Jeff,when in Kent I regularly travel to both the Kennet and the Severn for my Barbell fishing.It takes me 2hrs to the Kennet and 3 to the Severn.As I go for a couple of days at a time I find the extra hour to the Severn not a problem.I fish both rivers because of the variety.Both hold big fish but for sheer numbers of 4lb-8lb fish then I think the Severn wins hands down.Reading controls some great stretchs but bans night fishing.A lot of these stretches are hammered during the day.The Severn produces very well during the day and even the hammered sections fish well come evening.As for Aldermaston Mill,very prety,has some big fish in it but as allready said a bit of a circus (even in the week)further down from the road bridge (still on the same day ticket,avaiable from the Mill) is IMO much better fishing and a lot,lot quieter.I have fished the Medway but despite catching a biggy it wasnt really my idea of Barbelling.More like long stay carp fishing on a ditch!The stretch controled by the Nat West is a lot quieter but very difficult to get on.In general there are very few barbell in the Medway stretch (and it is a very small stretch)If you want to catch barbell rather than just fish for them I would give it a miss!
