Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Some really useful stuff here. Amazing what NSC turns up!
We'll have to walk a few stretches again to see what put ins are available anyway. I've a feeling up by Boreham bridge the sides are too steep, as said. I'll look near the Marsh road bridge as well.
We've only had a handful of kayak trips so far. All very leisurely with the kids and just going for the peace, tranquiilty and the wildlife, not racing the thing!
In answer to the question about any agro with anglers. The couple of anglers we've encountered so far have been absolutely fine as we've just given them a wide birth and a nod and a wave and no problems. That's basically how I want to keep it.
Exactly how it should be.........and anyway a shower of maggots is quite unpleasant I'd imagine, amazing how far you can send them with a fishing catapult