Paddling from Kew Bridge Slipway
Kew Reach · slipway
About This Launch Point
Routes from Kew Bridge Slipway
Strand-on-the-Green Loop (Short)
3 km · beginner · short
Downstream along the north bank past the charming Strand-on-the-Green pub row, around Oliver's Island, and back along the south bank. Short and scenic.
Chiswick Loop (Medium)
6 km · intermediate · medium
Downstream past Strand-on-the-Green to Chiswick Pier and back. Pass Oliver's Island and Chiswick Eyot. Watch for rowing traffic — this is a popular training stretch.
Nearby Exit Points
Your launch point. Foreshore access via stairs.
Stone steps on upstream side of Battersea Bridge, north bank. Slippery — use with care.
Steps on south bank at Battersea Bridge. Access to Battersea Park.
Gravel foreshore below Battersea Park on south bank. Reasonable landing. Check for debris.
Steps near Albert Bridge on south bank. Good emergency exit.
Steps on north bank near Chelsea Embankment. Limited access window.
Steps on south side of Chelsea Bridge near Battersea Power Station.
Steps on south bank near Wandsworth Bridge. Useful for downstream bailout.
Steps at the lock. Sheltered. Lock keeper on site.
Gravel foreshore below Ham House gardens.
Public slipway at Ducks Walk. Good landing.
Historic draw dock on north bank at Isleworth. Steps.
Steps near Kew Pier on south bank.
Foreshore at Strand-on-the-Green. Pubs nearby.
Small landing near Oliver's Island. South bank.
Floating pontoon. Access at all tide states.
Steps near Barnes Railway Bridge, south bank.
Foreshore at Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith.
Public slipway near Putney Bridge.
Steps at Pimlico Gardens, north bank.
Steps near Vauxhall Bridge, north bank.
Pier near Lambeth Bridge, south bank.
Major pier. Very busy with tourist boats — approach with caution.
Lock entrance to Shadwell Basin. Opens around HW.
Lock entrance to Limehouse Basin/Regent's Canal.
Thames Clipper pier. Avoid landing when Clippers are docking.
Major pier near Cutty Sark. Very busy.
Club slipway on Greenwich Peninsula.
Steps near Thames Barrier visitor centre, south bank.
Hazards Near Kew Bridge Slipway
Active marina entrance. Motor vessels entering/exiting. Give wide berth and pass on the downstream side.
Strong eddies form around bridge piers on ebb tide. Pass through the centre arch. Avoid hugging piers.
Five-arch bridge with narrow spans. Pass through centre arch. Current accelerates through the arches.
Suspension bridge — wider spans than Battersea. Still pass centrally. Watch for pleasure boats moored nearby.
Storm drain outfall on north bank. May discharge after heavy rain. Avoid close approach. You may see discoloured water.
Active Thames Clipper pier at Battersea Power Station. High-speed catamarans dock here. Stay well clear — their wash is significant.
Current accelerates near Chelsea Bridge, especially on spring ebbs. This stretch is also a common commercial vessel route. Keep to the edges.
Houseboats and barges moored along north bank. Give clearance — mooring chains extend underwater. Do not paddle between moored vessels and the wall.
Weir downstream of the lock. Strong turbulence when sluices open. Keep well clear.
Narrow channel past Eel Pie Island. Rowing and motorboat traffic. Keep right.
Submerged sill when lock gates open at half tide. Turbulence possible.
Shallow water on south side of the island at low water. Stick to the main channel.
Narrow arches. Pass through centre arch. Current acceleration on spring ebbs.
Shallow water around Chiswick Eyot at low water. Mudbanks exposed LW ± 2h.
Current accelerates through narrow bridge spans on spring tides.
Strong currents around piers on spring tides. Pass through centre span. Eddies downstream.
Heavy Thames Clipper and commercial traffic. Stay well clear of the centre channel.
Major tourist boat terminal. Large vessels manoeuvring. Do not approach the pier. Keep to the far bank.
Lock gate operations. Wait for green signal. Do not enter when gates closing.
High-speed catamarans dock here. Significant wash. Stay well clear when Clippers approaching.
Strong currents at the top of the Isle of Dogs bend. Up to 4kn on spring ebbs.
Large vessels may be at anchor. Give wide berth. Anchor chains extend underwater.
Use only spans marked with green arrows for recreational craft. Strong currents. Listen for barrier closure warnings on VHF Ch14.
Today's Conditions
Good conditions for paddling
Good conditions for paddling. Check the details and enjoy.