Boating along the River Rother (East)

The Rother is navigable from the English Channel at Rye to Bodiam. This attractive river is popular with sailing boats and small cruisers, many of which moor at Rye Harbour or near Scots Float Lock. With historic Rye and Bodiam Castle on its banks, it's one of the most interesting cruising rivers in England.

There is one lock (Scots Float). You can launch your boat using the slipways at Rye Harbour and Scots Float.

Rye Harbour and Rye Town

The coastal harbour is a separate settlement to the town, but both have good facilities and plenty of moorings. The town is two miles upstream of the harbour.

Facilities are available for both large and small craft. Visiting boats up to 15m can tie up at Strand Quay in Rye town. Larger boats are advised to make prior arrangements with the Harbour Master.

Moorings are generally in soft mud but hard standing can be provided if requested. In Rye itself, moorings are steel piled wall with good timber fendering and access ladders every 15 metres. Moorings for boats up to a maximum of 25m are against timber piles near the harbour office. Fresh water, electricity, showers and toilets are available with access codes from harbour staff.

Navigation permits and licences are needed to launch from Rye Harbour slipway. Contact 01797 225225. Sailors should be aware of the west to east tidal flows at the entrance to the harbour. The speed limit on the tidal length is 6 knots.

The authority for Rye Harbour is the Environment Agency, and you can find out more at their website.

Going upstream

Scots Float Lock, once known as Star Lock, is just over a mile upstream of Rye. Notice must be given to the sluice keeper at Scots Float before going upstream (Tel: 01797 223256). There is no charge, but the Environment Agency does require 24 hours' notice during the working week of intention to use the lock.

You should also ask for permission from Scots Float Depot to use the Agency-owned slipway for trailed boats immediately upstream from the sluice (Tel: 01797 223256).

Above the lock, the river is non-tidal and very attractive. The river is navigable by small craft as far as Bodiam given suitable water conditions. Water levels may vary considerably – especially as they may be regulated to meet land drainage needs. This is particularly important for masted craft which may not be able to fit under the bridges.

River users are advised to contact the Environment Agency lock keeper in advance for information on water depth and headroom beneath the road bridge at Iden (Tel: 01797 223256), where the unnavigable Royal Military Canal leaves the river.

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.