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

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Revision as of 20:24, 8 June 2009

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 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
       
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.

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
       
HW only, East bank, road access difficult. Also a club pontoon on West bank as stopping point.
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
       
Access via steps, no parking, best avoided.
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
       
Just off A231 Medway St. Stopping point to rest/adjust kit, but no easy boat access or parking.
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
      
24hr slipway, parking, toilets, Cafe sometimes open. Excellent !

<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
       
HW +- 1h only, road access/parking difficult.
- <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
       
HW +- 1h only, lovely old jetty beside Saxon church, road access via Lapwing Drive. Parking OK.
- <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.3842,0.7140%28Raspberry%20Hill%29&z=14" target="_blank">map</a> Raspberry Hill
       
HW only. Saltmarsh touches the road at this point; great views; some parking on verges.



<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
       
24hr slipway, parking nearby (although perhaps a bit exposed), watch out for jet-skiiers!
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
       
HW +- 1.5h, access a bit difficult, parking nearby, pub
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)
       
24hr slipway, parking, lovely countryside. Best access point in the area! Directly opposite Harty Ferry (North) 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>).
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
       
HW +- 1.5h, access over grass bank from roadway, parking OK, 2 food pubs nearby.
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
       
HW +- 1h, access over grassy bank from "Front Brents", 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".



<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
       
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.
- <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
       
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.

- <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
       
24hr sand/shingle beach, parking.
- <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
       
Shell Ness is a natural beach made entirely of sea shells (pictured!) and offering a sheltered

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)
      
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

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)
       
24hr access, with some restaurant tables on the shingle beach (or you can eat inside).

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
      
(500m east of Harbour, signs for Continental Hotel). 24hr shingle beach, shelter from groynes, parking, toilets, good hotel/restaurant.
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
       
24 hr slipway used by jetskis, parking nearby.
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
       
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.
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
       
24hr shingle beach just East of the towers (some distance from the car park). Toilets nearby,

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
       
24 hr slipway on to sandy beach next to "Minnis" pub/cafe, parking, other slipways further along.
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
       
24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking, toilets, cafes.
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
       
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.

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
       
24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, used by jetskis, parking
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
       
24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking, fairly exposed (swell, even small surf!)
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
       
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 Elmwood Avenue. 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.

<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
       
24 hr sandy bathing beach, launch inside breakwater, toilets; parking can be tricky.
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
      
24 hr slipway on to sandy beach, parking.
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
       
24 hr sandy bathing beach, a few rocks, good parking. Access via steep turning off

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
       
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 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
       
HW only, because of extensive mudflats. Access near the Viking ship, parking nearby,
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
       
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 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
       
24 hr pebble beach, parking, toilets, pubs/cafes/shops. Access easy everywhere along here.
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
       
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).

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
       
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 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
       
24hr (+-) access over the banks of the public car park / picnic site, adjoining Stodmarsh

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
       
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 !

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
       
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.
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
       
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)
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)
       
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 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
       
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..)
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)
       
No access! See Stonar Cut West !
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
       
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 toll to be paid) is several kilometers to the South.

           
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.