Coastgal
Well-Known Member
We're thinking of staying at Medway Br Marina with 4-6 boats and just wondered if anyone had been there and had any comments or advice on it. Moorings? Showers? Local restaurants?
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Anyone been to Medway Bridge Marina?
- Thread starter Coastgal
- Start date
byron
RIP
I have, its OK I guess. Food of sorts on the lightship. better off staying at Rochester Cruising Club.
lenseman
Well-Known Member
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I looked in there about 18 months ago with the intention of using the facilities. At the time they were suffering from a serious problem of youths coming down to the Lighthouse at night for a few bevvies and then, as they left, they decided that it would be fun to kick away the legs of yachts which were out of the water. Some yachts ( believe 2) fell over! There are a few liveaboards down there.
At the time, it lacked security but it might have changed since then? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
At the time, it lacked security but it might have changed since then? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
Yes, Rochester CC was our first choice, but apparently they're booked up /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif So just wanted to look at some alternatives. Since there are only a handful of us, we might just drop the hooks near RCC.
Thx.
Thx.
Elessar
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't spend a night at anchor there - tide is strong and it will, of course, change 180 deg when it turns. If you get one of the finger berths at medway bridge they are challenging to get into if the tide is running, but you'll normally get put on the outside where the pontoon runs parallel to the stream which is OK.
As already noted the lightship at medway bridge is good - surprisingly so.
And a bit further downstream, Chatham is an excellent marina.
As already noted the lightship at medway bridge is good - surprisingly so.
And a bit further downstream, Chatham is an excellent marina.
byron
RIP
[ QUOTE ]
Yes, Rochester CC was our first choice, but apparently they're booked up /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif So just wanted to look at some alternatives. Since there are only a handful of us, we might just drop the hooks near RCC.
Thx.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nowhere really close to anchor. Have you thought of being adventurous and going up to Hoo? I know the first time is a bit scarey but just stay between the Withys and you will be OK. They have an active clubhouse and there's a small shop on the mobile home estate there. Funny little shop... stocks everything.
Yes, Rochester CC was our first choice, but apparently they're booked up /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif So just wanted to look at some alternatives. Since there are only a handful of us, we might just drop the hooks near RCC.
Thx.
[/ QUOTE ]
Nowhere really close to anchor. Have you thought of being adventurous and going up to Hoo? I know the first time is a bit scarey but just stay between the Withys and you will be OK. They have an active clubhouse and there's a small shop on the mobile home estate there. Funny little shop... stocks everything.
oldgit
Well-Known Member
MBM is a bit out of the way.The money you will spend on taxis could be put to better use.Try the MDL marina at Chatham.Historic dockyard on your doorstep.Lifeboat Museum+ rope making loft.Middling pub food at Ship and Trades a short walk.
Olde Upnor just across the river with 4 pubs and the Castle..
Upper Upnor.
The Kings Arms. Best of the bunch both beer and food but prices to match.
The Tudor Rose down cobbled lane,untouched proper old pub with basic grub ie. Lamb Shank £8.00 etc.
Lower Upnor
The Pier.Bit bland by way of food and beer.
The Ship.Bit of squeeze but friendly welcome and good grub.Both with river views.
Upper Upnor.
Ps this lot came round last year and went all the way up to Tonbridge
But they did have to wait a week or so for some decent weather before they could get back.
Olde Upnor just across the river with 4 pubs and the Castle..
Upper Upnor.
The Kings Arms. Best of the bunch both beer and food but prices to match.
The Tudor Rose down cobbled lane,untouched proper old pub with basic grub ie. Lamb Shank £8.00 etc.
Lower Upnor
The Pier.Bit bland by way of food and beer.
The Ship.Bit of squeeze but friendly welcome and good grub.Both with river views.
Upper Upnor.
Ps this lot came round last year and went all the way up to Tonbridge
But they did have to wait a week or so for some decent weather before they could get back.
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
Oldgit - thanks loads for the pics...I just can't wait to get to the Medway now (only been as far as Queenborough before).
Byron - yes, we might try Hoo...definitely up for a bit of adventure...as it always provides a great opportunity to celebrate a successful mooring with a spot of bubbly (or drown ones sorrows in a few pints if need be /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif).
Thanks all.
Byron - yes, we might try Hoo...definitely up for a bit of adventure...as it always provides a great opportunity to celebrate a successful mooring with a spot of bubbly (or drown ones sorrows in a few pints if need be /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif).
Thanks all.
byron
RIP
[ QUOTE ]
Byron - yes, we might try Hoo...definitely up for a bit of adventure...as it always provides a great opportunity to celebrate a successful mooring with a spot of bubbly (or drown ones sorrows in a few pints if need be /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif).
Thanks all.
[/ QUOTE ]
The beauty of Hoo is that if you did go aground and had to wait for next tide you'd be on soft mud. The channel is very well marked. Old fashioned I know, using Withies but in my day that was as good as you got /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Even the Hamble had Withies above Bursledon.
Byron - yes, we might try Hoo...definitely up for a bit of adventure...as it always provides a great opportunity to celebrate a successful mooring with a spot of bubbly (or drown ones sorrows in a few pints if need be /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif).
Thanks all.
[/ QUOTE ]
The beauty of Hoo is that if you did go aground and had to wait for next tide you'd be on soft mud. The channel is very well marked. Old fashioned I know, using Withies but in my day that was as good as you got /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Even the Hamble had Withies above Bursledon.
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
OK, I'm going to fess-up and admit that I'd never heard of this strange medieval term "withies". Fortunately, that old research librarian, Mr G. Oogle, has enlightened me to this odd, though apparently effective navigational aid.
I shall certainly pay better attention to those silly sticks dead ahead next time /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I shall certainly pay better attention to those silly sticks dead ahead next time /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
oldgit
Well-Known Member
A bit of adventure eh.....Just keep going
Maidstone Town Centre.
Maidstone Town Centre.
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
OK, you've done it now. I'm definitely ready to chuck in work and head off 3 weeks early! I just love the latter photos. Sadly we won't have time to get as far as Maidstone on this trip, but definitely on the list for future visits. (Though think I might get stuck under the bridge in the penultimate shot.)
oldgit
Well-Known Member
Thats the first really low bridge that causes any problems.Still if thats not low enough there is always this one.
We are hoping to go round the St Kats at weekend,are you coming round this summer?
Ps "withies". The bits of stick you hear scraping along the hull of your boat just before you run firmly aground at dead HW on the biggest night spring of the year.
We are hoping to go round the St Kats at weekend,are you coming round this summer?
Ps "withies". The bits of stick you hear scraping along the hull of your boat just before you run firmly aground at dead HW on the biggest night spring of the year.
PlanB
Well-Known Member
MBM not at all attractive and nothing much in the village behind it (except my mother lives there!).
The withies route into Hoo is only do-able at high tide, and even then tends to be a bit buttock clenching - and there's nothing much there either.
The bridge at Aylesford is really only do-able for low air draft boats and anyway you have to do a careful tide calc to get the balance right between water depth and air draft. There have also been reports of local youths getting their fun from undoing lines of boats moored in Maidstone.
Chatham Maritime would get my vote - lots to do and a pleasant marina.
The withies route into Hoo is only do-able at high tide, and even then tends to be a bit buttock clenching - and there's nothing much there either.
The bridge at Aylesford is really only do-able for low air draft boats and anyway you have to do a careful tide calc to get the balance right between water depth and air draft. There have also been reports of local youths getting their fun from undoing lines of boats moored in Maidstone.
Chatham Maritime would get my vote - lots to do and a pleasant marina.
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
Hi Oldgit. No, we won't be out on the river this weekend (boat club work party ties us to the land and there's no getting out of it). But we'll be off to the Medway in a few weeks. Can't wait.
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
Seems like Chatham is a real winner with you forumites. However, the really good news is that Rochester CC can now take our little flot...very idyllic location me thinks.
oldgit
Well-Known Member
Lets hope the weather improves soon.This is our second Thames trip cancellation this year. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
MDL Chatham.Lock with marina beyond
MDL Chatham.Lock with marina beyond
Nauti Fox
Well-Known Member
RCC (sorry about the quality, Fred taught me everything I know)
And next door
And next door
Coastgal
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the great pics. Yes, I've heard Rochester CC is a great place to stay - fab club, lovely town and gorg views. Looking forward to chilling out on the deck to watch the sunset with a tipple (or 4).
Nauti Fox
Well-Known Member
If you've got nice weather and want to overnight at anchor, Sharfleet can be nice, in a muddy sort of way. Can't really get ashore but is nice and peaceful.
