The River Medway
Virtually unknown to boaters who restrict themselves to the main canal system, the Medway flows for some 112 km (70 miles) through Kent, wending its way through the North Downs. Rising in Sussex, it flows north and then east, and has been navigable since the 16th century.
Once a busy transport route, the Medway is now a peaceful backwater for boaters. The lower reaches have a naval history going back to Henry VIIIs time and, although there is now no naval presence at Rochester or Chatham, the lower Medway is still busy commercially.
The Medway Navigation is 31km (19 miles) of the freshwater river above its tidal limit. Maintained by the Environment Agency, it starts at Allington Lock near Maidstone and extends to the footbridge immediately downstream of the Leigh flood-regulating barrier just west of Tonbridge.
To learn more about the River Medway and all it has to offer, read on:
- Safety and Regulations
Useful advice to help make the river an enjoyable environment for all. - Useful information for boaters
Including details of slipways, moorings, waterpoints, pump-outs, camping and marinas. - Notice to Mariners
Information for boaters regarding possible navigation restrictions on the River Medway - Craft registration and licensing
Everything you need to know about registering your boat. - Things to do
Things to do and activities to enjoy on or near the Medway. - Points of interest
Points of interest and places to visit on or near to the River Medway - Events
Events that take place on or near to the River Medway including the ever popular Maidstone River Festival. - Regenerating the River Medway
Improving the environment in and around the River Medway - Contacts, useful adresses and websites
Contacts, useful adresses and websites relating to the River Medway - Medway bridge profiles
View the profiles for over 30 bridges from Allington to Tonbridge here. Navigation beyond the Big Bridge Tonbridge is only suitable for small craft. -
Medway Navigation - section A (Acrobat, 1531KB, 1 min)
Map of the Medway Navigation showing the stretch of the river from Allington to Yalding, -
Medway Navigation - section B (Acrobat, 113KB, 1 min)
Map of the Medway Navigation showing the stretch of the river from Yalding to Tonbridge. -
River Medway - a user's guide (Acrobat, 859KB, 6 min)
A downloadable version of the Agency booklet which is full of useful information about the Medway Navigation. -
River Medway - great things to (Acrobat, 502KB, 4 min)
This downloadable leaflet includes a map of the Medway Navigation and highlights places to visit and activities on or near the river.
