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River Medway

Boating information for the River Medway.

The River Medway is a beautiful and picturesque rural river. The navigation starts at Tonbridge, flows through Maidstone, and ends at the gateway to the Medway Estuary at Allington Lock.

New boat safety standards (from 1 April 2012)

We are introducing new boat safety standards for all powered boats kept, let for hire or used on the River Medway. From 1 April 2012, you must make sure your boat complies with these standards to register it on the River Medway:

  • Bridge heights

    Download information on Medway bridge profiles for over 30 bridges from Allington to Tonbridge.

  • Guides and publications

    We have produced some River Medway guides and publications which you can download, print and take with you on your journey.

  • Locks

    Distances bewteen locks on the River Medway and information on how to operate them.

  • Marinas and facilities

    Information about marinas and facilities on the River Medway, including shops, repairs and toilets.

  • Maximum drafts

    Maximum drafts for boats on the River Medway.

  • Moorings

    Information about places to moor your boat on the River Medway.

  • Pump-outs

    Location of pump-outs on the River Medway.

  • Rules of navigation

    What you must do, the Medway speed limit, and fishing from a boat.

  • Slipways

    Places to launch or land a canoe, kayak or small boat on the River Medway.

  • Tides in the Medway Estuary

    Information about tides in the Medway Estuary.