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River MedwayA user’s guide

73079 MEDWAY 2/6/06 11:56 am Page 2

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. LIT 7923

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve theenvironment and make it a better place for people and wildlife.

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

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

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

Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide 3

Contents

Introduction 4Map of the Medway Navigation 5

Part 1 General information and 7notes for user’s of the navigationExtent of the Navigation 8Gently does it 9Registration 10Operating the locks 11Landing places for locking 12Negotiating the locks 14Lifting bridge 19Landing, anchoring and mooring 20Guidance for water sports 22and recreation

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

Part 3 Rules, references 46and contactsFacilities available at locks 47along the MedwayNavigation rules and hints 48Regulations and byelaws 50Useful leaflets 53Useful addresses and 54telephone numbers

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4 Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide

The Environment Agency is the Navigation Authority for the31kms of inland navigation on the River Medway betweenMaidstone and Tonbridge. We also have a general recreationduty to promote and facilitate recreation, and enjoyment ofwater both inland and on the coast.

The River Medway offers excellentopportunities for the boatingenthusiast but also for other waterusers, including fishing, walking andnature appreciation.

A partnership approach is importantto achieving sustainableimprovements along the river. Wework closely with the local and countycouncils and consult regularly with theMedway River Users’ Association,which represents a broad spectrum ofboaters. An example of this is theMedway Valley CountrysidePartnership (MVCP) supported by theEnvironment Agency, Kent CountyCouncil, Tonbridge and MallingDistrict Council and MaidstoneBorough Council. The Partnershipaims to maintain and enhance theMedway valley as a green corridor forthe benefit of wildlife and people,through the promotion of communityawareness and action.

With so many activities along the riverit is important to follow the variousregulations and guidance to ensurethat it remains a pleasure to use for allthose who enjoy its tranquillity andcharm.

This booklet aims to help everybodyconduct their own activity in safetyand to foster good relations and aspirit of understanding between river users.

A river can be a dangerous place soplease obey the signs and guidanceprovided for yours and others safety.Enjoy your time on or by the RiverMedway and may it really become abetter place for all.

John Morgan

Kent Waterways ManagerJanuary 2006

map section a3 pages

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TESTON LOCK10.4km

TESTONBRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

BARMINGFOOTBRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

FOOTBRIDGEHeadrm. 3.7m

ENVIRONMENT AGENCYALLINGTON LOCK (TIDAL LIMIT)Access 3hrs before to 2hrs after H.W.01622 752864

Section A

Allington to Yalding(Yalding to Tonbridge, see Section B Overleaf)

Size of Craft: Locks will take up to 24.5m x 5.6m.In normal circumstances the river can be used by craft with the following draughts:Allington to Maidstone 2.0m, Maidstone to Yalding 1.7m, Yalding to Tonbridge 1.2m.

Please note all distances refer to kilometres from Allington Lock.

Sewage: Sewage disposal points are provided at Allington Lock, Yalding Lifting Bridge and Tonbridge Town Lock.Refuse: Sacks are available from Allington Lock and Yalding Lifting Bridge.

B.R. P

addock

Wood and M

aidstone Branch

StonehamOld Lock (Disused)

DISABLED ACCESSDAY FISHINGPublic Mooring

TWYFORDMARINA01622 814378

TWYFORD BRIDGEnot navigable

AUTOMATICSLUICES

LIFTING BRIDGElifts to requirements6.7m span

RIVER BEULT

LITTLE VENICECOUNTRY PARK AND MARINA01622 814158

LANDINGSTAGES

MEDWAY WHARF MARINA01622 813927

BOW BRIDGEWATERINGBURYHeadrm. 2.55m

BOW BRIDGE MARINA01622 812802

HAMPSTEAD MARINE01622 812673

TESTON PICNIC SITEWC, CAR PARKFISHING (DAY TICKET)

LANDINGSTAGE

EAST FARLEIGHBRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

BRIDGE BOAT SERVICE07879 462658

MAIDSTONE BRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

To Ashford

NEW BRIDGEHeadrm. 4m

Public Footpath

YALDING

NETTLESTEAD

WATERINGBURY

TESTON

EAST BARMING

WEST FARLEIGH

EAST FARLEIGH

TOVIL

ALLINGTON

MAIDSTONE

Visitor InformationCentre

MAIDSTONE B.C.PUBLIC MOORINGS

MaidstoneEast Sta.

RAIL BRIDGE

ALLINGTON MARINADiesel, Water, Petrol, Gas, Chandlery.01622 752057


Towpath

M2M20

To Aylesford

Cobtree Museumof Kent Life


RAILBRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

Hampstead Lane Canal(Navigation Channel)

HAMPSTEAD BRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55mHampstead Lock15.2km

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SLIPWAY

A26 to Tonbridge

Mooring

No Mooring

FARLEIGH LOCK7.2km

A26

LANDING STAGE

B2010

MaidstoneWest Sta.

MaidstoneBarracks Sta.

T.S. MARINE01622 688989

DRAGONS HEALTH CLUBST. PETERS ST01622 681987

FORD WHARF BOATYARD01622 752918

AllingtonCastle

North

Approx

ROWING BOAT AND CANOE HIRE

Tonbridge Waterways 01732 360630

PASSENGER OPERATIONS

Hire Cruisers (Maidstone Ltd) 01622 753740Tonbridge Waterways 01732 360630Ford Wharf Boatyard 01622 752918

MARINAS AND BOATYARDS

Allington Marina Ltd, Allington 01622 752057Ford Wharf Boatyard, Allington 01622 752918T.S. Marine, Maidstone 01622 688989Bridge Boat Service, East Farleigh 07879 462658Medway Wharf Marina, Maidstone 01622 813927Bow Bridge Marina, Wateringbury 01622 812802Hampstead Marine (Yalding Ltd), Yalding 01622 812673Little Venice Country Park and Marina, Yalding 01622 814158Twyford Marina, Yalding 01622 814378Tonbridge Waterways, Tonbridge 01732 360630

Names and Addresses

SPEED LIMIT – 5 KNOTS

DIRECTION OF FLOW

SOUTHERN WATER MOORINGS


B.R

. Lon

don

Vict

oria

B.R.

to S

trood

Whatman Park

map spread a 17/3/06 11:39 am Page 1

6 Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide

TOWNLOCK

PORTERSSLUICE

EASTLOCK

SLUICEWEIRLOCK

ANCHORSLUICE

TESTONLOCK

EAST FARLEIGHLOCK

ALLINGTONLOCK

ELDRIDGESLOCK

OAKWEIRLOCK HAMPSTEAD

LOCK

STONEHAMLOCK

Dis-used

PORTERSLOCK

Big Bridge Cannon

Bridge

Hartlake Bridge

Ford Green Bridge

Stiltstead Bridge

Waggon Bridge

Branbridges

YaldingLiftingBridge

RailwayViaduct

TestonBridge

BarmingBridge

East FarleighBridge

TovilBridge

RailwayViaduct

MEAN SEA LEVEL

MaidstoneBridges

Bow BridgeWateringbury

Hampstead LaneBridge

+21.09+19.51

+17.91+16.61 +14.78

+12.86

+10.12

+7.31 +5.41

+3.81

2.4km/1.5miles

1.6km/1.0miles2km/1.25miles

2km/1.25miles

3.6km/2.25miles

4.8km/3.0miles

3.2km/2.0miles

7.2km/4.5miles

1.2km 0.75miles

LONG SECTION ALONG NAVIGATIONWater Retention levels are shown in metres above Ordnance Datum

Section B

Yalding to Tonbridge(Allington to Yalding, see Section A Overleaf)

Size of Craft: Locks will take up to 24.5m x 5.6m.In normal circumstances the river can be used by craft with 1.2m draught. Any craftdrawing more than 1.2m should be able to reach Tonbridge during the summer months, the only doubtful area being just below Sluice Weir Lock which silts up inheavy rains but is dredged clear each spring.

Navigation: When in shallow areas keepin the flood water channel by sweepingwide on each bend.

Please note all distances refer to kilometresfrom Allington Lock.

SPEED LIMIT – 5 KNOTS

LEIGH BARRIERTONBRIDGEWATERWAYS01732 360630


0 Miles 1

0 Kilometres 1

BIG BRIDGEHeadrm. 2.0m

PUBLICMOORINGS

UPSTREAM LIMIT OFNAVIGATION

LUCIFERFOOTBRIDGEHeadrm.1.4m

RAIL BRIDGEHeadrm.2.4m

TonbridgeSta.

CARPARK& SLIPWAYFOR SMALLBOATS

BRIDGEHeadrm.1.55m

TONBRIDGE CASTLETourist Information CentrePublic Boat Tours

TownQuay Stairs

Bridge

The Stair

Landing Stages

Landing Stages

Landing Stages

Landing Stages

Landing Stage

STILSTEADBRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

RIVER BOURNE

SLUICE WEIR LOCK18.8km

Public Fishing B2015

HARTLAKE BRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

A26

To LondonB245

To MaidstoneA26

Nor

th

Appr

ox

TONBRIDGE B.R. Paddock Wood

B.

R. P

addo

ck W

ood

and

Mai

dsto

ne B

ranc

h

and Maidstone Branch

TUDELEY HALE

GOLDEN GREENBARNESSTREET

LITTLEMILL SNOLL

HATCH

EAST PECKHAM

OAK WEIR LOCK20.8km

FORD GREENBRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

BRANBRIDGESHeadrm. 2.55m

RAIL BRIDGEHeadrm. 2.55m

East Lock22km

DIRECTION OF FLOW

LONG SECTION ALONG NAVIGATIONWater Retention levels are shown in metres above Ordnance Datum

ALLINGTON LOCK

EAST FARLEIGH LOCK

TESTON LOCK

HAMPSTEAD LOCK

ANCHORSLUICE

STONEHAMLOCK

Dis-used

SLUICEWEIRLOCKOAK

WEIRLOCK

EASTLOCK

PORTERSLOCK

PORTERSSLUICE

ELDRIDGESLOCK

TOWNLOCK

+21.09+19.51

+17.91+16.61

+14.78

+12.86

+10.12

+7.31+5.41

+3.81

map spread a 17/3/06 11:39 am Page 2


part 1general information and notes for users of the navigation

map section b3 pages

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Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide 98 Environment Agency River Medway. A user’s guide

Vessels wishing to approach thenavigation through the MedwayEstuary have a public right ofnavigation through tidal waters,subject to the byelaws of MedwayPorts. However, there are slipwaysand launching facilities at severalpoints along the freshwater sectiongiving smaller craft direct access tothe river.

There are ten locks and associatedsluices and weirs along the inlandnavigation, which starts at AllingtonLock and extends to the footbridgeimmediately downstream of the Leigh flood-regulating barrier justwest of Tonbridge.

The locks divide the river into tenreaches, known locally as ‘pens’. The lengths of the pens vary, theshortest being approximately 1.2km(O.75 miles) and the longest 7.2km(4.5 miles). Similarly the difference in water level at the locks variesbetween 2.8 metres (9ft 2in) and 1.3 metres (4ft 3in); the total fall fromthe head of Town Lock, Tonbridge tothe head of Allington Lock being 17.28 metres (56ft 8in).

The locks are capable ofaccommodating craft up to 24.5metres (80 feet) in length and up to5.6 metres (18ft 5in) beam, and innormal circumstances the river can beused by craft of the following draughts.

Extent of the navigation

The Medway navigation gives access to 31km(19 miles) of the freshwater River Medwayabove its tidal limit.

Stretch of river Draught

Allington Lock to 2.0 metres/Maidstone 6ft 6in

Maidstone to Yalding 1.7 metres/ 5ft 6in

Yalding to Tonbridge 1.2 metres/4ft

Heavy flooding causes shoals todevelop in the river, particularly,immediately downstream of the locksand although every effort is made tomaintain these draughts it is notalways possible to clear the shoalsbefore the boating season starts.Boaters should therefore proceed withcaution in the early part of the seasonand at any time after flooding hasoccurred. Navigation officers will giveadvice on the areas where shoalinghas developed.

Gently does it

Show understanding to othersespecially when they are engaged inorganised competition.

For river activities to run smoothly, itis necessary to co-ordinate organisedactivities with those of other riverusers and to consult the NavigationAuthority before any event.

Peace and quiet is one of theattractions of the river. Rememberthat sound carries well on water,particularly at night and that excessivenoise is a nuisance to others.

Please avoid pollution. Never throwlitter into the water or leave it on theriverbanks.

If you see any pollution please call theEnvironment Agency incident hotline0800 80 70 60.

The river can be both fun anddangerous. Due account must be takenof prevailing river conditions. All riveractivities can be enjoyed with minimumrisk if some simple guidelines on safetyare followed. You will find some ofthese in the Guidance for water sportsand recreation section of this booklet.

Learn about other river users’ activities, by reading the wholeof this booklet, so that you can appreciate their needs andhelp them if possible. Learn and watch out for the varioussignals indicating other river users’ activities.

Obey the general rules of navigationand river. Part 3 of this bookletprovides details of the byelaws ofthe Medway.

Moving craft should avoid collisionsby normally keeping to the right handside of the navigable channel.

Help conserve the environment.Please be aware that excessive washdamages the riverbank, vegetationand wildlife. The river is a naturalhabitat and a wide range of animalsdepend upon it for their existence.

Always keep an eye on any childrenwith you, ensuring they do not getinto difficulties.

Follow the Country Code: shut gates,keep to footpaths, guard against fireand respect wildlife.

Keep a sharp lookout for anglers, whonormally fish from the bank. Alwaystry to keep a good distance fromthem, avoid their tackle and create aslittle disturbance as possible.

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All vessels and houseboats used orkept on the navigation, includingthose in marinas, must be registeredwith the Environment Agency anddisplay a registration certificate.Vessels registered for the full yearmust also display their registrationnumber in figures at least 5cm inheight (approx. 2.5 in) on both sidesof the craft.

Registration applies to powered ornon-powered vessels, sailing craftand tenders to larger vessels,irrespective of whether the use of thevessel is commercial, educational orfor recreation. Hired craft are chargedat a higher rate. There is a separatesingle charge for houseboats.

Short-term (daily, weekly andmonthly) and annual certificates areall available, though only poweredvessels are eligible for the dailylicence. Short-term certificates andapplication forms for certificates canbe obtained at the EnvironmentAgency offices at Allington Lock andYalding. Other outlets are AllingtonMarina and the Dragons Health Clubin Maidstone, Bow Bridge and

Medway Wharf Marinas atWateringbury, and the TouristInformation Centre in the Castle atTonbridge (see map).

Annual certificates (April 1 to March31) can only be obtained by sending acompleted application form, togetherwith payment, to the EnvironmentAgency Area Office in Kent (chequesmade payable to the EnvironmentAgency). You should allow 10 cleardays for the processing of theseapplications. The application formitself can also be obtained from theEnvironment Agency Area Office inKent. The forms are alsodownloadable from the EnvironmentAgency River Medway web pages atwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway.

In the case of special one day eventssuch as charitable events orcompetitions, a general certificatemay be issued at a concessionary ratefrom the same address. Discounts areavailable to clubs and organisationsmaking block bookings for five ormore craft. (Manually propelled craft only.)

Registration

In order to meet a proportion of the day-to-day costs ofoperating the navigation, the Environment Agency raisesrevenue through a system of registration.

(a) Between March 1 and October 31, three hours before high water andtwo hours after, where those hoursfall between 7.00am and sunset.

(b) On any other day between three hours before high water and two hours after where those hours fallbetween 8.00am and 4.00pm.

The lock may not be used outsidethese times unless at least 24 hoursnotice is given to the navigationofficer and the notice is given withinthe above times.

Vessels approaching the navigationfrom the Medway Estuary should takeparticular care in relation to tides.

Allington Lock, which provides passage to and from the tidalsection, may only be operated by Environment Agencynavigation officers who are available at the following times:

operating the locks

Only registered vessels will beadmitted to the navigation. (Short-term registrations are available fromthe navigation officer.)

The duty navigation officer can becontacted by telephone duringworking hours on 01622 752864.

The nine locks above Allington may beoperated by the person in charge ofthe vessel, or crew, unless directedotherwise by a navigation officer. Lockhandles to operate the winding shaftsof the sluices can be purchased fromlocal chandlers. The lock handle shouldhave a square socket, which fitsproperly on the spigots of the windingshafts, which are 25.4 mm (1in) square.

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landing places for lockingLanding stages are provided at the downstream end of eachlock on the navigation so that boat owners may tie up to gainaccess 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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• Locks should always be left with paddles in both sets of gatesfully closed.

• Make sure you know exactlyhow to work a lock before you enter one.

• Check that your boat is completelyinside the lock.

• When going upstream make sure your rudder cannot catch in the bottom gates.

• When going downstream make sure that the rear of the boat is notlikely to sit on the cill.

• Make sure nobody is standing on the roof or foredeck when entering a lock; the bump of the boatagainst the side may throw them inthe water.

• Do not leave lock handles on the spigot of the winding shafts.

• Be careful not to trap your fingersin any of the mechanisms.

• Never assume that the previousboat has left the lock mechanismscorrectly.

• In narrow lock cuts, please remember that some pleasure craftdraw up to four feet or more and might not be able to manoeuvre.

• Obey instructions given by the navigation officer and stop your engines once the craft is moored in the lock. Remember to loop head and stern warps to the posts. When the water is rising or falling in the lock, adjust your mooring lines to keep them fairly taut and make sure your boat does notbecome caught up as the lock isemptying. Turn off any radio, or other form of music and noise.

• If you have a dog on board, please keep it on the boat, or on a lead while passing through the locks.

Going upstreamSecure the boat in the lock by loopingropes round the bollards and posts orthrough the rings provided. Do not tie.

1. If the lock is full, check that the paddles in the upper gates are closed.

2. Open the paddles in the lower gates to empty the lock.

3. Open the lower gates, enter the lock and close the paddles.

4. Close the bottom gates behind you and check that the paddlesare closed.

5. Open the top paddles to fillthe lock.

6. Open the top gates and take your boat out.

7. Close the top gates behind you and lower the paddles.

Negotiating the locks

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

Beware• In narrow locks a boat tends to be

drawn to the upper gate when the lock is filling.

• Do not use a lock at night, or in the dark, it is only too easy for someone to fall in the water and not be heard or seen.

• Please take care and do not fend off with hands, feet or boat hook.

• Do not open fuel tanks or strike matches.

• Never dangle your arms or legsover the side of the boat, they mayget broken or crushed between theboat and the lock.

• Do not let anyone play near locks, be it running around or jumping over gates etc. It is not worth the risk of them falling in.

• You should know exactly what to do if someone falls into the water. If this happens, close all the paddles immediately and throw a life buoy. Then consider how to get them out.

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Operating a lock – upstream

Operating a lock is simple if you workthrough the drill systematically andnever hurry.

Always share a lock with other boats(this saves water) and wait turnswhenever possible.

Lock gates must be properly closed before slowly openingthe sluices.

All locks are provided with hanging chains for vessels tohold onto. When using the larger locks, do not rely on justholding onto these chains but loop warps around theposts. The turbulence can be quite strong. There is aladder in each lock chamber.

Going downstream1. If the lock is empty of water close

the bottom gates and check thatthe paddles are closed.

2. Fill the lock by opening the upstream paddles.

3. Open the top gates and enter the lock.

4. Close the top gates behind you and lower the paddles.

5. Open the bottom paddles to emptythe lock.

6. Open the bottom gates and take your boat out.

7. Lower the paddles but leave the bottom gates open- unlike canalsrivers can silt if bottom gatesare closed.

If you encounter difficulties inoperating a lock do not use excessiveforce but report the problem withoutdelay to one of the EnvironmentAgency’s navigation officers on one ofthe following numbers:

Customer Contact Line

08708 506 506Outside office hours

0800 80 70 60

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Operating a lock –downstream

Always ensure that the upper gatesand all paddles are closed after youleave the lock.

It is better to wait a few minutes and share the lock withanother boat than to close the gates on an approachingboat. You could waste up to 250,000 gallons of water (or more).

This lifting bridge can be operated bya boat owner, however if assistance isrequired, a navigation officer is onduty at the following times:

0900 hrs 1200 hrs and 1500 hrs

Boat owners may operate the Yaldinglifting bridge using a special key,which can be purchased (price alsoobtainable) from:

Environment AgencyAllington Lock, AllingtonMaidstoneKent ME16 0LUTel: 01622 752864In person only - cash or cheque

Environment Agency(Kent Area Office)Orchard House, Endeavour ParkLondon Road, AddingtonWest MallingKent ME19 5SHTel: 01732 223222In person – office hours 0900 – 1700Monday to Friday – cash or cheque.

By post – make cheques payable to“The Environment Agency” and pleasewrite your name and address on theback of the cheque.

Keys can also be purchased from thenavigation officer attending the liftingbridge. The lifting bridge is fullyautomatic, you should not try andremove your key until the bridge’s fulloperational cycle is complete.

Persons operating the lifting bridgeand locks on the navigation must beaware that the Environment Agencyaccepts no responsibility for anyinjury sustained to such persons orothers, or any damage to any boatarising out of the operation of thelocks or bridge, other than as a resultof its own negligence.

At Yalding there is a lifting bridge over the navigation.

lifting bridge

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY – PLEASE TELEPHONE

0800 80 70 60

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Landing, anchoring and mooring

Unlike canals most of the towpath on theMedway is not owned by the NavigationAuthority, it is a public footpath.

In the interests of maintaining goodrelations between users of the riverand landowners, remember that theright to navigate does not entitle youto moor up to private towpathproperty without the landowner’sconsent. You may land or embarkdirectly from a public footpath, but donot obstruct the towpath.

There are free short-term mooringplaces for a distance of 130 metresfrom Town Lock towards the Big Bridge(Tonbridge High Street). This excludesthe timber landing stages, which arefor lock passage only.

In general vessels have a right toanchor in the channel for up to 24hours in any one place. You may needpermission to moor to the bank. Placemooring stakes well back from thebank edge and take care they do notcause a hazard to passers-by.

Always respect private rights andwhen in doubt obtain permission fromthe owner of the bank before tying-up.

Dogs must be kept under strictcontrol.

Do not leave litter. Take it home ordispose of it at the sites provided bythe Navigation Authority. There arealso recycling points available atYalding Station and at the TonbridgeAngel Centre.

When stopping overnight, or leavingyour boat for any considerableamount of time, do not moor inshallow water or with a tight rope orchain as water levels may fluctuate byas much as 60 - 90cm (2 or 3 feet) in afew hours. If the level drops and acraft is moored aground or in shallowwater, it may be lean over or bedamaged. If the level rises andmooring ropes or chains are tight, thelaunch may take on water, be pulledunder, or even break free. Alwaysensure there are over 60cm (2 feet) ofwater below your keel and a least60cm (2 feet) of vertical play on anymooring rope or chain.

LaunchingThe Environment Agency has aslipway at Hampstead Lock, Yaldingfor which a small charge is payable tothe navigation officer. There are alsoslipways and/or cranage facilities atvarious marinas at Allington, EastFarleigh, Wateringbury and Yalding.The Dragons Health Club supervisesthe slipway in Maidstone and there isa slipway for small craft above BigBridge, Tonbridge.

Public slipwaysYou may launch a boat at the siteslisted below, but there is notnecessarily a right to park a car orboat trailer:

Hampstead Slipway

Tonbridge Castle slipway(small boats only)

Maidstone Slipway(Dragons Health Club)

Short-term mooringsThere are short-term moorings at:

Maidstone

East Farleigh

Bow Bridge

Yalding

Ford Green Bridge

Town Quay, Tonbridge

Sewage pump-out stationsPump out stations can be found at:

Yalding Lifting Bridge

Allington Lock

Town Lock, Tonbridge

Please note that the lifting bridge keyis needed to operate the systems (seelifting bridge section for instructionson how to obtain a key).

73079 MEDWAY 21/3/06 11:41 am Page 21


AnglingBefore going fishing:

Check you are carrying a valid rodlicence if you are over 12. These areobtainable from all post offices orfrom the Environment Agency,telephone sales 0870 166 2662 (8am - 8pm, 7 days a week, 9am –5pm bank holidays). Calls arecharged at standard rate. A smalladditional charge will be made. Thisservice is available to credit and debitcardholders. Internet sales onwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish (additional charge 25p).

guidance for water sportsand recreationPlease read and understand the code of practice and safetyrules of any activity before taking part. These are produced bygoverning bodies for each sport. Contact Sport England forfurther details on 08458 508508.

Check you have permission to fish:

Possession of a rod licence does notgive you the right to fish from theriverbank or a boat. You must havepermission. Most of the fishing rightswithin the Medway navigation areprivately owned and you should notassume that the owners or lessees offishing rights allow boat users to fishtheir waters. Some angling clubs sellday tickets for fishing. Free fishing isavailable as long as you possess a rodlicence on the following stretches ofthe river: East Farleigh Lock down toUnicumes Lane and Wharf RoadFootbridge to Allington.

On or by the riverFishing from the lock side and landingplatforms at any of the EnvironmentAgency’s structures is not permitted.

Anglers should avoid weirs and beespecially careful when fishing nearthe water’s edge downstream ofautomatic sluices. These structuresopen without warning and, undercertain conditions, a rapid rise inwater level will occur below the sluice.

Fishing, except by rod and line (andauxiliary landing net) is not permittedwithout the Environment Agency’swritten consent.

The annual close season on theMedway for fishing for coarse fish andeels is March 15 to June 15 (bothdates inclusive).

Take care when casting and groundbaiting and remember your hooks andlines and ledger weights can bedangerous. Look behind and in frontof you to ensure the area is clear.

Beware of fishing near overheadelectric cables. Contact or closeproximity between cable and fishingrod may cause fatal injury.

Take your litter home, especiallydiscarded tackle.

Fishing hooks and nylon line aredangerous to birds and animals.Wasted line should be taken homeand burnt.

The use of lead shot (between theweights 0.06g and 28.35g) for fishingis now prohibited – use lead freealternatives.

If fishing at vacant mooring places,please be prepared to move if a vesselwishes to moor.

All craft have the right to navigate thefull width of the river. Canoeists andsailing craft particularly tend tomanoeuvre close to the bank.Although asked to take care they caninadvertently carry away fishingtackle, as it is often difficult to see theline. This often happens accidentally,when anglers are hidden from view bybankside vegetation and should notbe regarded as a deliberate act tospoil your sport.

Take particular care when fishing froma boat. Wear a buoyancy aid orlifejacket and take care not to obstructthe main navigation channel.

You may not fish from a boat that isunder power.

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CanoeingIf a person belongs to the BritishCanoe Union (BCU) they do not needan Environment Agency licence.

BCU members must display theirmembership sticker.

Canoes belonging to non-BCUmembers must be registered with theEnvironment Agency, Kent Area.Annual registration certificates usuallyexpire on March 31, although shortperiod certificates may be obtained.Obey the general rules of navigationand know the rules for the avoidanceof collisions.

Buoyancy aids or life jackets shouldbe worn at all times. Canoeists shouldpreferably have had formal instructionand be able to swim.

Do not canoe just above weirs or try toshoot weirs.

If on the water after sunset, an all-round white light should be displayedand canoeists should wear lightcoloured tops.

Keep a sharp lookout for anglers, whonormally fish from the bank. Keep agood distance from them, avoid theirtackle and create as little disturbanceas possible.

Keep clear of sailing boats, motorcruisers and rowing craft (sculls,pairs, fours and eights) particularlywhen racing or coaching is takingplace.

Do not get in the way of other craftby suddenly altering course,particularly when racing or coaching is taking place.

Remember it is difficult for rowingcraft to see canoes.

Do not get in the way of other craft bysuddenly altering course, particularlyin narrow waters. Remember thatlarger boats are less manoeuvrableand canoes can use much shallowerwater than other craft.

Do not follow close astern of largervessels.

It is safer for unpowered craft toremain at the back of a queue of trafficat a lock and to enter the lock last.

Rowing and scullingRowing vessels must be currentlyregistered with the EnvironmentAgency, Kent Area. Annual registrationcertificates usually expire on March 31,although short period certificates maybe obtained.

Obey the general rules of navigationand know the rules for avoidance of collisions.

Look out for others on and in thewater and change speed and directionas necessary to avoid an incident.

Remember the cox is always in chargeof the craft.

Remember overtaking vessels mustkeep clear. Do not turn across thebows of oncoming craft; wait until itis safe.

Remember it is difficult for other usersto see fast moving rowing craft, whichlie low in the water.

When rowing for pleasure, ensure you do not interfere with otherorganised activities.

Coaching/rescue vehicles must watchtheir speed and wash.

When visiting stretches of the riverother than those you use for training,ascertain and comply with the code ofpractice of local clubs before takingout any craft.

It is safer for unpowered craft toremain at the back of a queue of trafficat a lock and to enter the lock last.

If you choose to row in strong streamconditions stay away from weirs,obstructions and bridges especiallywhen turning around. At such times arescue boat should be in attendance.

If on the water at dusk, after sunset orin restricted visibility, rowers andscullers should wear a light colouredtop and an all-round white light or twowhite lights covering 360 degreesmust be displayed.

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Please remember

• NEVER jump or dive into the river from any bridge, bank or craft. It isnot only dangerous to those that do it but also to any vessel passing by.

• NEVER swim near moving craft. Boats cannot stop dead and need room to manoeuvre. Propellers are very dangerous.

• NEVER swim around moored craft, fallen logs or blind corners.

• NEVER swim where there is a strong current.

• NEVER swim in locks, lock cuts, narrow channels, cuttings or sluices.

• NEVER attempt to swim across the river – it is wider than you think!

• Keep away from weirs and weir pools.

If children are swimming or paddling,always watch them carefully as riverdepth varies suddenly and wash fromboats can cause them to fall over.There may be broken glass or othersharp material on the riverbed so it isadvisable to wear bathing shoes.

The river temperature is likely to bemuch colder than expected. Thismay limit swimmers’ ability to swimany distance.

Non-swimmers on airbeds or inflatedrubber tubes can easily float or beblown into deep water where suddenloss of buoyancy could be disastrous.

Swimming and paddlingTo most people the risks of drowningwhen swimming or bathing in waterare clear. However, rivers, canals,lakes and ponds also contain hazardsthat may not be so obvious. Thesehidden dangers can affect even strongswimmers. For example:

• Sharp objects and weedsunderwater can cause injuryor drowning.

• Fast and dangerous currents can sweep bathers away.

• Bacteria and viruses in the water may cause serious illness such asWeils disease.

• Very cold water can cause cramp and shock.

• Boats can create unexpected waves or even collide with swimmers.

• Weirs, sluice gates and other machinery to control water levelscan operate without warning.

If you wish to swim or batheplease use a swimming pool.

WalkingThe Medway Valley Walk follows the RiverMedway from Tonbridge to Rochester. TheMedway Valley Walk guidebook isavailable for sale from the CountrysideAccess Group at Kent County Council(KCC). Other leaflets detailing differentwalks can be found on their website (seepart 3 for details).

There are many rights of way in the rivervalley, which should be used responsibly.

PLEASE:

• prevent young children from wandering near the river’s edge;

• close farm gates;

• always keep to the public right of way, and avoid walking on crops;

• keep your dog under close control and on a lead at locksides;

• clean up after your dog;

• take your litter home.

Camping and picnickingDO NOT:

• camp or light fires withoutpermission;

• throw rubbish into the river;

• light fires near to dried foliage;

• chop down trees for firewood;

PLEASE ALWAYS:

• clean up the site before you leave;

• take your rubbish home or put it in a litter bin;

• follow the Country Code.

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part 2passage notes

Interruptions to navigationThere are times when flood conditionsmake it inadvisable, if not impossibleto navigate the river. These conditionsare more likely to occur in the winter,but there are occasions whennavigation is temporarily interruptedby flood flows in the boating season.

The water level in a “pen” hassometimes to be drawn down toenable works to be undertaken, thusinterfering with navigation. Usuallythis takes place outside the boatingseason, but occasionally, for exampleto meet an emergency, works maytake place during the boating season.Every effort is made to give advancenotice of the lowering of levels.Information on conditions can beobtained from the District Office atTonbridge, ring the Customer ContactLine on: 08708 506 506. Informationregarding navigation restrictions isalso available on the EnvironmentAgency River Medway dedicated webpages at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway.

General

Hazards when navigatingdownstreamAs the Medway navigation is a “live”river there are flood relief channelswhich allow excess river flows to by-pass the locks. The head is retainedon these channels by weirs andautomatic sluices.

For this reason when approachinglocks from upstream, particularlywhen there is a following wind, takecare to keep well over to the lockedside of the river. All directions relateto upstream passage.

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avoid pollutionIt is an offence to cause or permit pollution to enter theMedway or deposit rubbish on the banks. Take special carewith petrol when refuelling. Oil-contaminated bilge water isanother potential source of pollution and must on no accountbe pumped into the river.

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Description of the stretchNavigation through the MedwayEstuary between Sheerness andAllington Lock is dependent upontides. At low tide the river below thelock practically dries out and the lockitself is only open from three hoursbefore to two hours after high tide. Onshort tides the lock may be accessiblefor less than 3 hours.

In the part of the river downstream ofAllington Lock there is sufficient depthof water on suitable tides for craftdrawing 2.1 metres (6ft 11in). The

headroom beneath Aylesford Bridgeon the tidal river below Allington Lockis 2.8 metres (9ft 2in) at MHWS. Thereare also overhead cables crossing the channel.

If craft approaching the lock fromAylesford find the gate closed theyshould tie up on the starboard sidebetween the lock and the road bridge.The head of water on the non-navigable channel alongside the lockis retained by large electricallyoperated sluices.

Tidal differences on Sheerness

Place Lat Lon Time Differences Height differencesN E High Water Low Water (in Metres)

(Zone G.M.T) MH MH ML MLWS WN WN WS

Sheerness 51 0 45 0200 0800 0200 070027 and and and and 5.8 4.7 1.5 0.6

1400 2000 1400 1900

Allington 51 0 30 No Nolock 17 +0050 +0035 Data Data -2.1 -2.2 -1.3 -0.4

Avail Available able

Medway Ports Authority is the Harbourand Navigation Authority for theapproaches to Allington.

Amenities and places ofinterestThe attractive village of Aylesford withits medieval bridge and rebuiltCarmelite priory is reputed to be theoldest continuously occupied villagein England. The remains of a Neolithicburial chamber on the downs provideevidence of an early settlement. Threestanding stones, crowned by a fourthare known as Kit’s Coty House.

The priory originally dates fromthirteenth century but was lost to the

approaching Allington Lockfrom the Medway Estuary

friars as a result of the dissolution ofthe monasteries. The Carmelitesreturned to Aylesford in 1949 andrestored the priory, which is now opento the public daily.

Aylesford was an important fordingpoint on the Medway and marks thesite of a great battle in 455 AD whenthe Britons were defeated by theJutes. Alfred the Great fought over thevillage in 839 AD. The bridge is aneight arch bridge built from Kentishragstone in the fourteenth century. Inthe centre of the village is the smallestpub in Kent, the Little Gem whichdates from 1105 AD.

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Description of the stretch Allington Lock is the first of the tenlocks on the Medway navigation andalso the limit of the tidal waters. Firstbuilt in 1792, the lock was enlarged in1881 and the existing structure datesfrom 1939. New gates were fitted in1991 and a refurbishment of the Lockwas completed by Easter 1999.

Details of lock opening times aregiven on page 11. All vessels must beregistered before being admitted tothe navigation but short-termcertificates and lifting bridge keys areavailable from the lock.

The county town of Maidstone liesabout 4km further up the river along atree-lined stretch. The high-levelrailway bridge marks the approach tothe town. The first road bridge acrossthe river has headroom of 4.0 metres

Allington lock to East Farleigh

(13ft 1in) whilst the second bridge isonly 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). Three newfootbridges can be found along thisstretch of the river at Maidstone. Thetwo footbridges downstream of therailway bridge have a headroom of5.50m (18ft) and the footbridge justupstream of the main road bridgeshas a headroom of 4.0 (13ft 1in)metres (see map for details).

The river above Maidstone wasimproved in 1741 to accommodatethe growing water borne traffic. Inthose days, the commercial bargeswere drawn by men or horses and thetowpath still exists. On the outskirtsof Maidstone is a footbridge crossingthe river at Tovil with headroom of 3.7metres (12ft). Four kilometres beyondMaidstone is East Farleigh Lock, which

comes into view just after passingBydews Wood on the south bank.When approaching the lock, keep wellinto the middle of the river until nearlyup to the lock and then head to theentrance. If the downstream gates areclosed, craft should moor well back onthe landing stage on the starboardside. This is because the water nearerthe lock is shallow due to shoalsbeing created by the flow from theweir and sluices.

Moorings and marinasOne kilometre above Allington isAllington Marina providing mooringsfor a large number of boats. Inaddition T.S. Marine and Ford WharfBoatyard near Maidstone also providemoorings. T.S. Marine has a dry dock.

There are many reasonably pricedvisitor moorings in Maidstone on bothsides of the river. There are alsomoorings on both banks at EastFarleigh belonging to the Bridge Boat Service.

FacilitiesThere is a concrete slipway on thewest bank of the river in Maidstone. Itcan be found on St. Peter’s streetunder the arch at the bottom of thehill. Fees are payable to the DragonsHealth Club, Maidstone.

Diesel and drinking water areavailable from a fuelling Wharf on theriver frontage by Allington Marina.Toilets and cranage facilities are also provided.

Rubbish sacks are provided by thenavigation officer at Allington and canbe disposed of at facilities provided atAllington Lock, Town Lock and Yalding.Maidstone Borough Council hasprovided refuse bins at the Marketsite at Lockmeadow.

There is a public toilet with washingfacilities and a sewage disposal pointnext to the Maidstone BoroughCouncil moorings at Fairmeadow.Public toilets are also located by theDragons Health Club at the entranceto Whatman Park. There is asupermarket and shopping precinct atAllington, which is about 1km upCastle Lane. Maidstone providesshopping facilities of all kinds withineasy walking distance of the river.There are two large shoppingprecincts, the Chequers Centre at thetop of the High Street and FremlinWalk by the riverside on the eastbank. On the west bank there is alarge supermarket just five minuteswalk from the moorings. The publicmarket at Lockmeadow is also on thisside of the river and is held onTuesdays and Saturdays.

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Approximately 1km from Allington liesWhatman Park, which is a newrecreational area. The park boasts avariety of special features includingtreetop walks, a nature trail,adventure playground, skateboardpark and riverside arena for outsideentertainment.

The Archbishop’s Palace fronting theriver on the east bank, dates from thefourteenth century, and is now aRegistry Office. Adjacent to the Palaceis All Saints’ Church which is thelargest in Kent and has one of thewidest naves in England. Across theroad in the fourteenth century stablesof the palace, is the Carriage Museum,which contains the TyrWhitt-Drakecollection of carriages andaccessories.

Maidstone Museum and Bentlif ArtGallery are in Chillington ManorHouse, which is just a short walknorthward along the riverbank, in StFaith’s Street.

Just over a kilometre from the river isMote Park, which has beautiful walks,a lake, a pitch and putt course and amodel railway.

There are two river bus services(spring to autumn only) and a paddlesteamer which provide regular roundtrips along the river from Maidstone to Allington.

Places of interestAllington Castle is no longer open tothe public. On the north bank,immediately above the lock is theMalta Inn (1784) which has its ownrestaurant. The Feng Shui restaurantand the River Bar and Grill are bothlocated in Maidstone.

Also on the north bank is the CobtreeMuseum of Kent Life. This is an open-air museum with a farmyard and liveanimals, an oast house, hop garden,herb garden and displays ontraditional agriculture. It opens dailybetween 10.00a.m. to 5.30 p.m.(February Half Term to the end ofOctober) and weekends 10.00a.m. to3.00p.m. in the winter (November toFebruary Half Term). Cobtree ManorPark, just a short walk from the river,features nature trails, woodland walksand picnic areas.

The Medway Valley CountrysidePartnership based at 3 Lock Cottagesworks to improve the countrysiderecreation and wildlife habitats of theRiver Medway and surroundingcountryside. Some of the leafletslisted in the back of this booklet areavailable from the Partnership.

The towpath between Allington andEast Farleigh forms part of the KentMillennium River Park, which openedin 2001. The section betweenAllington and Tovil is surfaced.

Description of the stretch Situated beside the lock on the non-navigable channel are largeelectrically operated sluices.

Immediately above East Farleigh is thefourteenth century bridge. Althoughthere is 2.55 metre (8ft 4in)headroom, the arch is quite narrowand care is needed when passingthrough as the approach from the lockis at an angle. Vessels are advised togive an audible warning.

There are 4km of river between EastFarleigh and Teston, which passthrough beautiful Kentish scenerywith orchards on the south bank. TheEast Barming Footbridge and TestonBridge both have a headroom of 2.55metres (8ft 4 in).

The riverside setting at Teston is oneof the most attractive on the river with

East Farleigh to Teston Lock

its weir, meadows, pastures, oasthouses and the medieval ragstonebridge. This bridge is also narrow andcare should be taken passing through.Immediately beyond, on the starboardside, is a landing stage at which crewcan be disembarked during locking.

Mooring and facilitiesThe Bridge Boat Service, which is onthe left bank after East FarleighBridge, has several banksidemoorings. There is a slipway andcranage facilities and diesel and gasare also available.

The Victory Inn, where the EastFarleigh Cruising Club has itsheadquarters, is behind East Farleighstation on the north bank.

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Teston village has a shop and postoffice. To reach Teston village, crossthe railway line, turn left at the mainroad and take the first right.

Places of interestThe Kent Millennium River Parkcontinues along the towpath betweenEast Farleigh and Teston.

St Margaret’s Church at Barming datesfrom the twelfth century though thesix-bell tower and porch are morerecent. On the other bank, at WestFarleigh, is the Norman church ofAll Saints’.

A unique characteristic is the use of apitted local freshwater limestone ortufa around the windows.

At Teston the picnic site provided byKent County Council covers 12hectares of meadow, there are picnictables available and public toilets.Overnight mooring is not permitted.Day ticket fishing is available.

Description of the stretch There are 5km of attractive, windingriver between Teston and Yalding.Wateringbury lies about halfway andriver traffic between here and Yaldingcan be busy in peak season. Theheadroom at Bow Bridge,Wateringbury is 2.55m (8ft 4in).

Shortly after Nettlestead the channeldivides, with the natural course of theriver to port and the navigable cut tostarboard. Craft can enter the port

hand channel but there is no throughroute as the head of water on thischannel is retained at automaticsluices. The River Beult and the RiverTeise join the Medway along this loopof river.

The starboard channel, HampsteadCut, takes craft to Hampstead Lock.The approach is fairly narrow andthere are always a number of mooredboats in the channel. The landing

platform at which crew can bedisembarked for locking is on thestarboard side just before the slipway.This lock is the deepest on thenavigation and it is advisable tooperate the sluices slowly to avoidcreating turbulence and to deploy bowand stern lines.

Moorings, slipways andother facilitiesMedway Wharf Marina at Bow Bridgeprovides riverside moorings as well asriver pontoon berths. There is a slipwayand diesel and cranage facilities.Toilets are provided for customers.

Bow Bridge Marina, also located atBow Bridge, has a slipway andprovides visitor moorings and cranage facilities.

Meals are served at the Riversiderestaurant at Bow Bridge,Wateringbury.

The Environment Agency has aslipway on the navigable channel justbefore Hampstead Lock. Launching isby arrangement with the navigationofficer who can be found at YaldingLifting Bridge office, upstream fromthe lock. Only registered vessels mayuse the slipway.

Water, refuse and sewage facilities areavailable at the Environment Agencydepot by arrangement with thenavigation officer.

Hampstead Marina, which is on theport side by the lock, provides amplepontoon moorings and has a cranage facility.

Little Venice Country Park and Marinais on the main river channel of theMedway at Yalding and access to themarina itself is on the starboard side.Please note that this marina onlyprovides permanent moorings andcustomers have the use of a showerblock. Diesel and water are availableand there are cranage facilities.

There are shops, a pub, a medicalcentre and a public telephone inYalding village.

Places of interestYalding village, which is a short walkacross The Lees, is notable for itsgeorgian houses, old cottages and thequaint moated vicarage, Warde’sMoat. Teapot island is a unique teapotmuseum with a teashop located atTwyford Bridge.

Teston Lock to Hampstead Lock, Yalding

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Description of the stretch Vessels leaving Hampstead Lock passthrough Hampstead Bridge which hasa headroom of 2.55 metres (8ft 4in).Yalding Lifting Bridge will then be seensome 500 metres ahead. Instructionsfor negotiating the lifting bridge aregiven on page 19. The lifting bridgeoffice is on the port side immediatelybefore the bridge. The EnvironmentAgency’s dredger is sometimesmoored at the wharf and restricts thewidth of the channel at this point.

The Anchor Inn is on the starboardside immediately after the liftingbridge where Hampstead Cut re-enters the natural river. Anchor Sluiceis on the port side and vessels mustturn starboard to enter the upperMedway. The towpath is on the southbank all the way to East Lock.

Yalding to Sluice Weir

After Yalding the river winds throughopen countryside and just over 1kmupstream passes though a derelictlock at Stoneham. The railway bridgebeyond the old lock and the nextbridge, Branbridges, both haveheadroom of 2.55 metres (8ft 4in).

Between Branbridges and Sluice WeirLock the river narrows, gravel banksbecome very high and the depth ofwater diminishes. There are somesharp turns and generally speaking itis as well to keep to the outside of thecentre line of the channel around thebends. In the channel alongside thelock are automatic radial sluices witha wide pool below them. Across themouth of the pool is a sandbank andthe narrow channel to the lock liesbetween this shoal and the riverbank.

When making the approach to thelock, keep as near as possible to thestarboard side. If the lock is closed,use the landing platform provided.

Sluice Weir is the second deepestlock on the river and the top gates arewell above the lower water level.Always have head and stern ropeslooped to the posts and do not rely onholding onto chains along the walls,as the swirl can be quite powerful.

Moorings, marinas and facilitiesShortly after re-entering the Medwayfrom the cut, Twyford Bridge Marina ison the port side under the footbridge,headroom 2.55 metres (8ft 4in). Theboatyard has a slipway and showers.Diesel, Calor Gas and a dry dock are

available. Immediately above theentrance to the Marina there areshort-term moorings provided by theEnvironment Agency. The café on theport side opposite the Anchor Inn hasboth indoor and outside diningfacilities.

East Peckham is only a short walkfrom Sluice Weir Lock. There are anumber of shops and a publictelephone. The garage and pub areclose to Branbridges.

Places of interestSnoll Hatch, to the north of the river,is a hamlet of much character, whichonce had fourteen pubs. To the westis Little Mill, which has a fifteenthcentury pub, ‘Man of Kent’, on thebanks of the River Bourne.

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Description of the stretch The river flows through typical rollingKentish countryside and woodlandbetween here and Tonbridge. TheRiver Bourne enters the River Medwayfrom the north, just beyond SluiceWeir Lock. Between Sluice Weir andOak Weir there are two road bridges,Waggon Bridge with a headroom of2.6 metres (8ft 6in) and StilsteadBridge with a headroom of 2.55metres (8ft 4in).

MooringsThere are no designated mooringsalong these rural reaches of the riverbut it is permissible to land on to thetowpath or public footpath. Somelandowners permit mooring alongside

Sluice Weir Lock to Oak Weir Lock

their meadows. When mooring, theconsent of the landowner should be obtained.

Places of interestThe Man of Kent public house iswithin easy walking distance ofStilstead Bridge if a mooring can befound nearby.

Description of the stretch Just beyond Oak Weir is a shortwooded stretch, which then opensinto meadowland. Ford Green Bridgehas a headroom of 2.55 metres (8ft4in). When approaching the lock takethe port hand channel where alanding stage is provided fordisembarking crew.

MooringsThe meadows on either side of FordGreen Bridge have low banks and arepopular moorings.

Oak Weir Lock to East Weir

Description of the stretch At East Lock the towpath changesfrom the south bank to the northbank. The river flows mainly throughopen arable and pastureland alongthis stretch. The next bridge, HartlakeBridge has a clearance of 2.55 metres(8ft 4in). Do not attempt to moor atHartlake Bridge, as there is a cillbelow the bridge. The tower, whichcan be seen to the south, is May’sFolly in Hadlow.

FacilitiesThe nearest village along this stretchis Golden Green, which is over onekilometre from Hartlake Bridge. Thereis a pub and a public telephone.

East Lock to Porters Lock

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Description of the stretch Some fifty metres above the lock onthe port side is an automatic radialgate sluice and a small weir. Vessels

are advised to give this a wide berth.There are no bridges along this section.

Porters Lock to Eldridges Lock

The Environment Agency intends torebuild Eldridges Lock and Sluice. Inthe meantime the operation ofEldridges Lock will be restricted toEnvironment Agency staff only fromthe 1st April 2006.

Environment Agency staff will attendEldridges Lock at 10:00, 13:00 and15:30 daily to lock through waiting craft.

Boaters that require to lock through attimes different to the above shouldphone Allington Lock on 01622752864 between 08:00 and 18:00hours giving 24 hours notice ofplanned passage. Arrangements canthen be made for Environment Agencystaff to attend the site.

In an emergency, boaters can phonethe incident hotline on 0800 807060.

Description of the stretch Like Porters Lock, Eldridges Lock hassluices upstream, this time on theport side. The river flows throughmeadows until Cannon Bridge isreached. This carries the Tonbridgering road and has a headroom of2.55metres (8ft 4in). Upstream fromthe bridge the river passes through anindustrial area. Tonbridge Town Lockis just a short distance upstream. Thelanding stage downstream of the lockis situated on the starboard side ofthe lock structure.

Town Lock is the last lock on thenavigation. The adjacent channel hasa large radial gate. This operatesautomatically and vessels shouldkeep well clear.

Eldridges Lock to Town Lock, Tonbridge

Moorings and facilitiesThere are several short stay councilmoorings alongside Town Quay atTonbridge, which is a short distanceupstream from the lock on the portside. It is not advisable to moor to thewall by the lock as the height of thewalls makes disembarking hazardous.

There are sewage and refuse disposalfacilities and a water point at Town Lock.

There are public toilets and a publicslipway for small boats close to thecastle.

There are shops of all kinds, cafes andrestaurants located in the High Street,which is close to Town Lock.

Places of interestAcross the Big Bridge (also known asGreat Bridge), on the left hand side,

is Tonbridge Castle which is set inlandscaped gardens overlooking theriver. The site is well interpreted andthere are audio tours from thegatehouse. A pleasure boat operatesfrom Castle Lawn providing 1 hourand 30 minute return trips down theriver.

Tonbridge Castle also includes theTourist Information Office.

Rowing boats can be hired at the Big Bridge.

The Angel Centre, which is signpostedat the southern end of the HighStreet, provides leisure and indoorsporting facilities. Behind the castle,there is a large sports ground, whichalso has a putting green, miniaturerailway, paddling pool andplayground. There is a heatedoutdoor swimming pool.

Navigation beyond Big Bridge is onlysuitable for small craft. Big Bridge hasa headroom of 2 metres (6ft 7in) anda footbridge upstream is even lower(1.5 metres, 4ft 11in). TonbridgeWaterways is just upstream from BigBridge offering permanent moorings,and a slipway.

Tonbridge Town Lock to theLeigh Flood Barrier

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part 3rules, references and contacts

+ fee

facilities available at locksalong 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

Key

Moorings short stay Refuse disposal Sewage disposal

Slipway Walking Water cold

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navigation rules and hintsWhen underway obey the rules of navigation and byelaws.Steer on the right hand side (starboard) when it is safe andpractical. Remember that even when you have the right ofway you have an over-riding responsibility to avoid collision. Avoid turning vessels around near bridges, bends and lock approaches.

Keep a sharp lookout for other riverusers and if in doubt, STOP.

In the vicinity of events, take advice fromofficials or marshals. Motorised craftshould be prepared to STOP and whenclear proceed at a slow steady pace.

When rowing craft are near,remember that the crew of anuncoxed boat have a problemkeeping a lookout ahead and even a cox has a limited field of vision.

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A navigation officer, or otheremployee of the Environment Agency,can require a boat to be moved if it ismoored at a place where it may causeobstruction, and he may take chargeof a boat which he finds adrift orimproperly moored and in that casethe owner of the boat is liable to payany expenses incurred.

Prohibition of vehicles ontowpathsThe towpath is designated as a publicfootpath, as such users have a right ofpedestrian access only. No horses orvehicles, motorised or not, may beused on a public footpath.

Instructions by navigationofficers, etc.A person in charge of a boat mustcomply with directions given bynavigation officers or other employees of the Environment Agencyin regard to the navigation andmooring of the boat and its passagethrough a lock.

Notification of accidentsIf a boat sinks or goes agroundanywhere on the navigation theperson in charge must notify anavigation officer or an employee ofthe Environment Agency as quicklyas possible.

Use of firearms prohibitedIt is unlawful to discharge a firearm onthe navigation, the towpath or anybank of the river.

Registration1) It shall not be lawful without the

consent of the Environment Agencyto keep, let for hire or, except in the case of emergency use anyvessel on the Medway navigation, other than a vessel which is ownedor used by the Environment Agencyunless a Registration Certificate in relation to the vessel is then in force.

2) Any person contravening (1) aboveshall be guilty of an offence andliable on summary conviction to afine not exceeding £1000 and to adaily fine not exceeding £20.

The Environment Agency may, bywritten notice to the master of anyvessel, revoke its registration uponfailure to comply in respect of thevessel within the terms of anyenactment relating to the Medwaynavigation.

Right to navigateAlthough registration is obligatorybefore any type of vessel orhouseboat is kept, hired or used onthe Medway, the Environment Agency

Extent of the navigation

DOWNSTREAM LIMIT – Allington Lock

UPSTREAM LIMIT – The concrete arch footbridge immediately downstream of the flood-regulating barrier at Leigh near the A21 Tonbridge Bypass.

Between these limits the navigation includes the river, all canals and tributaries, and every lake, pond or marinaor other substantially enclosed water adjacent to the navigation and from which any vessel may be navigated whether through a lock or not, into the navigation.

Regulations and byelaws

Care in navigationSPEED LIMIT – 5 KNOTS

Bylaw No.14 (a) requires that a personin charge of a boat shall navigate itwith care and caution, at such speedand in such a manner as not toinvolve risk of accident to life, ordamage to property, or to endangerthe safety of, injure or cause damageto any other vessel or any persontherein, or any moorings or to causedamage to the banks of the river.

Special care must be taken whenpassing another boat. Boats goingup-river against the stream must giveway to boats passing down-river.

The Medway navigation as defined below is regulated by theEnvironment Agency under the provisions of the SouthernWater Authority Act 1982 and 1988, together with parts ofearlier Navigation Acts still in force. Some of these provisionsare detailed below.

Boats must not be used which areunfit for navigation.

Care in mooringBoats must be securely moored and insuch a way as not to obstruct otherboats in their navigation of the river.

Do not “Beach” your craft into reedbeds and vegetation.

Do not tie up, when mooring, to treesgrowing out from the bank edge. If aboat is moored against the bank, nomooring rope or chain must be placedacross the public footpath.

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does not guarantee that the whole ofthe navigation will be usable for a fullyear, and no refunds will be made inthe event of any interruption of thenavigation.

Every vessel registered shall, whilst onthe Medway navigation, have its nameand number together with the numberand mark (if any) assigned thereto bythe Environment Agencyconspicuously painted or otherwisedisplayed on the outside in letters ofsuch colour, character and size (notless than 5cm in height) as will beclearly legible. Every vessel registeredshall, whilst on the Medwaynavigation, display its RegistrationCertificate so as to be clearly visiblefrom the outside at all times.

For a comprehensive list of allavailable Environment Agencypublications please visit our websiteat www.environment-agency.gov.uk,and enter our publications catalogue.

The Boater’s Handbook (Basic Boathandling and Safety) – BritishWaterways and Environment Agency.Also available on the EnvironmentAgency’s website.

Aylesford Downland Gateway(A guide to exploring the countrysidenear Aylesford, and the Kent Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty).Available from Medway ValleyCountryside Partnership.

Looking after the River MedwayAvailable from the Medway ValleyCountryside Partnership.

useful leaflets and websitesMedway Valley Walk Available from Countryside Access Group, Kent County Council.

www.waterscape.com is a websiteproviding information on all aspectsof the waterways. Included isinformation on pubs and restaurantsalong the waterside, hiring a boat orenjoying other watersports.

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway is where you can find theEnvironment Agency’s River Medwaydedicated web pages, which provide acomprehensive resource ofinformation about the river and thefacilities available.

This booklet is for your guidance only. Every care has been taken to ensure theaccuracy of the information, but the Environment Agency cannot acceptresponsibility for any error or omission.

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Environment AgencyKent Area OfficeOrchard HouseEndeavour ParkLondon RoadAddingtonWest MallingKent ME19 5SH

useful addresses and phone numbers

Environment Agency customer contact line Tel: 08708 506 506

Environment Agency incident hotline Tel: 0800 80 70 60

Environment AgencyNavigation officer, Allington Lock Tel: 01622 752864

Environment AgencyNavigation officer, Yalding Tel 01622 814319

Website: www.environment-agency.gov.ukwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway

Environment AgencyTonbridge OfficeMedway HousePowdermill LaneLeighTonbridgeKent TN11 9AS

Association of Inland Navigation Authorities

Fearns Wharf, Neptune Street, Leeds LS9 8PBTel: 0113 2433125 Email: [email protected]: www.aina.org.uk

British Canoe Union HQ

John Dudderidge House, Adbolton Lane, West BridgfordNottingham NG2 5ASTel: 0115 982 1100 Email: [email protected]: www.bcu.org.uk

British Waterways

Customer Service Centre, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford,Herts WD17 4QATel: 01923 201120 Email: [email protected]: www.britishwaterways.co.uk

Countryside Access Group

Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XXTel: 0845 3450210 Email: [email protected]

Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council

City Road Lock, 38 Graham Street London N1 8JXTel: 020 7253 1745 Email: [email protected]: www.iwaac.org

Kent Fisheries Consultative Association

Secretary – Dennis Hammond82 Thong Lane, Gravesend, Kent DA12 4LDTel: 01474 534212

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Maidstone Town Hall Visitor Information Centre

Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1TFTel: 01622 602169 Email: [email protected]: www.tour-maidstone.com

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

MCA InfolineTutt Head, Mumbles, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 4HWTel: 0870 6006505 Email: [email protected]: www.mcga.gov.uk

Medway Ports

Sheerness Dock, Sheerness, Kent ME12 1RSWebsite: www.medwayports.com

Medway River Users Association

Membership Secretary68 Halstead Walk, Allington, Maidtsone, Kent, ME16 0DAEmail: [email protected]

Medway Valley Countryside Partnership

3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AUTel: 01622 683695 or 01622 768573Email: [email protected]: www.medwayvalley.org

National Association of Boat Owners

Freepost (BM 8367), Birmingham B31 2BREmail:[email protected] (General Secretary)[email protected] (Membership Secretary)[email protected] (Southern Region Secretary)

Royal Life Saving Society

River House, High Street, Broom, Warwickshire B50 4HNTel: 01789 773994 Email: [email protected]: www.lifesavers.org.uk

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Head Office, ROSPA House, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road,Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7STTel: 0121 248 2000 Email: [email protected]

Sport England

South East Region, 51a Church Street, Caversham, Reading RG4 8AXTel: 08458 508508 Website: www.sportengland.org

Tonbridge Tourist Information Centre

Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BGTel: 01732 770929 Email: [email protected]

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Further information

You can find supporting information and links to local andregional information on our web site

www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rivermedway

Notes

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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

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