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IWA Branch
Navigation Authority
Non-tidal
Environment Agency,
Southern Region, Orchard House, Endeavour Park, London Road, ADDINGTON,
ME19 5SH
Tel: 01732 223222
Fax: 01732 875057
rebecca.baigrie@environment-agency.gov.uk
Medway Ports, Sheerness
Docks, SHEERNESS, ME12 1RS
Tel: 01795 596596
Fax: 01795 660072
The river passes through Kent and the North Downs and the towns of Rochester, Maidstone and Tonbridge.
The navigation has ten locks and runs for 43 miles or 68.8km.
Sheerness to Allington Lock – No limitation on normal inland craft.
Allington Lock to Maidstone
|
Length |
Beam |
Height |
Draught |
|
180ft |
21ft 6in |
10ft |
6ft 6in |
|
54.86m |
6.54m |
3.04m |
1.97m |
Maidstone to Tonbridge
|
Length |
Beam |
Height |
Draught |
|
80ft |
18ft 6in |
8ft 6in |
4ft |
|
24.37m |
5.63m |
2.58m |
1.18m |
Historical Information
The river has been a busy transport route since the sixteenth century. It was made navigable following Acts of Parliament in 1664, 1740, 1792, 1802 and 1824. The oast houses, which can still be seen along the route, are evidence of the area’s history of hop growing and brewing.
Furthur Information
For books, maps, guides, videos, DVDs and gifts on this waterway click here...
Local government links
