This section deals with the River Medway from Rochester Bridge as far as Allington Lock. Due to height restrictions underneath Rochester Bridge it is only suitable for motor cruisers and small sailing craft that can lower their masts.

There are however many useful facilites for the boater in this area, including four marinas, and a de-restricted stretch of river for waterskiing where the speedy can speed away to their heart's delight.

The scenery ranges from beautiful countryside to run down grotty industrial areas, but the intrepid Mariner who makes it is far as Allington can pass via the lock into the non tidal Medway and get as far as Maidstone. ... read more

Approach from the sea to this area has already been covered in two previous articles, Medway 1, and Medway 2.

Once you arrive at Rochester Bridge you will find it has an air draft of 5.4 m at high water springs, with obviously a bit more available at lower states of the tide...... the problem being at lower states of the tide there is very little water under your keel as the River shallows dramatically once past the bridge.

The motorway bridge carrying the M2 has over 16 m of clearance with another footbridge near Hakwoodstone having 10.7 m. The problems comes in the Aylesford area where two separate bridges cross the river with less than 2.8 m clearance at high water. At low water there is little more than a gutway in this area.

The lock at Allington is owned by the environment agency and works a couple of hours either side of high water, but only during the working day. It can take quite large vessels being over 53 m long and over 6 m wide, while the maximum draught for vessels attempting to get to Maidstone is 2 m. Consequently if you own a shallow draught barge like vessel with low air draft you could make this trip. ... read more

After passing under Rochester Bridge you will find small craft moorings on either side of the river. Those on your port side belong to Rochester Cruising Club, while those starboard side belong to Pelican YC and Strood YC.

The visiting motorboater will be spoilt for choice with the Beacon Boatyard, Medway Bridge Marina, Port Medway Marina, Cuxton Marina and Elmhaven Marina all coming up one after another. These are covered now including prices:

Beacon Boatyard. ... read more