Tunbridge - Maidstone Paddling Adventure

Join us down by the river for a 2 day trip messing about in boats. Running from Tonbridge to Maidstone and then on to the sea, the Medway is a fascinating river that has been used for centuries both as a commercial waterway and, more recently, as a navigation for pleasure-boats, canoes and kayaks. It has an amazing mix of old industrial sites and more modern facilities and there are a number of locks to negotiate on route via canoe slides. It is also home to a huge variety of wildlife including kingfishers, barn owls and perhaps, for the very quiet, otters and water voles!

Day 1

Travel down by train to Tonbridge and meet ESOC leaders. Drop luggage in our kit vehicle and walk the short distance to the river. Organise kit and food into boats and begin a leisurely paddle downstream, through Tonbridge and out into the countryside. Finish at Oak Weir Lock and set up tents and cook dinner on camping stoves.

Day 2

After breakfast, continue downstream past the steepest and highest canoe pass on the journey (a great opportunity for some brilliant videos and pictures!), a disused lock and visit the world famous teapot museum. Finish the journey at Yalding bridge and taxi back to Tonbridge Station to return to London.
 
Inclusions
Accommodation - Comfort
The group will stay in hike tents with inflatable sleeping mats.
 
What's Included
🍴 Food - Breakfast will be a choice of cereal, porridge and hot sandwiches, lunch will be packed ready to have out on the river and dinner will be a carbohydrate rich feast to replace all the energy used paddling! Please ensure any dietary requirements are listed when booking.
🥤 Drink - Some drinks will be provided. However, please ensure you bring along a person bottle to keep hydrated.
🧰 Equipment - Canoes, life jackets, Bowl, knife, fork, mug and spoon, Sleeping Mats, Tents, Cooking Equipment, Food
 
What you'll need
🧤 Warm Clothing
☂️ Waterproofs
🥤 Drink
⛺ Camping Equipment - Sleeping bag, Head Torch, Water bottle (Sig or Nalgene recommended, not reused drink bottle)
📋 Other - Shoes for paddling in (closed toes recommended), Shoes for camp (walking boots/trainers), Socks and underwear, Pyjamas, T-shirts, Trousers (lightweight cotton/tracksuit bottoms. NOT jeans which, once wet, are heavy, uncomfortable, and impossible to dry!), Shorts, Warm Jumper, Full set of Waterproofs (trousers AND jacket), Sunglasses / Sunscreen (SPF 30), General Toiletries, Towel, Eye Care material (if applicable), Insect Repellent,