Paddling the tidal Thames upstream from Barnes

Tide

HW Dover 08.40GMT 4days after neaps.

HW at London Bridge approx. 11.32GMT

So HW at Teddington = 12.37GMT

6 mile paddle there, so leave Barnes at 09.27GMT

1 hr lunch so back at Barnes at 14.42GMT

A total 13 mile return paddle from Barnes Bridge to Twickenham Embankment (plus possible option to extend up to Teddington lock) and return.

Programme and Notes:        

Meet by 09.00 at the Thames Tradesmen Rowing Club boat house, Dukes Meadows, Barnes, on the north bank of the Thames (map ref 211763 postcode W4 2SH). Please check exact parking on arrival, before leaving your vehicle. We need to agree this with club official on the day. Access from Chiswick Bridge. If coming from Richmond on the A 316, turn right at the Hartington Rd traffic lights on the north side of Chiswick Bridge into NARROW lane and travel about a half mile over speed bumps towards Barnes Bridge.  See London A –Z.

There are no licence requirements.  We use the slipway courtesy of the rowing club and need to keep our activities away from the rowers and launch at the bridge end of the slip.  The slip may be busy and the area can get muddy.

Depart time as above, paddle to Twickenham Embankment by Eel Pie Island for the lunch stop.  Loo’s, McDonalds etc all nearby. Return on the ebb to arrive back at Barnes (times as above).

Please note the CCC Safety Policy and that the trip is suitable for the more experienced in kayak and open canoe.

The local navigation rules will be explained at the briefing.

The river is exposed and in windy conditions the trip is unsuitable for inflatables and demanding for solo open canoes.