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| − | ==Introduction==
| + | [[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]] === |
| − | | + | === [[North Kent Estuary]]=== |
| − | #[[Tidal Thames: Teddington to Shadwell]]
| + | === East Kent Coast === |
| − | #[[Tidal Thames: Shadwell to Gravesend]]
| + | * [[East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover|North Foreland to Dover]] |
| − | #[[Tidal Thames: Gravesend to Hole Haven]]
| + | * [[East Kent Coast: River Stour|River Stour]] |
| − | #[[Tidal Thames: Bow Creek and the River Lea]]
| |
| − | #[[Medway Tidal River]]
| |
| − | #[[Medway Marsh]]
| |
| − | #[[The Swale]]
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| − | #[[Isle of Sheppey]]
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| − | #[[North Kent Estuary]]
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| − | #[[East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover]]
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| − | #[[East Kent Coast: River Stour]]
| |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | <!-- MEDWAY TIDAL RIVER -->
| |
| − | </p>
| |
| − | ----
| |
| − | <a class="" title="MedwayRiver" name="MedwayRiver"></a>
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| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | ==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.
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| − | 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
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| − | head East to <i>North Foreland</i>, and leave the shelter of the Estuary.
| |
| − | </p>
| |
| − | <p>
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| − | The Tides in this area flood from the East and ebb to the West as expected. Flows are not particularly strong
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| − | and can be paddled against easily enough if you stay inshore. Apart from a short run of cliffs East of <i>Herne Bay</i>
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| − | (cut off at HW) there is landing more or less anywhere and plenty of parking. Also plenty of candy-floss and
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| − | 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
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| − | Wind Farm, built in early 2007 (NickJ, Sea4me and TonyR paddled out there for a look in Octovber 2007, leaving
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| − | 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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3646,1.0257(WHITSTABLE%20OYSTER%20FISHERY)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>WHITSTABLE OYSTER FISHERY</b>(East end of harbour wall)
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| − | <br>24hr access, with some restaurant tables on the shingle beach (or you can eat inside).
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| − | Some parking behind the restaurant in the entrance driveway.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
| |
| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>1k
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| − | </td>
| |
| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>WHITSTABLE CONTINENTAL</b>
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| − | <br>(500m east of Harbour, signs for Continental Hotel).
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| − | 24hr shingle beach, shelter from groynes, parking, toilets, good hotel/restaurant.
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | </tr>
| |
| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>5k
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | <td><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>
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>Hampton turn</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway used by jetskis, parking nearby.
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>7k
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>HERNE BAY BREAKWATER</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr shingle beach either side of pier, on-road parking. Toilets 200m west of pier.
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| − | Also breakwater and 24hr slipway for boats with adjacent large car park by clock tower.
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| − | Shelter "under the boardwalk" in rough weather. Cafes and candyfloss everywhere.
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| − | </td>
| |
| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>12k
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>Reculver</b>
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| − | <br>24hr shingle beach just East of the towers (some distance from the car park). Toilets nearby,
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| − | also seasonal cafe and 2 pubs.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
| |
| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>18k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>MINNIS BAY</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach next to "Minnis" pub/cafe, parking, other slipways further along.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>21k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>WESGATE BAY</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking, toilets, cafes.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>25k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>MARGATE</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, inside or outside breakwater, parking/toilets on top.
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| − | Lots of submerged rocks just off the beach, so often best to enter at right-angles to the shore
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| − | in rough weather.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>28k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>PALM BAY</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, used by jetskis, parking
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>30k
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>BOTANY BAY</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking, fairly exposed (swell, even small surf!)
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>32k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>JOSS BAY</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr sandy beach, parking, toilets, great little spot by the North Foreland lighthouse.
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| − | Beach car park £5 per day (Aug 206) or can drop off boats and park in neighbouring <i>Elmwood Avenue</i>.
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| − | Joss Bay is the area's only recognised
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| − | <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>,
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| − | and even has a
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| − | <a href="http://www.jossbay.co.uk" mce_href="http://www.jossbay.co.uk" target="_blank">surf school</a>!
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| − | Waves are generally modest, larger at high tide and in a North-easterley wind.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | </tbody></table>
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| − | | |
| − | <!-- EAST KENT COAST: NORTH FORELAND TO DOVER -->
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| − | <a class="" title="Fore-Dover" name="Fore-Dover"></a>
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| − | ==East Kent Coast: North Foreland to Dover==
| |
| − | <!-- Picture -->
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| − | <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">
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| − | | |
| − | <p>
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| − | This stretch of coast faces Eastwards out into the North Sea. We are out of the Estuary here, so this is
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| − | "real sea" (though calmed at LW by the infamous <i>Goodwin Sands</i>, some 10K offshore,
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| − | drying to several meters).
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| − | </p>
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| − | <p>
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| − | The Northern coastline (<i>Foreland, Broadstairs, Ramsgate</i>) has chalk cliffs and a rocky-ish
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| − | foreshore, with some sandy beaches. South of Ramsgate (<i>Pegwell Bay, Deal, South Foreland</i>) this gives
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| − | way to flat landscape and sand/shingle beaches, before the cliffs rise again near <i>Dover</i>.
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| − | </p>
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| − | <p>
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| − | A high spot for mariners is <i>Ramsgate</i>, a "proper" port which has a ferry (4 crossings to <i>Ostend</i>
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| − | daily) a marina, and a few working vessels. Outside the summer season, it is fairly quiet, so crossing the
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| − | harbour entrance is not a big deal (unlike <i>Dover</i>). Currents of up to 3 knots can be encountered
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| − | passing the Ramsgate Southern breakwater, which makes life interesting.
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| − | </p>
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| − | <p>
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| − | 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>,
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| − | a pleasant paddle in its own right. This is a broad and flat stretch of sand, where the sea recedes nearly 3K at
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| − | lower water, drying almost all the way to Ramsgate harbour entrance!
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| − | </p>
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| − | <p>
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| − | The big feature of this whole section is the "tidal offset" caused by the constriction of the Dover Straits.
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| − | 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,
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| − | then reverses for a similar period. (The direction change is "4.5 hours late", in other words).
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| − | </p>
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| − | <p>
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| − | If paddling "round the corner" (ie to/from the Estuary) it's worth thinking about "tidal windows", ie whether
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| − | you can get tide support both ways. For those who like an easy life, the best plan is to go <i>clockwise</i>
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| − | (ie from Estuary to Channel) and to pass <i>North Foreland</i> between Dover HW+4.5 and HW+6. This nicely
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| − | links the 2 tides. It also rounds the corner close to local LW, so the uncovered foreshore (sand with some
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| − | rockpools) produces a quieter sea to pick through.
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| − | </p>
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| − | <table>
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| − | <tbody>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td width="30">35k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td width="35"><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>Broadstairs</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr sandy bathing beach, launch inside breakwater, toilets; parking can be tricky.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>36k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>Dumpton Gap</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>38k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>RAMSGATE EAST</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr sandy bathing beach, a few rocks, good parking. Access via steep turning off
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| − | cliff-top <i>Victoria Parade</i>, avoiding town centre.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>39k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>RAMSGATE WEST</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr sandy bathing beach, parking, nice sheltered launch beside harbour breakwater.
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| − | Best car access via the special PORT road off a roundabout the outside town, via a tunnel
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| − | through the cliffs. Nice transport cafe just across the road, popular with truck drivers
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| − | 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
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| − | planning to enter the river.
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>42k
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>Pegwell Bay</b>
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| − | <br>HW only, because of extensive mudflats. Access near the Viking ship, parking nearby,
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| − | </td>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>41k
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><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>
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| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>Shell Ness - Stour</b>
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| − | <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
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| − | of <i>Sandwich Bay</i>, where you can land just about anywhere, but with road access
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| − | difficult until <i>Deal</i>.
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | </tr>
| |
| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>54k
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | <td><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>
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>DEAL PIER</b>
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| − | <br>24 hr pebble beach, parking, toilets, pubs/cafes/shops. Access easy everywhere along here.
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | </tr>
| |
| − | <tr>
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| − | <td>64k
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | <td><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>
| |
| − | </td>
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| − | <td><b>St Margarets</b>
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| − | <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 & 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>
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| − | </tr>
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| − | </tbody></table>
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| − | | |
| − | <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
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| − | 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>
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| − | <!-- 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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2954,1.1227(Fordwich)&z=14" target="_blank">map</a>
| |
| − | </td>
| |
| − | <td><b>Fordwich</b>
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| − | <br>Lovely old village through which the river passes, but with restricted access and difficult parking.
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| − | 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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3236,1.2082(GROVE%20FERRY)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3324,1.2318(Sarre%20Level%20Crossing)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3243,1.2569(Plucks%20Gutter)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3176,1.3117(Minster%20Marshes)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3018,1.3457(Stonar%20Cut%20West)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.2754,1.3440(SANDWICH%20TOWN%20QUAY)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3017,1.3477(Stonar%20Cut%20East)&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&z=14" mce_href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3143,1.3693(Shell%20Ness%20Beach)&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>
| |
| − | | |
| − | ----
| |
