Join us for a Meridian Touring Trip on the River Medway, starting and finishing at Allington Lock, where there are good facilities.
The morning will be all upstream, against the flow. Past Maidstone Canoe Club, through the historic centre of Maidstone, out into the countryside.
There will be a portage past East Farleigh lock then paddle all the way to the new Teston Lock. Here you have the option to do another portage and try out the "Corkscrew" canoe pass, (as many times as you like). This is the only white water on the trip.
We will have a stop for lunch, plus other stops throughout the day as necessary.
The paddle back to Allington will be slightly easier as we are then with the flow.
Distance approx. 12 miles
Duration approx. 5 hours including stops.
Suitable for: Adults 18+, with 1* and River skills, and good fitness for a long day.
Not suitable for juniors or Adult beginners
Transport : You need to arrange your own transport for yourself, your boat, and all your stuff. There will be no White Van to take your boats for you, and no car shuttles and please share cars if you can.
MCC Boats and kit: MCC boats and kit can be used for this trip. Please book everything via "Equipment" on the MCC website.
Waterway Licenses . This is Important .If you are a BCU member, you must bring your BCU membership card with you and be ready to show it on the day. If you are not a BCU member, please contact Kathryn Moody, contact details at the end of this message.
Weather. The trip will go ahead whatever the weather..
What to bring: Your choice of canoeing gear. Bring your own food and drink to cover the whole trip, plus sunscreen, hat, first aid, spare clothes, etc etc, all to be carried in your boat with you, and kept dry and secure at all times.
Timetable on the day:
Launch from Allington Slip way at 11.00.
If you have boats/kit to collect from MCC boathouse:
0900 Meet at Danson Park MCC boathouse and load
0930 Drive away
1030 Arrive at slipway
You need M20 J5, take signs for Allington/Maidstone, At traffic lights and BP garage TL into Castle Road. At T junction TL and follow to Carpark (£3)
At end of trip adjourn to the Malta Inn opposite.
To book your place and for ALL queries please speak to Kathryn Moody on 01322 52 49 59 or leave a message,
or email kathleenbm@btinternet.com
I will get back to you Pronto!
Sunday 4th May 2014.
Re: Sunday 4th May 2014.
Again blessed with perfect weather..
Allington has a fine collection of moored river barges
soon entered Maidstone and passed The Archbishop's Palace.
reached East Farleigh for lunch.
Then onto Teston to try out the new canoe and fish pass.
It is a small narrow 'canal' with two chutes
Because there are brushes underneath creating turbulence (and allowing fish to pass) you tend to skid.
Time now for the return journey and enjoy more of the late Spring countryside and the continuous sound of birdsong..
The debris on Barming Bridge shows how high the flooding was earlier this year
as well as damage to trees and the shore, there was also a few damaged boats to see.
Great trip although a bit long and tiring at 13 miles with half against the flow.
However, the Kent countryside is a joy to see in late Spring.
Allington has a fine collection of moored river barges
soon entered Maidstone and passed The Archbishop's Palace.
reached East Farleigh for lunch.
Then onto Teston to try out the new canoe and fish pass.
It is a small narrow 'canal' with two chutes
Because there are brushes underneath creating turbulence (and allowing fish to pass) you tend to skid.
Time now for the return journey and enjoy more of the late Spring countryside and the continuous sound of birdsong..
The debris on Barming Bridge shows how high the flooding was earlier this year
as well as damage to trees and the shore, there was also a few damaged boats to see.
Great trip although a bit long and tiring at 13 miles with half against the flow.
However, the Kent countryside is a joy to see in late Spring.