also run quite fast (up to 3 knots) particularly in the Westminster to London Bridge section where the river is narrow. These factors, plus the sheer density of traffic East of Westminster bridge, make this a river to take seriously ! But it is also seriously nice, so don't be put off !
<tbody> </tbody>18k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4673,-0.2160%28PUTNEY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4673,-0.2160(PUTNEY)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | PUTNEY
Southwest of the bridge, and just West of the rowing club steps area - nice and quiet, with toilets nearby.
Other options include :
|
22k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4762,-0.1758%28St%20Mary%27s%20Church%20Battersea%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4762,-0.1758(St%20Mary's%20Church%20Battersea)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | ST MARY'S CHURCH BATTERSEA
Battersea Church Road touches the river. Car access and parking nearby. The spire of St Mary's Church (1775) is a distinctive landmark. |
26k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4882,-0.1242%28VAUXHALL%20MI5%20BEACH%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4882,-0.1242(VAUXHALL%20MI5%20BEACH)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | VAUXHALL MI5 BEACH
off the embankment leads to it (although of course, little chance of parking anywhere). Portuguese-style "Cafe Madeira" nearby makes a nice fuel stop (Albert Embankment, East side, in a railway arch - 300m) |
33k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5076,-0.0500%28SHADWELL%20BEACH%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5076,-0.0500(SHADWELL%20BEACH)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | SHADWELL BEACH
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... |
<a class="" title="Shad-Grav" name="Shad-Grav"></a>
Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend
<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">
The river widens considerably East of Tower Bridge, 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.
The landscape also changes radically. West of Greenwich, you know you're in the capital, with familiar landmarks everywhere and promenading tourists staring down at you in bewilderment. East of Greenwich, you might recognise the Dome, the Woolwich Ferry (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 Shadwell and Gravesend is a THCC club favourite.
<tbody> </tbody>2k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0324%28Greenland%20Dock%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0324(Greenland%20Dock)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | Greenland Dock
submerged, and access not very easy. Plenty of (unrestricted) parking in neighbouring Rope St, by the ferry terminal. |
2k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4940,-0.0274%28Millwall%20Dock%20Slipway%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4940,-0.0274(Millwall%20Dock%20Slipway)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | Millwall Dock slipway
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. |
4k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0122%28POPLAR%20ROWING%20CLUB%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0122(POPLAR%20ROWING%20CLUB)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | POPLAR ROWING CLUB
<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. |
5k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4883,-0.0046%28NEWCASTLE%20DRAWDOCK%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4883,-0.0046(NEWCASTLE%20DRAWDOCK)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | NEWCASTLE DRAWDOCK
Mon-Fri, but OK at all other times. |
5k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0013%28GREENWICH%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4861,-0.0013(GREENWICH)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | GREENWICH
Parking nearby in Pelton/Enderby streets. |
6k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0054%28AMSTERDAM%20YARD%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4951,-0.0054(AMSTERDAM%20YARD)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | AMSTERDAM YARD
lorry tyres. Although a nice launch and landing spot, access from Manchester Road 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. |
7k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5016,-0.0020%28The%20Dome%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5016,-0.0020(The%20Dome)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | The Dome - Point Drawdock
very poor! Approach by road on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel approach (Northbound) peeling off at the very last moment into the turnoff for prohibited vehicles. 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. |
8k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5072,0.0091%28Bow%20Creek%20Entrance%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5072,0.0091(Bow%20Creek%20Entrance)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | (Bow Creek Entrance)
Bow Locks, 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 no access over the banks for the first 4K off the Thames - and no chance at all at LW. So think before you enter ! |
... Downstream from here, river access to/from the shore gets progressively harder ! There are a number of temporary landing spots where it's possible to get out and stretch legs, eg:
There are also a few emergency climb-out possibilities on to gantries of one sort or another
(eg Woolwich Ferry terminal North). 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 !
|
||
40k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4444,0.3777%28GRAVESEND%20WATERFRONT%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4444,0.3777(GRAVESEND%20WATERFRONT)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | GRAVESEND WATERFRONT
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. |
<a class="" title="Grav-Sout" name="Grav-Sout"></a>
Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven
<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">
At Gravesend, crossing the river is perhaps a 5 minute paddle. By Hole Haven (15K further downstream) the crossing has become perhaps 30 minutes, and and by Southend (10K further still) more like 1 hour. 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 !
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 Oil Industry (an entire 10K stretch on the North bank approaching Canvey Island) or is so marshy and flood-prone that there's basically nothing there ! Not even a road !
So if you're bent on paddling beyond here, you'd better be happy to go the distance.
<tbody> </tbody>46k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4641,0.4545%28Cliffe%20Fort%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4641,0.4545(Cliffe%20Fort)&z=14" target="_BLANK">map</a> | Cliffe Fort
which bank to follow ! |
55k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5119,0.5510%28Hole%20Haven%20Slipway%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.5119,0.5510(Hole%20Haven%20Slipway)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Hole Haven Slipway
A rarity in an otherwise impregnable area. Whether you'd want to linger here is another matter... |
61k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4788,0.6382%28Allhallows%20YC%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4788,0.6382(Allhallows%20YC)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Allhallows YC Slipway
access unknown. |
- | - | to be continued... |
<a class="" title="BowCreek" name="BowCreek"></a>
Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea
<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">
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 Bow Creek (near the Dome) and keep going ... and going. 10K later, you would still be in salt water, heading across Hackney Marshes, having encountered no locks or obstacles of any sort! Although not regarded as a "navigation", this whole section was de facto navigable to kayaks, and was quietly appreciated by lovers of urban wilderness.
As we write (late 2007) a massive re-engineering exercise is underway in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. This has put the whole Waterworks River section North of Prescott Lock out of bounds and also closed the side branches of the neighbouring NON-TIDAL network (Old River Lea, City Mill River and the Bow Back River). 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 Prescott Lock. Only the 4K stub from here to the Thames remains unchanged.
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 regeneration of this long-neglected area, and of water hygiene. (There are currently regular sewage discharges, evidence for which is seen in the fig trees lining the river banks. Humans eat figs, but the seeds pass through undigested ! "Too much information" ?) 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>.
<a class="" title="MedwayRiver" name="MedwayRiver"></a>
Medway Tidal River
<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">
The tidal part of the Medway starts as an unpromising, muddy channel close to the M20, at Allington Lock. It winds North through flattish and semi-rural landscape, before passing through the industrial towns of Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham and their surrounding chalk downland.
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.
Access is a bit difficult everywhere except at Gillingham Strand and Allington Lock, 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 Allington Lock out of the way at the start, and you have both the tide and the river flow on your side. HW at Allington lock is around 2 hours after HW Dover.
<tbody> </tbody>0k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2956,0.5019%28Allington%20lock%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2956,0.5019(Allington%20lock)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Allington lock
(tel 01622 717251) and large and popular waterfront pub. |
10k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3503,0.4566%28Wouldham%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3503,0.4566(Wouldham)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Wouldham
|
16k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3928,0.4994%28Rochester%20Bridge%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3928,0.4994(Rochester%20Bridge)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Rochester Bridge
|
18k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3850,0.5205%28Chatham%20%22Blue%20Pontoon%22%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3850,0.5205(Chatham%20%22Blue%20Pontoon%22)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Chatham "Blue" pontoon
|
24k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3976,0.5634%28GILLINGHAM%20STRAND%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3976,0.5634(GILLINGHAM%20STRAND)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | GILLINGHAM STRAND
|
<a class="" title="MedwayMarsh" name="MedwayMarsh"></a>
Medway Marsh
<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">
East of Gillingham, 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: Horrid Hill, Slaughterhouse point, Bedlam's bottom...
The tide here floods in from the East, as expected, with Sheerness 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 !
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 Gillingham Strand in the West or Queenborough in the East (both 24hr slipways)
<tbody> </tbody>- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3753,0.6276%28Otterham%20Quay%29&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Otterham Quay
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- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3760,0.6718%28Lower%20Halstow%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3760,0.6718(Lower%20Halstow)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Lower Halstow
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- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3842,0.7140%28Raspberry%20Hill%29&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Raspberry Hill
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<a class="" title="Swale" name="Swale"></a>
The Swale
<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">
The Swale 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 river as popularly supposed. It has numerous creeks off the South side.
The varying character of the Swale is summed up by the 2 neighbouring towns, which could hardly be more different: Sittingbourne 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, Faversham, just 10K to the East, is a picture postcard of Olde Kent, with hopfields, oasthouses and sailing barges. The Faversham end of the Swale, best accessed through Harty Ferry, is a gem ! Calm and peaceful, especially in Winter.
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 Milton Creek. 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.
As with the nearby Medway Marsh, 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.
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>.
<tbody> </tbody>0k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3907,0.7476%28Kingsferry%20Bridge%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3907,0.7476(Kingsferry%20Bridge)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Kingsferry Bridge
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9k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3464,0.8162%28Conyer%20Creek%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3464,0.8162(Conyer%20Creek)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Conyer Creek
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13k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3467,0.8891%28Harty%20Ferry%20South%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3467,0.8891(Harty%20Ferry%20South)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | HARTY FERRY (SOUTH)
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15k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3287,0.8806%28Oare%20Creek%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3287,0.8806(Oare%20Creek)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Oare Creek
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19k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3187,0.8906%28Faversham%20Town%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3187,0.8906(Faversham%20Town)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Faversham Town
Parking nearby. At the junction between the 2 creeks is another stangely isolated pub, the "Shipwrights Arms". Food available. "Wet-friendly". |
<a class="" title="Sheppey" name="Sheppey"></a>
Isle of Sheppey
<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">
"What country pray is this" ? Proud home to Europe's largest manufacturer of garden gnomes, Sheppey retains a sense of independence from neighbouring England. 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 England much quicker and more reliable. A bit rough, poor and rather shabby in parts, Sheppey is still full of surprises.
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 Sheerness. Circumnavigation of the island (45-50K) makes a nice day trip.
<tbody> </tbody>- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4175,0.7396%28QUEENBOROUGH%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4175,0.7396(QUEENBOROUGH)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | QUEENBOROUGH
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- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4367,0.7970%28Barton%27s%20Point%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.4367,0.7970(Barton's%20Point)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Barton's Point
<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. |
- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3947,0.9311%28Leysdown%20on%20Sea%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3947,0.9311(Leysdown%20on%20Sea)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Leysdown on Sea
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- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3693,0.9429%28Shell%20Ness%20-%20Sheppey%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3693,0.9429(Shell%20Ness%20-%20Sheppey)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Shell Ness - Sheppey
launch into the Swale, or a classic lunch spot. Car access possible from nearby Leysdown, then a portage or trolley for the last few hundred meters. Avoid the roped-off bird sanctuary, just West of the concrete bunker. |
- | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3549,0.8919%28Harty%20Ferry%20North%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3549,0.8919(Harty%20Ferry%20North)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | HARTY FERRY (NORTH)
Shadwell Basin 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. |
<a class="" title="NorthKent" name="NorthKent"></a>
North Kent Estuary
<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">
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 Shell Ness to Whitstable 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 Whitstable Oyster Fishery an order up your Moule/Frites. Return to the sea afterwards with a sense of smug superiority.
East of Whitstable, the mud progressively gives way to sandy beaches and seaside towns (Herne Bay, Margate) with the prominent landmark of Reculver generally in sight. East from here, the water gets livelier as we head East to North Foreland, and leave the shelter of the Estuary.
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 Herne Bay (cut off at HW) there is landing more or less anywhere and plenty of parking. Also plenty of candy-floss and deep-fried doughnuts.
1K offshore from Herne Bay 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!)
<tbody> </tbody>0k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3646,1.0257%28WHITSTABLE%20OYSTER%20FISHERY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3646,1.0257(WHITSTABLE%20OYSTER%20FISHERY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | WHITSTABLE OYSTER FISHERY(East end of harbour wall)
Some parking behind the restaurant in the entrance driveway. |
1k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3649,1.0320%28WHITSTABLE%20CONTINENTAL%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3649,1.0320(WHITSTABLE%20CONTINENTAL)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | WHITSTABLE CONTINENTAL
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5k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3704,1.0982%28Hampton%20turn%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3704,1.0982(Hampton%20turn)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Hampton turn
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7k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3727,1.1210%28HERNE%20BAY%20BREAKWATER%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3727,1.1210(HERNE%20BAY%20BREAKWATER)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | HERNE BAY BREAKWATER
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12k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3801,1.2002%28Reculver%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3801,1.2002(Reculver)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Reculver
also seasonal cafe and 2 pubs. |
18k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3790,1.2811%28MINNIS%20BAY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3790,1.2811(MINNIS%20BAY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | MINNIS BAY
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21k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3833,1.3322%28WESTGATE%20BAY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3833,1.3322(WESTGATE%20BAY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | WESGATE BAY
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25k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3904,1.3809%28MARGATE%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3904,1.3809(MARGATE)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | MARGATE
in rough weather. |
28k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3922,1.4189%28PALM%20BAY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3922,1.4189(PALM%20BAY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | PALM BAY
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30k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3893,1.4356%28BOTANY%20BAY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3893,1.4356(BOTANY%20BAY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | BOTANY BAY
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32k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3798,1.4468%28JOSS%20BAY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3798,1.4468(JOSS%20BAY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | JOSS BAY
<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. |
<a class="" title="Fore-Dover" name="Fore-Dover"></a>
East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover
<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">
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 Goodwin Sands, some 10K offshore, drying to several meters).
The Northern coastline (Foreland, Broadstairs, Ramsgate) has chalk cliffs and a rocky-ish foreshore, with some sandy beaches. South of Ramsgate (Pegwell Bay, Deal, South Foreland) this gives way to flat landscape and sand/shingle beaches, before the cliffs rise again near Dover.
A high spot for mariners is Ramsgate, a "proper" port which has a ferry (4 crossings to Ostend 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 Dover). Currents of up to 3 knots can be encountered passing the Ramsgate Southern breakwater, which makes life interesting.
Just South of Ramsgate lies Pegwell Bay, 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!
The big feature of this whole section is the "tidal offset" caused by the constriction of the Dover Straits. Along this coast, HW is not SLACK WATER ! 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).
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 clockwise (ie from Estuary to Channel) and to pass North Foreland 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.
<tbody> </tbody>35k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3586,1.4449%28Broadstairs%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3586,1.4449(Broadstairs)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Broadstairs
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36k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3482,1.4395%28Dumpton%20Gap%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3482,1.4395(Dumpton%20Gap)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Dumpton Gap
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38k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3349,1.4284%28RAMSGATE%20EAST%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3349,1.4284(RAMSGATE%20EAST)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | RAMSGATE EAST
cliff-top Victoria Parade, avoiding town centre. |
39k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3264,1.4070%28RAMSGATE%20WEST%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3264,1.4070(RAMSGATE%20WEST)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | RAMSGATE WEST
waiting for the Ostende 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. |
42k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3283,1.3753%28Pegwell%20Bay%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3283,1.3753(Pegwell%20Bay)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Pegwell Bay
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41k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3138,1.3664%28Shell%20Ness%20-%20Stour%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3138,1.3664(Shell%20Ness%20-%20Stour)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Shell Ness - Stour
of Sandwich Bay, where you can land just about anywhere, but with road access difficult until Deal. |
54k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2240,1.4053%28DEAL%20PIER%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2240,1.4053(DEAL%20PIER)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | DEAL PIER
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64k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.1504,1.3864%28St%20Margarets%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.1504,1.3864(St%20Margarets)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | St Margarets
which rise up from here towards Dover. Access via steep & 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). |
St Margarets 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.
<a class="" title="KentStour" name="KentStour"></a>
East Kent Coast: River Stour
<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">
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 "Wind in the Willows" experience than a white water one. There are no rocks anywhere, and currents barely reach 2 knots even at peak.
Unlike the neighbouring sea coast at Pegwell Bay, there is no "tidal offset" to confuse things here. The river floods and ebbs predictably. HW at Sandwich is around Dover HW+1 and Grove Ferry is at Dover HW+2.
The "top" end around Fordwich is particularly nice as it passes along the Stodmarsh 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 Grove Ferry bridge because of its limited headroom. Downstream of the bridge there are a few river cruisers, but typically only in Summer.
You can paddle this river in either direction, but it's best done with tide support, and with an eye on the tides at Sandwich, where access at LW is a very muddy experience. Typical "A to B" trips are between Grove Ferry, Sandwich and/or Ramsgate West via the Pegwell Bay crossing.
<tbody> </tbody>0k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2954,1.1227%28Fordwich%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2954,1.1227(Fordwich)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Fordwich
combination of private land ownership, and sluices across the river paths - a shame, as we are barely 5K from Canterbury Town Centre. Generally better to enter the river at Grove Ferry... |
7k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3236,1.2082%28GROVE%20FERRY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3236,1.2082(GROVE%20FERRY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | GROVE FERRY
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. |
11k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3324,1.2318%28Sarre%20Level%20Crossing%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3324,1.2318(Sarre%20Level%20Crossing)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Sarre Level Crossing
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 ! |
13k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3243,1.2569%28Plucks%20Gutter%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3243,1.2569(Plucks%20Gutter)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Plucks Gutter
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17k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3176,1.3117%28Minster%20Marshes%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3176,1.3117(Minster%20Marshes)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Minster Marshes
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21k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3018,1.3457%28Stonar%20Cut%20West%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3018,1.3457(Stonar%20Cut%20West)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | (Stonar Cut West)
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 Ikea where you can see into the future (but in this case you can't pass through!) |
25k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2754,1.3440%28SANDWICH%20TOWN%20QUAY%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2754,1.3440(SANDWICH%20TOWN%20QUAY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | SANDWICH TOWN QUAY
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31k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3017,1.3477%28Stonar%20Cut%20East%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3017,1.3477(Stonar%20Cut%20East)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | (Stonar Cut East)
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33k | <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3143,1.3693%28Shell%20Ness%20Beach%29&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3143,1.3693(Shell%20Ness%20Beach)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> | Shell Ness Beach
cuts off all land access to the North, while the nearest road access (a twisty golf course track, with potentially a road toll to be paid) is several kilometers to the South.
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. |