Kayaking and camping adventure on the River Medway
Join us on this fantastic trip along the River Medway in Kent, as you paddle from Tonbridge to Maidstone.
The River Medway
Rising in the Ashdown Forest, the River Medway flows through West and East Sussex and into Kent before reaching the Thames estuary some 120 kilometres downstream. Many tributaries flow into the Medway as it passes through the High Weald and Vale of Kent with its characteristic orchards and meadows.
The Trip
Over two days you'll paddle 30 kilometres of this stunning river starting in Tonbridge and finishing in Maidstone. Explore the river paddling its flat waters and shooting down a number weirs! At night you'll camp along the banks of the river, watching the bats, and listening to the birds at dawn.
Information
Season
April-October
Duration
2 days
Group Size
4-16
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18 Maximum weight: 18 stone (115kg)
Groups
Adult Groups - (Birthdays / Stag / Hen / etc.)
Please note that all group bookings will be available for others to book, unless booking for a minimum of 6 people.
Choose from either of our guided or self-guided options below:
Guided
You'll be accompanied by a British Canoeing qualified kayak instructor. This is ideal for those who want the confidence of an instructor at their side who can help deal with any emergencies on the river and guide the route pointing out flora and fauna along the way.
Self-guided
Our self-guided option allows you to explore the river in your own group and go at your own pace. Our staff will transport your equipment to the campsite and arrange to get you all back to your vehicles at the end of the trip on day two.
Youth Groups / Schools / Duke of Ediburgh
We offer a range of options to suit your youth group or school:
Guided
Our experienced and qualified British Canoeing instructors will lead your group along the river, ensuring their safety, route finding and educating the group along the way.
Self-guided
Our self-guided option allows your group to explore the river in their own groups. This is ideal for groups such as youth groups or Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Our team will provide all the logistics, transporting your equipment to the campsite and arranging to get you all back to your vehicles at the end of the trip on day two.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Meet at Tonbridge, get kitted up and select kayaks and equipment.
- Pack our transport with camping equipment needed etc.
- Kayak the river.
- Arrive at the campsite and set up the tents.
- Relax around a campfire and a BBQ with a few beers and star gaze.
Day 2
- Pack kit into our transport.
- Kayak the river to Maidstone (optional beer and meal in the pub).
- Take transport back to the start and collect vehicles.
Locations
River Medway Tonbridge to Allington Lock
Equipment
Equipment supplied
All kayaking and safety equipment is supplied including:
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Buoyancy aid
Equipment needed
For all kayaking courses you must have extra warm clothes and waterproofs, we will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.
- Full change of clothes to go kayaking in, including footwear, and underwear.
- Clothing should be suitable for the time of year*
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (to wear on the water)
- Extra jumper
- Warm hat / sun hat
- Gloves
- Towel
- Snacks / water
- Medication / Tablets / Inhaler etc.
The above list is just a guide and appropriate clothing for the time of year should be worn. We highly recommend you have a dry bag for all your kit on the water and to put your wet clothing in at the end of the day.
*Clothing should comprise several layers to trap the warmth. Please do not wear denim as it restricts movement, is cold when wet and is slow to dry. You must wear footwear whilst kayaking (old trainers, plimsolls) please don’t wear sandals. Wetsuits are not required as they only work when they are wet; if you wish to bring a wetsuit we still recommend you have a warm top.
Equipment shop
Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Transport
We will provide transport for all equipment to the campsite and transport back to your vehicles.
Please note you will need to pay £5 to park your vehicle for 48hrs.
Accommodation
Camping (you will need your own tent and sleeping bag).
Catering
Day 1
- BBQ dinner (bring your own booze).
Day 2
- Cooked breakfast or cereal.
- Packed lunch
