oldgit
Well-known member
Shame to waste this amazing early October weather so a last minute overnight trip up to the lock at Allington.
The downside, monster tides, later than sensible departure, only just squeezed under the bridge and tidal river full of rubbish including loads of those neatly chainsawn chunks of tree trunks lurking just below the surface.
A lonely trip up and not another soul to be seen on the move.
As many will know a considerable amount of money has been invested in the Medway over the last decade or two and more recently on and around Allington Lock, so it was bit of suprise the find futher improvements underway.
The mooring wall in the lock cut has always been a bit challenging while waiting to enter the lock with a considerable drop down the path beyond.
This is all being " levelled up" and surface improved to make life a lot easier for folks transiting the lock coming downsteam , even rumours of some " visitor " 240v power points being installed as well.
The new little dredger is back in action after some considerable delay in sourcing bits for the Hi-Ab from private outside contractors and has been in action shifting some sediment from the moorings in Maidstone Town Centre as well as some obvious removal of trees on the riverbank.
Although the river was quiet regards boat traffic and fishermen , rowers/kayakers/ paddle boarders much in evidence , lock area itself was heaving with visitors, joggers. cyclists folks just out for a walk with dogs and kids and most using that neat little cafe on the lock island.
After transiting the lock was amazed to spot a seal in Maidstone Town Centre, apparently the weir gates lift to "Free Flow" with big tides and the seal just swam on in.
New lock surfacing/ updating with a refurbished BBQ / Camping area and plus a couple of small cabins for hire .
Old lock office now rented out as very successful little cafe.
Refurbishing the mooring wall in the background to encourage more boat visitors.
and into the 21st century with tidal info and other stuff about the Medway.
For those who like living in the past that little wooden clock with the movable hands is still on the wall behind .
A real effort by the EA and its staff to make the river and its environs more attractive to anybody and everybody.
Allington Lock Camping & Cabins – Medway Navigation
The downside, monster tides, later than sensible departure, only just squeezed under the bridge and tidal river full of rubbish including loads of those neatly chainsawn chunks of tree trunks lurking just below the surface.
A lonely trip up and not another soul to be seen on the move.
As many will know a considerable amount of money has been invested in the Medway over the last decade or two and more recently on and around Allington Lock, so it was bit of suprise the find futher improvements underway.
The mooring wall in the lock cut has always been a bit challenging while waiting to enter the lock with a considerable drop down the path beyond.
This is all being " levelled up" and surface improved to make life a lot easier for folks transiting the lock coming downsteam , even rumours of some " visitor " 240v power points being installed as well.
The new little dredger is back in action after some considerable delay in sourcing bits for the Hi-Ab from private outside contractors and has been in action shifting some sediment from the moorings in Maidstone Town Centre as well as some obvious removal of trees on the riverbank.
Although the river was quiet regards boat traffic and fishermen , rowers/kayakers/ paddle boarders much in evidence , lock area itself was heaving with visitors, joggers. cyclists folks just out for a walk with dogs and kids and most using that neat little cafe on the lock island.
After transiting the lock was amazed to spot a seal in Maidstone Town Centre, apparently the weir gates lift to "Free Flow" with big tides and the seal just swam on in.
New lock surfacing/ updating with a refurbished BBQ / Camping area and plus a couple of small cabins for hire .
Old lock office now rented out as very successful little cafe.
Refurbishing the mooring wall in the background to encourage more boat visitors.
and into the 21st century with tidal info and other stuff about the Medway.
For those who like living in the past that little wooden clock with the movable hands is still on the wall behind .
A real effort by the EA and its staff to make the river and its environs more attractive to anybody and everybody.
Allington Lock Camping & Cabins – Medway Navigation
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