Upper Medway - a question...

[alpha]

I don't have any charts of books on the Medway or Upper Medway, so I would be grateful if anyone can tell me how far up it I might get in my 32ft motorboat, draft about 3ft, air draft a gnat's whatnot under 9ft, beam about 10ft6in, please? And if it is possible to navigate up the river, are there any marinas, moorings etc, which anyone can recommend or comment upon?

 

[oldgit]

You should be able to get all the way to town lock tonbridge.Try this website
http://website.lineone.net/~p-kelly/
can give you details on most pubs.rests near river.If you need more detailed info PM me.web site is very comprehensive with maps details of locks/bridges boozers marinas etc.Allington lock is open about 3 hours before and two hours after HW,You need about 1.5 hours to get to lock from Rochester Bridge and watch for rubbish floating in river at new hythe (river conservancy do not collect it any more).O yes and you will need your own lock key all DIY locks.

Service with a snarl.

 

[Buck]

I was thinking about pootling up the river sometime in the rib see where I could get to, where do I get my own lock key?
Did you get out to the Montgomery then?

Buck

The thing about men and fish is one is always trying to eat the other.

 

[Medskipper]

I moor in the lower reaches of the Medway. I have only been up to the upper reaches once a couple of years ago and never again! The rubbish was awful! and I dont mean bits & pieces. Huge pieces of wood, doors and rubble just floating along waiting to smash your props off!! lovely! Before the lock the ground is hard and if you dont go up on the high tide you will also do a lot of damage! Do yourself a favour and give it a miss!

Barry

 

[oldgit]

Re:Wreck of the monty

Really nice day if a bit nippy with east wind.big tides so wind over tide bumps here and there.Managed to get wife to crew after I said she could bring large amount of wine+food etc.Few yachts around and one or two adventurous owners of big princess,s and a rather splendid azimut which I have seen out several times already this year. Who very bravely have managed to wrench themselves away from marinas before mid july.
Regarding stuff floating in river at New Hythe it can be done with just a good lookout for the floaty stuff.This bit of river is in use all the time by all sizes of craft from soap dishes to 70 ft barges.If you want to go through lock best just go up with tide,nice sedate 3/4 knots will get you to lock in just over hour and bit from Rochester.You will have 3 hours or so before and two hours after HW to lock in.This lock is manned and they are very helpful.If you are planning trip The Maidstone river festival is held over 2/3 days at end of july fireworks etc(Mooring £1.00 per nite if somebody bothers to collect it).This is only time river is busy with maybe 100+ boats around maidstone.The river above the lock is well worth the trip and can be navigated up to Tonbridge via 10 or so locks, the Medway valley as with most rivers is well hidden and not much used other than by locals who know of its existence .Allow 2- 4 days each way.
Have done return day trip several times last year from Rochester with stop at Maidstone for lunch and then back again.


Service with a snarl.

 

[dom]

I've cruised the full length many times, rubbish on tidal approach to Allington lock is worst after floodsbut otherwise not serious.
Above Allington the river is peacefull and you can get to Tonbridge.
No marinas above Yalding. A few below.
Lock key from allington Marina.
Can highly recommend trip.