Saturday 25th July 2026 - Kayak trip on the river Thames

Experience the river Thames from the water on a paddle from Kew Bridge up river to the White Cross slipway in Richmond, stopping here for refreshments at nearby pubs or at Tide Tables Cafe before heading back on the tide to Kew.

After a safety briefing and basic instruction we'll head upstream on the tide led by experienced paddle guides from Edge, a local kayak/canoe club, who will supply single kayaks and all other necessary equipment. 

Afterwards there's the option of drinks/late lunch at a local pub at Kew Bridge, or you could visit the adjacent Kew Gardens, or take a walk along the Thames Path east to Hammersmith or west to Syon Park and Richmond.

Timings and travel

Start time: 10:30 Prompt arrival is essential – the trip is timed with the tides and latecomers will be left behind!
Finish: approx 14:30
Start/finish point: Edge Kew Base, Unit 5, Kew Bridge Arches, Strand on the Green, Chiswick, London W4 3NG

Nearest stations: Kew Bridge or alternatively Gunnersbury + bus or 20min walk.  See TFL journey planner.
Using public transport is recommended as parking is restricted in the area or expensive [use an online car parking finder].

Who this activity is for

Current LRNSC adult (18+) members and are members of Snow Sport England with membership of at least Green tier.

No prior experience of kayaking is required just a good level of fitness that most Club members enjoy.

Drink & food

Bring water or other drink so you don't get dehydrated while paddling.

We will stop for about an hour so definitely time for drinks and possibly food depending on how busy the pubs or cafe are.  Alternatively bring a sandwich, or buy from Sainsbury’s by Kew Bridge, or have a late pub lunch at the end of the trip.  If you bring sandwiches make sure you bring a waterproof bag to put them in so they don't get wet in the deck hatch.

What to bring

• Water shoes or an old pair of trainers to wear while paddling, a change of clothes and short rain jacket depending on weather.
• Small or microfibre towel
• Water and snacks, packed lunch, waterproof bag for food items.
• Sun cream and hat.

There are storage facilities for bags and the use of small changing rooms. There are no lockers for valuables.

Cost

£40 per person.
Full payment (non-refundable) required by bank transfer once trip is confirmed.

What to do next

1. Register your interest by 12 May via this form [each participant needs to fill in their own form].  The organiser will confirm if the trip is going ahead by 14/5, confirm the cost and provide payment instructions.
2. Once you have been notified that the trip is going ahead, pay the full amount by bank transfer to LRNSC by 18 May, our Treasurer will then pay Edge by 20 May.

Any questions?

Please contact the organiser Claire Branscombe