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River Medway A user’s guide

a better place for all We are the . We protect and improve the environment and make it a better place for people and wildlife.

We operate at the place where environmental change has its greatest impact on people’s lives. We reduce the risks to people and properties from flooding; make sure there is enough water for people and wildlife; protect and improve air, land and water quality and apply the environmental standards within which industry can operate.

Acting to reduce climate change and helping people and wildlife adapt to its consequences are at the heart of all that we do.

We cannot do this alone. We work closely with a wide range of partners including government, business, local authorities, other agencies, civil society groups and the communities we serve.

Published by: Environment Agency Kings Meadow House Kings Meadow Road Reading RG1 8DQ

Tel: 0370 8506 506 Email: enquiries@environment–agency.gov.uk www.environment–agency.gov.uk

© Environment Agency 2013 all rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency.

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Contents

Introduction 4 Map of the 5

Part 1 General information and 7 Part 3 Rules, references 46 notes for user’s of the navigation and contacts Extent of the Navigation 8 Facilities available at locks 47 Gently does it 9 along the Medway Registration 10 Navigation rules and hints 48 Operating the locks 11 Regulations and byelaws 50 Landing places for locking 12 Useful leaflets 53 Negotiating the locks 14 Useful addresses and 54 Lifting bridge 19 telephone numbers Landing, anchoring and mooring 20 Guidance for water sports 22 and recreation

Part 2 Passage notes 28 General 29 Avoid pollution 31 Approaching Allington Lock 32 from the Medway Estuary Allington Lock to 34 East Farleigh to 37 Teston Lock to Hampstead 38 Lock, Yalding to Sluice Weir Lock 40 Sluice Weir Lock to Oak Weir Lock 42 Oak Weir Lock to East Lock 43 East Lock to Porters Lock 43 Porters Lock to Eldridges Lock 44 Eldridges Lock to Town Lock, 44 Tonbridge Town Lock to the 45 Leigh Flood Barrier

Environment Agency . A user’s guide 3 73079 MEDWAY 21/3/06 11:41 am Page 5

map section a 3 pages

The Environment Agency is the for the 31kms of inland navigation on the River Medway between and Tonbridge. We also have a general recreation duty to promote and facilitate recreation, and enjoyment of water both inland and on the coast.

The River Medway offers excellent With so many activities along the river opportunities for the boating it is important to follow the various enthusiast but also for other water regulations and guidance to ensure users, including fishing, walking and that it remains a pleasure to use for all nature appreciation. those who enjoy its tranquillity and charm. A partnership approach is important to achieving sustainable This booklet aims to help everybody improvements along the river. We conduct their own activity in safety work closely with the local and county and to foster good relations and a councils and consult regularly with the spirit of understanding between Medway River Users’ Association, river users. which represents a broad spectrum of A river can be a dangerous place so boaters. An example of this is the please obey the signs and guidance Medway Valley Countryside provided for yours and others safety. Partnership (MVCP) supported by the Enjoy your time on or by the River Environment Agency, County Medway and may it really become a Council, better place for all. District Council and Maidstone Borough Council. The Partnership aims to maintain and enhance the John Morgan Medway valley as a green corridor for Kent Waterways Manager the benefit of wildlife and people, January 2006 through the promotion of community awareness and action.

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Section A ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ALLINGTON LOCK (TIDAL LIMIT) Access 3hrs before to 2hrs after H.W. TESTON TESTON 01622 752864 Cobtree LOCK BRIDGE FOOTBRIDGE FOOTBRIDGE Museum Allington to Yalding 10.4km Headrm. 2.55m Headrm. 2.55m Headrm. 3.7m of BOW BRIDGE MARINA 01622 812802 ALLINGTON (Yalding to Tonbridge, see Section B Overleaf) BOW BRIDGE To Allington Size of Craft: Locks will take up to 24.5m x 5.6m. Headrm. 2.55m Castle WATERINGBURY M2 In normal circumstances the river can be used by craft with the following draughts: SOUTHERN WATER M20 D Allington to Maidstone 2.0m, Maidstone to Yalding 1.7m, IREC MOORINGS Yalding to Tonbridge 1.2m. TI O

N d

FORD WHARF BOATYARD

O a o

i o F 01622 752918 r

r

Please note all distances refer to kilometres from Allington Lock. F o t L t TESTON S O W c No Mooring i o Whatman Park t NETTLESTEAD V . n R Sewage: Sewage disposal points are provided at . Towpath o B Allington Lock, Yalding Lifting Bridge FOOTBRIDGE d n HAMPSTEAD BRIDGE Headrm. 5.50m o L and Tonbridge Town Lock. Headrm. 2.55m . ALLINGTON MARINA R Refuse: Sacks are available from DRAGONS . Hampstead Lock B Diesel, Water, Petrol,

Allington Lock and Yalding 15.2km EAST FARLEIGH HEALTH CLUB Gas, Chandlery. Lifting Bridge. BRIDGE ST. PETERS ST 01622 752057 A26 Mooring 01622 681987 to Tonbridge Headrm. 2.55m FOOTBRIDGE MEDWAY WHARF T.S. MARINE Headrm. 5.50m 01622 688989 ENVIRONMENT MARINA FARLEIGH LOCK 01622 813927 RAIL BRIDGE AGENCY SLIPWAY 7.2km Maidstone Barracks Sta. HAMPSTEAD MARINE Maidstone RAILBRIDGE Hampstead Lane Canal 01622 812673 A26 Maidstone East Sta. Headrm. 2.55m (Navigation Channel) West Sta. TESTON MAIDSTONE B.C. LANDING PICNIC SITE LANDING STAGE PUBLIC MOORINGS FOOTBRIDGE ch STAGES WC, CAR PARK LANDING Headrm. 2.55m an Br FISHING (DAY TICKET) STAGE MAIDSTONE ne LITTLE VENICE to AUTOMATIC ds COUNTRY PARK AND MARINA ai SLUICES M 01622 814158 Visitor Information nd a Centre d o o EAST FARLEIGH W ck To o YALDING BRIDGE BOAT SERVICE d B2010 Ashford d 07879 462658 a P DISABLED ACCESS . LIFTING BRIDGE Public Footpath .R B DAY FISHING lifts to requirements Public Mooring 6.7m span MAIDSTONE NEW Stoneham TWYFORD TWYFORD BRIDGE Names and Addresses BRIDGE BRIDGE Old Lock (Disused) MARINA not navigable Headrm. 2.55m Headrm. 4m 01622 814378 ROWING BOAT AND HIRE MARINAS AND BOATYARDS

Tonbridge Waterways 01732 360630 Allington Marina Ltd, Allington 01622 752057 Ford Wharf Boatyard, Allington 01622 752918 h T.S. Marine, Maidstone 01622 688989 Bridge Boat Service, East Farleigh 07879 462658 Nort PASSENGER OPERATIONS Medway Wharf Marina, Maidstone 01622 813927 Bow Bridge Marina, Wateringbury 01622 812802 Approx Hire Cruisers (Maidstone Ltd) 01622 753740 Hampstead Marine (Yalding Ltd), Yalding 01622 812673 SPEED LIMIT – 5 KNOTS Tonbridge Waterways 01732 360630 Little Venice Country Park and Marina, Yalding 01622 814158 Ford Wharf Boatyard 01622 752918 Twyford Marina, Yalding 01622 814378 Tonbridge Waterways, Tonbridge 01732 360630

Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide 5 map spread a 17/3/06 11:39 am Page 2

Section B East Lock FORD GREEN RAIL BRIDGE 22km BRIDGE Headrm. 2.55m Headrm. 2.55m Headrm. 2.55m Yalding to Tonbridge OAK WEIR LOCK (Allington to Yalding, see Section A Overleaf) D 20.8km IREC W TION OF FLO h Size of Craft: Locks will take up to 24.5m x 5.6m. c n a In normal circumstances the river can be used by craft with 1.2m draught. Any craft r B drawing more than 1.2m should be able to reach Tonbridge during the summer e n o months, the only doubtful area being just below Sluice Weir Lock which silts up in t A26 s BARNES d heavy rains but is dredged clear each spring. i HARTLAKE BRIDGE STREET a M

Navigation: When in shallow areas keep Headrm. 2.55m d The n

a in the flood water channel by sweeping Tourist Information Centre To Stair LITTLE d Public Boat Tours MILL SNOLL o wide on each bend. Town HATCH o B245 W Landing Stages Quay Stairs k Landing Stage c Please note all distances refer to kilometres To Bridge o RAIL BRIDGE d from Allington Lock. LUCIFER CARPARK Maidstone d Headrm. a

P FOOTBRIDGE & SLIPWAY A26 2.4m .

R Headrm. FOR SMALL .

B

1.4m BOATS B2015 Public Fishing UPSTREAM LIMIT OF NAVIGATION BRIDGE Headrm. SLUICE WEIR LOCK 1.55m 18.8km

Landing Stages Landing LEIGH BARRIER Landing Stages STILSTEAD RIVER BOURNE TONBRIDGE Stages BRIDGE WATERWAYS TONBRIDGE Headrm. 2.55m 01732 360630

B.R. HALE Tonbridge PUBLIC Paddo ck W Sta. MOORINGS and M ood aidst one Branch North BIG BRIDGE

Approx Headrm. 2.0m FOOTBRIDGE Big Bridge Cannon Headrm. 1.5m +21.09 Bridge Ford +19.51 Hartlake Green 2.4km/1.5miles +17.91 Bridge Bridge 1.6km/1.0miles +16.61 Hampstead +14.78 Stiltstead Waggon Railway Lane 2km/1.25miles Bridge Bridge Viaduct Bridge 1.2km 0.75miles Yalding +12.86 Lifting 2km/1.25miles Branbridges Bridge Bow Bridge +10.12+10.12 Wateringbury 3.6km/2.25miles East Teston Barming Farleigh +7.31 +7.31 Bridge Bridge Bridge 4.8km/3.0miles +5.41 +5.41 Tovil Maidstone Railway 3.2km/2.0miles Bridge Bridges Viaduct +3.81 +3.81 SPEED LIMIT – 5 KNOTS 7.2km/4.5miles 0 Kilometres 1 MEAN SEA LEVEL

TOTOWNWN ELDRIDGESELDRIDGES EAST SLUICE ANCHORANCHOR TESTON EASTEAST FARLEIGH ALLINGTON 0 Miles 1 LOCKLOCK LOCLOCKK LOCKLOCK WEIRWEIR SLUICESLUICE LOCLOCKK LOCLOCKK LOCLOCKK PORTERS OAKOAK LOCLOCKK STONEHAM LOCKLOCK WEIRWEIR LOCLOCKK PORTERSPORTERS LOCKLOCK Dis-usedDis-used HAMPSTEAD LONG SECTION ALONG NAVIGATION SLUICESLUICE LOCKLOCK LONG SECTION ALONG NAVIGATION WaterWa Retentionter Retention levels levels are ar eshown shown in in metresmetres aabovebove O Ordnancerdnance Da Datumtum

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map section b 3 pages

part 1 general information and notes for users of the navigation

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Extent of the navigation Gently does it

Learn about other river users’ activities, by reading the whole The Medway navigation gives access to 31km of this booklet, so that you can appreciate their needs and (19 miles) of the freshwater River Medway help them if possible. Learn and watch out for the various above its tidal limit. signals indicating other river users’ activities.

Vessels wishing to approach the The locks are capable of Show understanding to others Obey the general rules of navigation navigation through the Medway accommodating craft up to 24.5 especially when they are engaged in and river. Part 3 of this booklet Estuary have a public right of metres (80 feet) in length and up to organised competition. provides details of the byelaws of navigation through tidal waters, 5.6 metres (18ft 5in) beam, and in the Medway. For river activities to run smoothly, it subject to the byelaws of Medway normal circumstances the river can be is necessary to co-ordinate organised Moving craft should avoid collisions Ports. However, there are slipways used by craft of the following draughts. activities with those of other river by normally keeping to the right hand and launching facilities at several users and to consult the Navigation side of the navigable channel. points along the freshwater section Stretch of river Draught Authority before any event. giving smaller craft direct access to Help conserve the environment. the river. Allington Lock to 2.0 metres/ Peace and quiet is one of the Please be aware that excessive wash Maidstone 6ft 6in attractions of the river. Remember damages the riverbank, vegetation There are ten locks and associated Maidstone to Yalding 1.7 metres/ that sound carries well on water, and wildlife. The river is a natural sluices and weirs along the inland 5ft 6in particularly at night and that excessive habitat and a wide range of animals navigation, which starts at Allington Yalding to Tonbridge 1.2 metres/4ft noise is a nuisance to others. depend upon it for their existence. Lock and extends to the footbridge immediately downstream of the Please avoid pollution. Never throw Always keep an eye on any children Heavy flooding causes shoals to Leigh flood-regulating barrier just litter into the water or leave it on the with you, ensuring they do not get develop in the river, particularly, west of Tonbridge. riverbanks. into difficulties. immediately downstream of the locks The locks divide the river into ten and although every effort is made to If you see any pollution please call the Follow the Country Code: shut gates, reaches, known locally as ‘pens’. maintain these draughts it is not Environment Agency incident hotline keep to footpaths, guard against fire The lengths of the pens vary, the always possible to clear the shoals 0800 80 70 60. and respect wildlife. shortest being approximately 1.2km before the boating season starts. The river can be both fun and Keep a sharp lookout for anglers, who (O.75 miles) and the longest 7.2km Boaters should therefore proceed with dangerous. Due account must be taken normally fish from the bank. Always (4.5 miles). Similarly the difference caution in the early part of the season of prevailing river conditions. All river try to keep a good distance from in water level at the locks varies and at any time after flooding has activities can be enjoyed with minimum them, avoid their tackle and create as between 2.8 metres (9ft 2in) and occurred. Navigation officers will give risk if some simple guidelines on safety little disturbance as possible. 1.3 metres (4ft 3in); the total fall from advice on the areas where shoaling are followed. You will find some of the head of Town Lock, Tonbridge to has developed. these in the Guidance for water sports the head of Allington Lock being and recreation section of this booklet. 17.28 metres (56ft 8in).

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Registration

In order to meet a proportion of the day-to-day costs of operating the navigation, the Environment Agency raises revenue through a system of registration.

All vessels and houseboats used or Medway Wharf Marinas at kept on the navigation, including Wateringbury, and the Tourist those in marinas, must be registered Information Centre in the Castle at with the Environment Agency and Tonbridge (see map). display a registration certificate. Annual certificates (April 1 to March Vessels registered for the full year 31) can only be obtained by sending a operating the locks must also display their registration completed application form, together number in figures at least 5cm in with payment, to the Environment Allington Lock, which provides passage to and from the tidal height (approx. 2.5 in) on both sides Agency Area Office in Kent (cheques of the craft. section, may only be operated by Environment Agency made payable to the Environment navigation officers who are available at the following times: Registration applies to powered or Agency). You should allow 10 clear non-powered vessels, sailing craft days for the processing of these (a) Between March 1 and October 31, Only registered vessels will be and tenders to larger vessels, applications. The application form three hours before high water and admitted to the navigation. (Short- irrespective of whether the use of the itself can also be obtained from the two hours after, where those hours term registrations are available from vessel is commercial, educational or Environment Agency Area Office in fall between 7.00am and sunset. the navigation officer.) for recreation. Hired craft are charged Kent. The forms are also at a higher rate. There is a separate downloadable from the Environment (b) On any other day between three The duty navigation officer can be single charge for houseboats. Agency River Medway web pages at hours before high water and two contacted by telephone during www.environment- hours after where those hours fall working hours on 01622 752864. Short-term (daily, weekly and agency.gov.uk/rivermedway. between 8.00am and 4.00pm. monthly) and annual certificates are The nine locks above Allington may be all available, though only powered In the case of special one day events The lock may not be used outside operated by the person in charge of vessels are eligible for the daily such as charitable events or these times unless at least 24 hours the vessel, or crew, unless directed licence. Short-term certificates and competitions, a general certificate notice is given to the navigation otherwise by a navigation officer. Lock application forms for certificates can may be issued at a concessionary rate officer and the notice is given within handles to operate the winding shafts be obtained at the Environment from the same address. Discounts are the above times. of the sluices can be purchased from Agency offices at Allington Lock and available to clubs and organisations local chandlers. The lock handle should Vessels approaching the navigation Yalding. Other outlets are Allington making block bookings for five or have a square socket, which fits from the Medway Estuary should take Marina and the Dragons Health Club more craft. (Manually propelled properly on the spigots of the winding particular care in relation to tides. in Maidstone, Bow Bridge and craft only.) shafts, which are 25.4 mm (1in) square.

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landing places for locking

Landing stages are provided at the downstream end of each lock on the navigation so that boat owners may tie up to gain access to the lock for the purpose of locking the boat through. Mooring at the landing stages for other purposes is prohibited.

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Negotiating the locks

River users with previous experience of inland navigations will have experience of operating locks, but for those who are discovering the appeal of inland waterways for the first time, the following tips are provided:

• Locks should always be left with • In narrow lock cuts, please Going upstream Beware paddles in both sets of gates remember that some pleasure craft Secure the boat in the lock by looping • In narrow locks a boat tends to be fully closed. draw up to four feet or more and ropes round the bollards and posts or drawn to the upper gate when the might not be able to manoeuvre. • Make sure you know exactly through the rings provided. Do not tie. lock is filling. how to work a lock before you • Obey instructions given by the 1. If the lock is full, check that the • Do not use a lock at night, or in the enter one. navigation officer and stop your paddles in the upper gates are dark, it is only too easy for engines once the craft is moored in • Check that your boat is completely closed. someone to fall in the water and the lock. Remember to loop head inside the lock. not be heard or seen. and stern warps to the posts. 2. Open the paddles in the lower • When going upstream make sure When the water is rising or falling gates to empty the lock. • Please take care and do not fend your rudder cannot catch in the in the lock, adjust your mooring off with hands, feet or boat hook. 3. Open the lower gates, enter the bottom gates. lines to keep them fairly taut and lock and close the paddles. • Do not open fuel tanks or strike make sure your boat does not • When going downstream make matches. become caught up as the lock is 4. Close the bottom gates behind sure that the rear of the boat is not emptying. Turn off any radio, or you and check that the paddles • Never dangle your arms or legs likely to sit on the cill. other form of music and noise. are closed. over the side of the boat, they may • Make sure nobody is standing on get broken or crushed between the • If you have a dog on board, please 5. Open the top paddles to fill the roof or foredeck when entering boat and the lock. keep it on the boat, or on a lead the lock. a lock; the bump of the boat while passing through the locks. • Do not let anyone play near locks, against the side may throw them in 6. Open the top gates and take your be it running around or jumping the water. boat out. over gates etc. It is not worth the • Do not leave lock handles on the 7. Close the top gates behind you risk of them falling in. spigot of the winding shafts. and lower the paddles. • You should know exactly what to • Be careful not to trap your fingers do if someone falls into the water. in any of the mechanisms. If this happens, close all the paddles immediately and throw a • Never assume that the previous life buoy. Then consider how to boat has left the lock mechanisms get them out. correctly.

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Operating a lock – upstream Going downstream 1. If the lock is empty of water close If you encounter difficulties in the bottom gates and check that operating a lock do not use excessive the paddles are closed. force but report the problem without delay to one of the Environment 2. Fill the lock by opening the Agency’s navigation officers on one of upstream paddles. the following numbers: 3. Open the top gates and enter the lock. 4. Close the top gates behind you Customer Contact Line Operating a lock is simple if you work and lower the paddles. 08708 506 506 through the drill systematically and 5. Open the bottom paddles to empty never hurry. the lock. Outside office hours Always share a lock with other boats 6. Open the bottom gates and take 0800 80 70 60 (this saves water) and wait turns your boat out. whenever possible. 7. Lower the paddles but leave the bottom gates open- unlike canals rivers can silt if bottom gates Lock gates must be properly closed before slowly opening are closed. the sluices. All locks are provided with hanging chains for vessels to hold onto. When using the larger locks, do not rely on just holding onto these chains but loop warps around the posts. The turbulence can be quite strong. There is a ladder in each lock chamber.

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Operating a lock – downstream

lifting bridge

At Yalding there is a lifting bridge over the navigation.

This lifting bridge can be operated by By post – make cheques payable to a boat owner, however if assistance is “The Environment Agency” and please Always ensure that the upper gates required, a navigation officer is on write your name and address on the and all paddles are closed after you duty at the following times: back of the cheque. leave the lock. 0900 hrs 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs Keys can also be purchased from the navigation officer attending the lifting Boat owners may operate the Yalding bridge. The lifting bridge is fully lifting bridge using a special key, automatic, you should not try and which can be purchased (price also remove your key until the bridge’s full obtainable) from: operational cycle is complete. It is better to wait a few minutes and share the lock with Environment Agency Persons operating the lifting bridge another boat than to close the gates on an approaching Allington Lock, Allington and locks on the navigation must be boat. You could waste up to 250,000 gallons of water Maidstone aware that the Environment Agency (or more). Kent ME16 0LU accepts no responsibility for any Tel: 01622 752864 injury sustained to such persons or In person only - cash or cheque others, or any damage to any boat Environment Agency arising out of the operation of the (Kent Area Office) locks or bridge, other than as a result Orchard House, Endeavour Park of its own negligence. London Road, Addington IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – Kent ME19 5SH PLEASE TELEPHONE Tel: 01732 223222 In person – office hours 0900 – 1700 0800 80 70 60 Monday to Friday – cash or cheque.

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Landing, anchoring and mooring

Unlike canals most of the towpath on the Medway is not owned by the Navigation Authority, it is a public footpath.

In the interests of maintaining good Do not leave litter. Take it home or Short-term moorings Launching relations between users of the river dispose of it at the sites provided by There are short-term moorings at: The Environment Agency has a and landowners, remember that the the Navigation Authority. There are slipway at Hampstead Lock, Yalding right to navigate does not entitle you also recycling points available at Maidstone for which a small charge is payable to to moor up to private towpath Yalding Station and at the Tonbridge East Farleigh the navigation officer. There are also property without the landowner’s Angel Centre. slipways and/or cranage facilities at consent. You may land or embark Bow Bridge When stopping overnight, or leaving various marinas at Allington, East directly from a public footpath, but do your boat for any considerable Yalding Farleigh, Wateringbury and Yalding. not obstruct the towpath. amount of time, do not moor in The Dragons Health Club supervises Ford Green Bridge There are free short-term mooring shallow water or with a tight rope or the slipway in Maidstone and there is places for a distance of 130 metres chain as water levels may fluctuate by Town Quay, Tonbridge a slipway for small craft above Big from Town Lock towards the Big Bridge as much as 60 - 90cm (2 or 3 feet) in a Bridge, Tonbridge. (Tonbridge High Street). This excludes few hours. If the level drops and a the timber landing stages, which are craft is moored aground or in shallow Sewage pump-out stations for lock passage only. water, it may be lean over or be Public slipways Pump out stations can be found at: damaged. If the level rises and In general vessels have a right to You may launch a boat at the sites mooring ropes or chains are tight, the Yalding Lifting Bridge anchor in the channel for up to 24 listed below, but there is not launch may take on water, be pulled hours in any one place. You may need Allington Lock necessarily a right to park a car or under, or even break free. Always permission to moor to the bank. Place boat trailer: ensure there are over 60cm (2 feet) of Town Lock, Tonbridge mooring stakes well back from the water below your keel and a least Hampstead Slipway bank edge and take care they do not Please note that the lifting bridge key 60cm (2 feet) of vertical play on any cause a hazard to passers-by. is needed to operate the systems (see Tonbridge Castle slipway mooring rope or chain. lifting bridge section for instructions (small boats only) Always respect private rights and on how to obtain a key). when in doubt obtain permission from Maidstone Slipway the owner of the bank before tying-up. (Dragons Health Club) Dogs must be kept under strict control.

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On or by the river Fishing from the lock side and landing The use of lead shot (between the platforms at any of the Environment weights 0.06g and 28.35g) for fishing Agency’s structures is not permitted. is now prohibited – use lead free alternatives. Anglers should avoid weirs and be especially careful when fishing near If fishing at vacant mooring places, the water’s edge downstream of please be prepared to move if a vessel automatic sluices. These structures wishes to moor. open without warning and, under All craft have the right to navigate the certain conditions, a rapid rise in full width of the river. Canoeists and water level will occur below the sluice. sailing craft particularly tend to guidance for water sports Fishing, except by rod and line (and manoeuvre close to the bank. auxiliary landing net) is not permitted Although asked to take care they can and recreation without the Environment Agency’s inadvertently carry away fishing written consent. tackle, as it is often difficult to see the line. This often happens accidentally, Please read and understand the code of practice and safety The annual close season on the when anglers are hidden from view by Medway for fishing for coarse fish and rules of any activity before taking part. These are produced by bankside vegetation and should not eels is March 15 to June 15 (both governing bodies for each sport. Contact Sport for be regarded as a deliberate act to dates inclusive). further details on 08458 508508. spoil your sport. Take care when casting and ground Take particular care when fishing from baiting and remember your hooks and Angling Check you have permission to fish: a boat. Wear a buoyancy aid or lines and ledger weights can be lifejacket and take care not to obstruct Before going fishing: Possession of a rod licence does not dangerous. Look behind and in front give you the right to fish from the the main navigation channel. Check you are carrying a valid rod of you to ensure the area is clear. riverbank or a boat. You must have licence if you are over 12. These are You may not fish from a boat that is permission. Most of the fishing rights Beware of fishing near overhead obtainable from all post offices or under power. within the Medway navigation are electric cables. Contact or close from the Environment Agency, privately owned and you should not proximity between cable and fishing telephone sales 0870 166 2662 assume that the owners or lessees of rod may cause fatal injury. (8am - 8pm, 7 days a week, fishing rights allow boat users to fish 9am –5pm bank holidays). Calls are Take your litter home, especially their waters. Some angling clubs sell charged at standard rate. A small discarded tackle. day tickets for fishing. Free fishing is additional charge will be made. This available as long as you possess a rod Fishing hooks and nylon line are service is available to credit and debit licence on the following stretches of dangerous to birds and animals. cardholders. Internet sales on the river: East Farleigh Lock down to Wasted line should be taken home www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ Unicumes Lane and Wharf Road and burnt. fish (additional charge 25p). Footbridge to Allington.

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Do not get in the way of other craft by When rowing for pleasure, ensure suddenly altering course, particularly you do not interfere with other in narrow waters. Remember that organised activities. larger boats are less manoeuvrable Coaching/rescue vehicles must watch and can use much shallower their speed and wash. water than other craft. When visiting stretches of the river Do not follow close astern of larger other than those you use for training, vessels. ascertain and comply with the code of It is safer for unpowered craft to practice of local clubs before taking remain at the back of a queue of traffic out any craft. at a lock and to enter the lock last. It is safer for unpowered craft to remain at the back of a queue of traffic Rowing and sculling at a lock and to enter the lock last. Rowing vessels must be currently If you choose to row in strong stream conditions stay away from weirs, Canoeing registered with the Environment Agency, Kent Area. Annual registration obstructions and bridges especially If a person belongs to the British If on the water after sunset, an all- certificates usually expire on March 31, when turning around. At such times a Canoe Union (BCU) they do not need round white light should be displayed although short period certificates may rescue boat should be in an Environment Agency licence. and canoeists should wear light be obtained. attendance. coloured tops. BCU members must display their Obey the general rules of navigation If on the water at dusk, after sunset or membership sticker. Keep a sharp lookout for anglers, who and know the rules for avoidance in restricted visibility, rowers and normally fish from the bank. Keep a Canoes belonging to non-BCU of collisions. scullers should wear a light coloured good distance from them, avoid their members must be registered with the top and an all-round white light or two tackle and create as little disturbance Look out for others on and in the Environment Agency, Kent Area. white lights covering 360 degrees as possible. water and change speed and direction Annual registration certificates usually must be displayed. as necessary to avoid an incident. expire on March 31, although short Keep clear of sailing boats, motor period certificates may be obtained. cruisers and rowing craft (sculls, Remember the cox is always in charge Obey the general rules of navigation pairs, fours and eights) particularly of the craft. and know the rules for the avoidance when racing or coaching is taking Remember overtaking vessels must of collisions. place. keep clear. Do not turn across the Buoyancy aids or life jackets should Do not get in the way of other craft bows of oncoming craft; wait until it be worn at all times. Canoeists should by suddenly altering course, is safe. preferably have had formal instruction particularly when racing or coaching Remember it is difficult for other users and be able to swim. is taking place. to see fast moving rowing craft, which Do not canoe just above weirs or try to Remember it is difficult for rowing lie low in the water. shoot weirs. craft to see canoes.

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Swimming and paddling Please remember Walking To most people the risks of drowning • NEVER jump or dive into the river The follows the River when swimming or bathing in water from any bridge, bank or craft. It is Medway from Tonbridge to Rochester. The are clear. However, rivers, canals, not only dangerous to those that do Medway Valley Walk guidebook is lakes and ponds also contain hazards it but also to any vessel passing by. available for sale from the Countryside that may not be so obvious. These • NEVER swim near moving craft. Access Group at Kent County Council hidden dangers can affect even strong Boats cannot stop dead and need (KCC). Other leaflets detailing different swimmers. For example: room to manoeuvre. Propellers are walks can be found on their website (see part 3 for details). • Sharp objects and weeds very dangerous. underwater can cause injury • NEVER swim around moored craft, There are many rights of way in the river or drowning. fallen logs or blind corners. valley, which should be used responsibly. • Fast and dangerous currents can • NEVER swim where there is a PLEASE: sweep bathers away. strong current. • prevent young children from • Bacteria and viruses in the water • NEVER swim in locks, lock cuts, wandering near the river’s edge; may cause serious illness such as narrow channels, cuttings or sluices. • close farm gates; Weils disease. • NEVER attempt to swim across the • always keep to the public right of way, • Very cold water can cause cramp river – it is wider than you think! and avoid walking on crops; and shock. • Keep away from weirs and weir • keep your dog under close control and • Boats can create unexpected pools. on a lead at locksides; waves or even collide with Camping and picnicking swimmers. If children are swimming or paddling, • clean up after your dog; always watch them carefully as river DO NOT: • Weirs, sluice gates and other depth varies suddenly and wash from • take your litter home. • camp or light fires without machinery to control water levels boats can cause them to fall over. permission; can operate without warning. There may be broken glass or other sharp material on the riverbed so it is • throw rubbish into the river; advisable to wear bathing shoes. • light fires near to dried foliage; The river temperature is likely to be • chop down trees for firewood; much colder than expected. This may limit swimmers’ ability to swim PLEASE ALWAYS: any distance. • clean up the site before you leave; If you wish to swim or bathe Non-swimmers on airbeds or inflated please use a swimming pool. • take your rubbish home or put it in rubber tubes can easily float or be a litter bin; blown into deep water where sudden loss of buoyancy could be disastrous. • follow the Country Code.

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General

Interruptions to navigation Hazards when navigating downstream There are times when flood conditions make it inadvisable, if not impossible As the Medway navigation is a “live” to navigate the river. These conditions river there are flood relief channels are more likely to occur in the winter, which allow excess river flows to by- but there are occasions when pass the locks. The head is retained navigation is temporarily interrupted on these channels by weirs and by flood flows in the boating season. automatic sluices. The water level in a “pen” has For this reason when approaching sometimes to be drawn down to locks from upstream, particularly enable works to be undertaken, thus when there is a following wind, take interfering with navigation. Usually care to keep well over to the locked this takes place outside the boating side of the river. All directions relate season, but occasionally, for example to upstream passage. to meet an emergency, works may take place during the boating season. Every effort is made to give advance notice of the lowering of levels. Information on conditions can be obtained from the District Office at Tonbridge, ring the Customer Contact Line on: 08708 506 506. Information part 2 regarding navigation restrictions is also available on the Environment Agency River Medway dedicated web passage notes pages at www.environment- agency.gov.uk/rivermedway.

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avoid pollution It is an offence to cause or permit pollution to enter the Medway or deposit rubbish on the banks. Take special care with petrol when refuelling. Oil-contaminated bilge water is another potential source of pollution and must on no account be pumped into the river.

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Medway Ports Authority is the Harbour friars as a result of the dissolution of and Navigation Authority for the the monasteries. The approaches to Allington. returned to Aylesford in 1949 and restored the priory, which is now open to the public daily. Amenities and places of approaching Allington Lock interest Aylesford was an important fording point on the Medway and marks the from the Medway Estuary The attractive village of Aylesford with site of a great battle in 455 AD when its medieval bridge and rebuilt the Britons were defeated by the Description of the stretch Carmelite priory is reputed to be the Jutes. fought over the oldest continuously occupied village village in 839 AD. The bridge is an Navigation through the Medway headroom beneath Aylesford Bridge in England. The remains of a eight arch bridge built from Kentish Estuary between and on the tidal river below Allington Lock burial chamber on the downs provide ragstone in the fourteenth century. In Allington Lock is dependent upon is 2.8 metres (9ft 2in) at MHWS. There evidence of an early settlement. Three the centre of the village is the smallest tides. At low tide the river below the are also overhead cables crossing standing stones, crowned by a fourth in Kent, the Little Gem which lock practically dries out and the lock the channel. are known as Kit’s Coty House. dates from 1105 AD. itself is only open from three hours If craft approaching the lock from The priory originally dates from before to two hours after high tide. On Aylesford find the gate closed they thirteenth century but was lost to the short tides the lock may be accessible should tie up on the starboard side for less than 3 hours. between the lock and the road bridge. In the part of the river downstream of The head of water on the non- Allington Lock there is sufficient depth navigable channel alongside the lock of water on suitable tides for craft is retained by large electrically drawing 2.1 metres (6ft 11in). The operated sluices.

Tidal differences on Sheerness Place Lat Lon Time Differences Height differences N E High Water Low Water (in Metres) (Zone G.M.T) MH MH ML ML WS WN WN WS

Sheerness 51 0 45 0200 0800 0200 0700 27 and and and and 5.8 4.7 1.5 0.6 1400 2000 1400 1900 Allington 51 0 30 No No lock 17 +0050 +0035 Data Data -2.1 -2.2 -1.3 -0.4 Avail Avail able able

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comes into view just after passing Diesel and drinking water are Bydews Wood on the south bank. available from a fuelling Wharf on the When approaching the lock, keep well river frontage by Allington Marina. into the middle of the river until nearly Toilets and cranage facilities are up to the lock and then head to the also provided. entrance. If the downstream gates are Rubbish sacks are provided by the closed, craft should moor well back on navigation officer at Allington and can the landing stage on the starboard be disposed of at facilities provided at side. This is because the water nearer Allington Lock, Town Lock and Yalding. the lock is shallow due to shoals Maidstone Borough Council has being created by the flow from the provided refuse bins at the Market weir and sluices. site at Lockmeadow. There is a public toilet with washing Moorings and marinas facilities and a sewage disposal point Allington lock to East Farleigh next to the Maidstone Borough One kilometre above Allington is Council moorings at Fairmeadow. Allington Marina providing moorings Description of the stretch Public toilets are also located by the for a large number of boats. In Dragons Health Club at the entrance Allington Lock is the first of the ten (13ft 1in) whilst the second bridge is addition T.S. Marine and Ford Wharf to Whatman Park. There is a locks on the Medway navigation and only 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). Three new Boatyard near Maidstone also provide supermarket and shopping precinct at also the limit of the tidal waters. First footbridges can be found along this moorings. T.S. Marine has a dry dock. Allington, which is about 1km up built in 1792, the lock was enlarged in stretch of the river at Maidstone. The There are many reasonably priced Castle Lane. Maidstone provides 1881 and the existing structure dates two footbridges downstream of the visitor moorings in Maidstone on both shopping facilities of all kinds within from 1939. New gates were fitted in railway bridge have a headroom of sides of the river. There are also easy walking distance of the river. 1991 and a refurbishment of the Lock 5.50m (18ft) and the footbridge just moorings on both banks at East There are two large shopping was completed by Easter 1999. upstream of the main road bridges Farleigh belonging to the Bridge precincts, the Chequers Centre at the has a headroom of 4.0 (13ft 1in) Details of lock opening times are Boat Service. top of the High Street and Fremlin metres (see map for details). given on page 11. All vessels must be Walk by the riverside on the east registered before being admitted to The river above Maidstone was bank. On the west bank there is a the navigation but short-term improved in 1741 to accommodate Facilities large supermarket just five minutes certificates and lifting bridge keys are the growing water borne traffic. In walk from the moorings. The public There is a concrete slipway on the available from the lock. those days, the commercial barges market at Lockmeadow is also on this west bank of the river in Maidstone. It were drawn by men or horses and the side of the river and is held on The county town of Maidstone lies can be found on St. Peter’s street towpath still exists. On the outskirts Tuesdays and Saturdays. about 4km further up the river along a under the arch at the bottom of the of Maidstone is a footbridge crossing tree-lined stretch. The high-level hill. Fees are payable to the Dragons the river at Tovil with headroom of 3.7 railway bridge marks the approach to Health Club, Maidstone. metres (12ft). Four kilometres beyond the town. The first road bridge across Maidstone is East Farleigh Lock, which the river has headroom of 4.0 metres

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Places of interest Approximately 1km from Allington lies Whatman Park, which is a new is no longer open to recreational area. The park boasts a the public. On the north bank, variety of special features including immediately above the lock is the treetop walks, a nature trail, Malta Inn (1784) which has its own adventure playground, skateboard restaurant. The Feng Shui restaurant park and riverside arena for outside and the River Bar and Grill are both entertainment. located in Maidstone. The Archbishop’s Palace fronting the Also on the north bank is the Cobtree river on the east bank, dates from the Museum of Kent Life. This is an open- fourteenth century, and is now a air museum with a farmyard and live Registry Office. Adjacent to the Palace animals, an , hop garden, is All Saints’ Church which is the herb garden and displays on largest in Kent and has one of the traditional agriculture. It opens daily widest naves in England. Across the between 10.00a.m. to 5.30 p.m. East Farleigh to Teston Lock road in the fourteenth century stables (February Half Term to the end of of the palace, is the Carriage Museum, October) and weekends 10.00a.m. to Description of the stretch which contains the TyrWhitt-Drake 3.00p.m. in the winter (November to collection of carriages and Situated beside the lock on the non- its weir, meadows, pastures, oast February Half Term). Cobtree Manor accessories. navigable channel are large houses and the medieval ragstone Park, just a short walk from the river, electrically operated sluices. bridge. This bridge is also narrow and features nature trails, woodland walks Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art care should be taken passing through. Immediately above East Farleigh is the and picnic areas. Gallery are in Chillington Manor Immediately beyond, on the starboard House, which is just a short walk fourteenth century bridge. Although The Medway Valley Countryside side, is a landing stage at which crew northward along the riverbank, in St there is 2.55 metre (8ft 4in) Partnership based at 3 Lock Cottages can be disembarked during locking. Faith’s Street. headroom, the arch is quite narrow works to improve the countryside and care is needed when passing recreation and wildlife habitats of the Just over a kilometre from the river is through as the approach from the lock Mooring and facilities River Medway and surrounding Mote Park, which has beautiful walks, is at an angle. Vessels are advised to countryside. Some of the leaflets a lake, a pitch and putt course and a give an audible warning. The Bridge Boat Service, which is on listed in the back of this booklet are model railway. the left bank after East Farleigh There are 4km of river between East available from the Partnership. Bridge, has several bankside There are two river bus services Farleigh and Teston, which pass moorings. There is a slipway and The towpath between Allington and (spring to autumn only) and a paddle through beautiful Kentish scenery cranage facilities and diesel and gas East Farleigh forms part of the Kent steamer which provide regular round with orchards on the south bank. The are also available. Millennium River Park, which opened trips along the river from Maidstone East Barming Footbridge and Teston in 2001. The section between to Allington. Bridge both have a headroom of 2.55 The Victory Inn, where the East Allington and Tovil is surfaced. metres (8ft 4 in). Farleigh Cruising Club has its headquarters, is behind East Farleigh The riverside setting at Teston is one station on the north bank. of the most attractive on the river with

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Teston village has a shop and post A unique characteristic is the use of a platform at which crew can be Hampstead Marina, which is on the office. To reach Teston village, cross pitted local freshwater limestone or disembarked for locking is on the port side by the lock, provides ample the railway line, turn left at the main tufa around the windows. starboard side just before the slipway. pontoon moorings and has a road and take the first right. This lock is the deepest on the cranage facility. At Teston the picnic site provided by navigation and it is advisable to Kent County Council covers 12 Little Venice Country Park and Marina operate the sluices slowly to avoid hectares of meadow, there are picnic is on the main river channel of the Places of interest creating turbulence and to deploy bow tables available and public toilets. Medway at Yalding and access to the and stern lines. The Kent Millennium River Park Overnight mooring is not permitted. marina itself is on the starboard side. continues along the towpath between Day ticket fishing is available. Please note that this marina only East Farleigh and Teston. provides permanent moorings and Moorings, slipways and customers have the use of a shower St Margaret’s Church at Barming dates other facilities block. Diesel and water are available from the twelfth century though the and there are cranage facilities. six-bell tower and porch are more Medway Wharf Marina at Bow Bridge recent. On the other bank, at West provides riverside moorings as well as There are shops, a pub, a medical Farleigh, is the Norman church of river pontoon berths. There is a slipway centre and a public telephone in All Saints’. and diesel and cranage facilities. Yalding village. Toilets are provided for customers. Bow Bridge Marina, also located at Places of interest Bow Bridge, has a slipway and provides visitor moorings and Yalding village, which is a short walk Teston Lock to cranage facilities. across The Lees, is notable for its georgian houses, old cottages and the Meals are served at the Riverside quaint moated vicarage, Warde’s Hampstead Lock, Yalding restaurant at Bow Bridge, Moat. Teapot island is a unique teapot Wateringbury. Description of the stretch museum with a teashop located at The Environment Agency has a Twyford Bridge. There are 5km of attractive, winding hand channel but there is no through slipway on the navigable channel just river between Teston and Yalding. route as the head of water on this before Hampstead Lock. Launching is Wateringbury lies about halfway and channel is retained at automatic by arrangement with the navigation river traffic between here and Yalding sluices. The River Beult and the River officer who can be found at Yalding can be busy in peak season. The Teise join the Medway along this loop Lifting Bridge office, upstream from headroom at Bow Bridge, of river. the lock. Only registered vessels may Wateringbury is 2.55m (8ft 4in). use the slipway. The starboard channel, Hampstead Shortly after Nettlestead the channel Cut, takes craft to Hampstead Lock. Water, refuse and sewage facilities are divides, with the natural course of the The approach is fairly narrow and available at the Environment Agency river to port and the navigable cut to there are always a number of moored depot by arrangement with the starboard. Craft can enter the port boats in the channel. The landing navigation officer.

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When making the approach to the available. Immediately above the lock, keep as near as possible to the entrance to the Marina there are starboard side. If the lock is closed, short-term moorings provided by the use the landing platform provided. Environment Agency. The café on the port side opposite the Anchor Inn has Sluice Weir is the second deepest both indoor and outside dining lock on the river and the top gates are facilities. well above the lower water level. Always have head and stern ropes East Peckham is only a short walk looped to the posts and do not rely on from Sluice Weir Lock. There are a holding onto chains along the walls, number of shops and a public as the swirl can be quite powerful. telephone. The garage and pub are close to Branbridges. Moorings, marinas and Yalding to Sluice Weir facilities Places of interest Shortly after re-entering the Medway Snoll Hatch, to the north of the river, Description of the stretch from the cut, Twyford Bridge Marina is is a hamlet of much character, which on the port side under the footbridge, once had fourteen . To the west Vessels leaving Hampstead Lock pass After Yalding the river winds through headroom 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). The is Little Mill, which has a fifteenth through Hampstead Bridge which has open countryside and just over 1km boatyard has a slipway and showers. century pub, ‘Man of Kent’, on the a headroom of 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). upstream passes though a derelict Diesel, Calor Gas and a dry dock are banks of the River Bourne. Yalding Lifting Bridge will then be seen lock at Stoneham. The railway bridge some 500 metres ahead. Instructions beyond the old lock and the next for negotiating the lifting bridge are bridge, Branbridges, both have given on page 19. The lifting bridge headroom of 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). office is on the port side immediately Between Branbridges and Sluice Weir before the bridge. The Environment Lock the river narrows, gravel banks Agency’s dredger is sometimes become very high and the depth of moored at the wharf and restricts the water diminishes. There are some width of the channel at this point. sharp turns and generally speaking it The Anchor Inn is on the starboard is as well to keep to the outside of the side immediately after the lifting centre line of the channel around the bridge where Hampstead Cut re- bends. In the channel alongside the enters the natural river. Anchor Sluice lock are automatic radial sluices with is on the port side and vessels must a wide pool below them. Across the turn starboard to enter the upper mouth of the pool is a sandbank and Medway. The towpath is on the south the narrow channel to the lock lies bank all the way to East Lock. between this shoal and the riverbank.

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Oak Weir Lock to East Weir Description of the stretch Moorings Just beyond Oak Weir is a short The meadows on either side of Ford wooded stretch, which then opens Green Bridge have low banks and are into meadowland. Ford Green Bridge popular moorings. has a headroom of 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). When approaching the lock take the port hand channel where a landing stage is provided for Sluice Weir Lock to Oak Weir Lock disembarking crew. Description of the stretch The river flows through typical rolling their meadows. When mooring, the Kentish countryside and woodland consent of the landowner should between here and Tonbridge. The be obtained. River Bourne enters the River Medway from the north, just beyond Sluice Weir Lock. Between Sluice Weir and Places of interest Oak Weir there are two road bridges, The Man of Kent public house is Waggon Bridge with a headroom of East Lock to Porters Lock within easy walking distance of 2.6 metres (8ft 6in) and Stilstead Stilstead Bridge if a mooring can be Description of the stretch Facilities Bridge with a headroom of 2.55 found nearby. metres (8ft 4in). At East Lock the towpath changes The nearest village along this stretch from the south bank to the north is Golden Green, which is over one bank. The river flows mainly through kilometre from Hartlake Bridge. There Moorings open arable and pastureland along is a pub and a public telephone. this stretch. The next bridge, Hartlake There are no designated moorings Bridge has a clearance of 2.55 metres along these rural reaches of the river (8ft 4in). Do not attempt to moor at but it is permissible to land on to the Hartlake Bridge, as there is a cill towpath or public footpath. Some below the bridge. The tower, which landowners permit mooring alongside can be seen to the south, is May’s Folly in .

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Moorings and facilities is Tonbridge Castle which is set in landscaped gardens overlooking the There are several short stay council river. The site is well interpreted and moorings alongside Town Quay at there are audio tours from the Porters Lock to Eldridges Lock Tonbridge, which is a short distance gatehouse. A pleasure boat operates upstream from the lock on the port from Castle Lawn providing 1 hour Description of the stretch side. It is not advisable to moor to the and 30 minute return trips down the wall by the lock as the height of the river. Some fifty metres above the lock on are advised to give this a wide berth. walls makes disembarking hazardous. the port side is an automatic radial There are no bridges along this section. Tonbridge Castle also includes the gate sluice and a small weir. Vessels There are sewage and refuse disposal Tourist Information Office. facilities and a water point at Town Lock. Rowing boats can be hired at the There are public toilets and a public Big Bridge. slipway for small boats close to the castle. The Angel Centre, which is signposted at the southern end of the High There are shops of all kinds, cafes and Street, provides leisure and indoor restaurants located in the High Street, sporting facilities. Behind the castle, Eldridges Lock to Town Lock, Tonbridge which is close to Town Lock. there is a large sports ground, which also has a putting green, miniature The Environment Agency intends to Description of the stretch Places of interest railway, paddling pool and rebuild Eldridges Lock and Sluice. In playground. There is a heated Like Porters Lock, Eldridges Lock has the meantime the operation of Across the Big Bridge (also known as outdoor swimming pool. sluices upstream, this time on the Eldridges Lock will be restricted to Great Bridge), on the left hand side, Environment Agency staff only from port side. The river flows through the 1st April 2006. meadows until Cannon Bridge is reached. This carries the Tonbridge Environment Agency staff will attend ring road and has a headroom of Eldridges Lock at 10:00, 13:00 and 2.55metres (8ft 4in). Upstream from 15:30 daily to lock through waiting craft. the bridge the river passes through an Tonbridge Town Lock to the Boaters that require to lock through at industrial area. Tonbridge Town Lock Leigh Flood Barrier times different to the above should is just a short distance upstream. The landing stage downstream of the lock phone Allington Lock on 01622 Navigation beyond Big Bridge is only is situated on the starboard side of 752864 between 08:00 and 18:00 suitable for small craft. Big Bridge has the lock structure. hours giving 24 hours notice of a headroom of 2 metres (6ft 7in) and planned passage. Arrangements can Town Lock is the last lock on the a footbridge upstream is even lower then be made for Environment Agency navigation. The adjacent channel has (1.5 metres, 4ft 11in). Tonbridge staff to attend the site. a large radial gate. This operates Waterways is just upstream from Big In an emergency, boaters can phone automatically and vessels should Bridge offering permanent moorings, the incident hotline on 0800 807060. keep well clear. and a slipway.

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facilities available at locks along the Medway

Lock Facilities

Allington Lock

East Farleigh Lock

Teston Lock

Hampstead Lock

Sluice Weir Lock

Oak Weir Lock

East Lock

Porters Lock

Eldridges Lock

Town Lock

Yalding Lifting Bridge part 3 + fee rules, references and contacts Key Moorings short stay Refuse disposal Sewage disposal

Slipway Walking Water cold

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navigation rules and hints When underway obey the rules of navigation and byelaws. Keep a sharp lookout for other river When rowing craft are near, Steer on the right hand side (starboard) when it is safe and users and if in doubt, STOP. remember that the crew of an uncoxed boat have a problem practical. Remember that even when you have the right of In the vicinity of events, take advice from keeping a lookout ahead and even way you have an over-riding responsibility to avoid collision. officials or marshals. Motorised craft a cox has a limited field of vision. Avoid turning vessels around near bridges, bends and should be prepared to STOP and when lock approaches. clear proceed at a slow steady pace.

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Regulations and byelaws A navigation officer, or other Use of firearms prohibited The Medway navigation as defined below is regulated by the employee of the Environment Agency, can require a boat to be moved if it is It is unlawful to discharge a firearm on Environment Agency under the provisions of the Southern moored at a place where it may cause the navigation, the towpath or any Water Authority Act 1982 and 1988, together with parts of obstruction, and he may take charge bank of the river. earlier Navigation Acts still in force. Some of these provisions of a boat which he finds adrift or are detailed below. improperly moored and in that case the owner of the boat is liable to pay Registration any expenses incurred. 1) It shall not be lawful without the Extent of the navigation consent of the Environment Agency to keep, let for hire or, except in DOWNSTREAM LIMIT – Allington Lock Prohibition of vehicles on the case of emergency use any UPSTREAM LIMIT – The concrete arch footbridge immediately downstream towpaths vessel on the Medway navigation, of the flood-regulating barrier at Leigh near the A21 The towpath is designated as a public other than a vessel which is owned Tonbridge Bypass. footpath, as such users have a right of or used by the Environment Agency unless a Registration Certificate in Between these limits the navigation includes the river, pedestrian access only. No horses or relation to the vessel is then in all canals and tributaries, and every lake, pond or marina vehicles, motorised or not, may be force. or other substantially enclosed water adjacentto the used on a public footpath. navigation and from which any vessel may be navigated 2) Any person contravening (1) above whether through a lock or not, into the navigation. shall be guilty of an offence and Instructions by navigation liable on summary conviction to a Care in navigation officers, etc. fine not exceeding £1000 and to a SPEED LIMIT – 5 KNOTS Boats must not be used which are A person in charge of a boat must daily fine not exceeding £20. unfit for navigation. comply with directions given by Bylaw No.14 (a) requires that a person The Environment Agency may, by navigation officers or other in charge of a boat shall navigate it written notice to the master of any employees of the Environment Agency with care and caution, at such speed vessel, revoke its registration upon Care in mooring in regard to the navigation and and in such a manner as not to failure to comply in respect of the mooring of the boat and its passage involve risk of accident to life, or Boats must be securely moored and in vessel within the terms of any through a lock. damage to property, or to endanger such a way as not to obstruct other enactment relating to the Medway the safety of, injure or cause damage boats in their navigation of the river. navigation. to any other vessel or any person Do not “Beach” your craft into reed Notification of accidents therein, or any moorings or to cause beds and vegetation. damage to the banks of the river. If a boat sinks or goes aground Right to navigate Do not tie up, when mooring, to trees anywhere on the navigation the Special care must be taken when Although registration is obligatory growing out from the bank edge. If a person in charge must notify a passing another boat. Boats going before any type of vessel or boat is moored against the bank, no navigation officer or an employee of up-river against the stream must give houseboat is kept, hired or used on mooring rope or chain must be placed the Environment Agency as quickly way to boats passing down-river. the Medway, the Environment Agency across the public footpath. as possible.

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does not guarantee that the whole of the navigation will be usable for a full year, and no refunds will be made in the event of any interruption of the navigation. Every vessel registered shall, whilst on the Medway navigation, have its name and number together with the number and mark (if any) assigned thereto by the Environment Agency conspicuously painted or otherwise displayed on the outside in letters of such colour, character and size (not less than 5cm in height) as will be clearly legible. Every vessel registered useful leaflets and websites shall, whilst on the Medway navigation, display its Registration For a comprehensive list of all Medway Valley Walk Available Certificate so as to be clearly visible available Environment Agency from Countryside Access Group, from the outside at all times. publications please visit our website Kent County Council. at www.environment-agency.gov.uk, www.waterscape.com is a website and enter our publications catalogue. providing information on all aspects The Boater’s Handbook (Basic Boat of the waterways. Included is handling and Safety) – British information on pubs and restaurants Waterways and Environment Agency. along the waterside, hiring a boat or Also available on the Environment enjoying other watersports. Agency’s website. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ Aylesford Downland Gateway rivermedway is where you can find the (A guide to exploring the countryside Environment Agency’s River Medway near Aylesford, and the Kent Area of dedicated web pages, which provide a Outstanding Natural Beauty). comprehensive resource of Available from Medway Valley information about the river and the Countryside Partnership. facilities available. This booklet is for your guidance only. Every care has been taken to ensure the Looking after the River Medway accuracy of the information, but the Environment Agency cannot accept Available from the Medway Valley responsibility for any error or omission. Countryside Partnership.

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Association of Inland Navigation Authorities Fearns Wharf, Neptune Street, Leeds LS9 8PB Tel: 0113 2433125 Email: [email protected] Website: www.aina.org.uk

British Canoe Union HQ John Dudderidge House, Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 5AS Tel: 0115 982 1100 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bcu.org.uk useful addresses and phone numbers British Waterways Customer Service Centre, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford, Herts WD17 4QA Environment Agency Environment Agency Tel: 01923 201120 Email: [email protected] Kent Area Office Tonbridge Office Website: www.britishwaterways.co.uk Orchard House Medway House Endeavour Park Powdermill Lane London Road Leigh Countryside Access Group Addington Tonbridge West Malling Kent TN11 9AS Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX Kent ME19 5SH Tel: 0845 3450210 Email: [email protected]

Environment Agency customer contact line Tel: 08708 506 506 Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council Environment Agency incident hotline Tel: 0800 80 70 60 City Road Lock, 38 Graham Street London N1 8JX Tel: 020 7253 1745 Email: [email protected] Environment Agency Website: www.iwaac.org Navigation officer, Allington Lock Tel: 01622 752864 Environment Agency Navigation officer, Yalding Tel 01622 814319 Kent Fisheries Consultative Association Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk Secretary – Dennis Hammond www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway 82 Thong Lane, , Kent DA12 4LD Tel: 01474 534212

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Maidstone Town Hall Visitor Information Centre National Association of Boat Owners Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1TF Freepost (BM 8367), Birmingham B31 2BR Tel: 01622 602169 Email: [email protected] Email:[email protected] (General Secretary) Website: www.tour-maidstone.com [email protected] (Membership Secretary) [email protected] (Southern Region Secretary) Royal Life Saving Society Maritime and Coastguard Agency River House, High Street, Broom, Warwickshire B50 4HN MCA Infoline Tel: 01789 773994 Email: [email protected] Tutt Head, Mumbles, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 4HW Website: www.lifesavers.org.uk Tel: 0870 6006505 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mcga.gov.uk Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Medway Ports Head Office, ROSPA House, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST Sheerness Dock, Sheerness, Kent ME12 1RS Tel: 0121 248 2000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.medwayports.com www.rospa.com

Medway River Users Association Sport England Membership Secretary South East Region, 51a Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8AX 68 Halstead Walk, Allington, Maidtsone, Kent, ME16 0DA Tel: 08458 508508 Website: www.sportengland.org Email: [email protected]

Tonbridge Tourist Information Centre Medway Valley Countryside Partnership Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BG 3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU Tel: 01732 770929 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01622 683695 or 01622 768573 Email: [email protected] Website: www.medwayvalley.org

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Notes Further information

You can find supporting information and links to local and regional information on our web site www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway

58 Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide 59 Would you like to find out more about us, or about your environment?

Then call us on 03708 506 506 (Mon–Fri 8–6)

Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calls to standard geographic numbers (i.e. numbers beginning with 01 or 02).

email enquiries@environment–agency.gov.uk or visit our website www.environment–agency.gov.uk incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24hrs) floodline 0845 988 1188

LIT 7923