Set in the weald of Kent, an area of outstanding natural beauty, Bewl Water is the largest inland water in south east England: 770 acres area and a mile reach across. Surrounded by picturesque scenery it is only a short drive from Tunbridge Wells and 20 minutes from the M25. However you do have to pay a fee to sail and have an RYA Level 2 certificate.
- Beach Faces:
-
Weekday sailors pay £7.40 to Southern Water. Opening times are 9am to half an hour before sunset. You MUST produce a RYA Level 2 Certificate and have third party insurance. If you don’t, Bewl Windsurfing can give a Level 2 assessment for £20 but only if the wind is a force 3 (7-10knots) or above.
If the wind doesn’t corporate, Bewl Windsurfing will provide supervision for the day at £15 per 3 hours which includes the Southern Water fee.
To sail at weekends as well you have to join Bewl Valley Sailing Club Tel.01892 890930 or visit:
www.bewl-valley-sc.org.uk - Best Wind Direction:
-
W, SW or east.
- Not Good:
-
Northerly
- What’s On The Bottom:
-
Mud and shingle
- Any Hazards:
-
Fly fishermen, give them at least fifty meters clearance
- Other Water Users:
-
The Bewl pleasure ferry, fishing boats, dinghies, rowers, kayakers.
- Suitability / Levels:
-
Beginners to expert blasters. We have seen some forward loops although they were done by a star visit from Nik Baker.
- Instruction:
-
YES. Bewl Windsurfing operates RYA courses. With plenty of safety cover, it is one of the best places in the Southeast to introduce the family into the sport Tel. 01892 891000 www.bewlwindsurfing.net Email: [email protected]
- Kit Hire:
-
YES. From Bewl Windsurfing (contact details as above)
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes, on site |
|---|---|
| Shower |
YES, on site with changing rooms |
| Windsurfing Shop |
Yes, run by Bewl Windsurfing stocking North, Fanatic, Mistral, Hi-fly |
| Food |
Restaurant 5 mins walk away |
| Parking |
Free |
- Local Hotshots:
-
Formula sailors Keith Atkinson and Greg King, Redmond and Anthony Scales, Peter Fey and Kim Jiskoot.
- Extra:
-
Bewl Valley Sailing Club has a busy dinghy and windsurf racing calendar, clinics from the likes of Peter Hart and Guy Cribb as well as all the social that goes with a sailing club. For junior windsurfers they have an active Team15 club with inter club competitions at Bewl and elsewhere in the south.
Tel. 01892 890930 or visit www.bewl-valley-sc.org.uk
- How To Get There:
-
From the north take the Sevenoaks junction off the M25 (Jnc5) and go southbound on the A21 towards Hastings. From the south coast go up the A21 or the A26 towards Tunbridge Wells. Either way, once you get to Lamberhurst, Bewl Water is clearly signposted. Note: try to avoid the A21 at peak times because it is so busy.
- Report By:
-
Bob and Jill White.
- Photo Credits:
-
Photos courtesy of Clyde Waite and Greg King
