Maidstone Canoe Club

For those of you that have not run this section of river I would thoroughly recommend considering it.

The river runs through the old Canterbury and you get to experience the old Canterbury and some of it’s history.  The river from memory has three weirs which are usually OK to run.

I will run the proposed section of river before the Sunday to access any restrictions that may pose a hazard.  All are welcome with basic river skills.

You will need to have suitable paddling clothing as we have had swimmers on previous years and the water will be cold.  The only other requirement is, that you follow river leadership instruction when required.

Come and paddle through Canterbury and on down the Stour to Fordwich to work off the Christmas mince pies. At the end we will find a pub (George & Dragon, Fordwich) to help us put the calories back on again! The total distance is approximately 6 to 8 km.

Arrangements:-

08:45 Meet at the MCC Clubhouse, Maidstone.

09:00 Leave Clubhouse and travel to Canterbury.

10:00 Arrive in the childrens playing area Whitehall Road (GR143577) where we find access to the water (Parking is pay and display and has 6ft 6” barrier at entrance – parking free outside barrier!)

Change into paddling gear while drivers car shuttle downstream to Fordwich

11:00 Begin the tour.We will pass through (at times it seems like under) Canterbury. Water conditions will determine whether we portage or paddle the barrier in the City. Later, we arrive at a re-developed mill. (We will consider weir-shooting/portaging opportunities etc on the day). On down through Kings school playing fields before one last drop, finally reaching egress and pub. (GR179598)

13:30 Change in pub car park (situated across the road from the pub) and retire to the hostelry for a sherbert. Note: This is subject to Pub approval which will be sought nearer the time. (George & Dragon, Fordwich. Tel 01227 710661)

??:?? Leave for home or clubhouse.

The tour is best suited to polyethylene kayaks. We have had swimmers in the past so please ensure you bring suitable paddling gear. Cag’s thermals etc. Please note. Head protection will be required. Portaging features may be an option (except for the last drop which is near the end of the paddle anyway (and there is an alternative route if preferred).