Hodge Close blasting entrance tunnel

[Simon-c]

There is a rumour circulating that someone is thinking of blasting the entrance tunnel leading to the scaffold ladder because of the dangerous nature of this dive site.

Does anyone have info about this.

[bythesea]

IMO the other way in is far more hazardous when wearing scuba,, walking down that big rocky slope..then risking DCI exerting yourself on the way back up.

Don't remember any reports of incident using the tunnel...I entered this way many times and though it is not the easiest I didn't consider it dangerous.

Have there been a few tumbles? if not I don't see how they can justify itIf th close it you could always base jump from the top of the quarry, cut the chute just above the water..that would be a buzz

[copperband]

IIRC a female diver fell off the ladder and landed on her back onto the slate below a couple of years ago...ouch!

Here's an article from slug speed news

[bythesea]

Ouch!...but one incident in how many years..I bet more people have slipped at Stoney or any of the other inland sites

[Ali]

Some one fell off the ladder a year or so back and I heard that she died
Since then the ladder has had another piece added to the top of it that makes it much easier to get on and off.
Blasting the tunnel would be a waste of time IMO as you would just get in the back way, but as already has been said "it's a right hike"
The tunnel is by far the best way in and worth the £5 fee to the Hillbilly Bloke

Ali

[bythesea]

The tunnel is by far the best way in and worth the £5 fee to the Hillbilly Bloke

Ali

Don't ever remember paying for the privilege?

[Polyphemus]

same...did someone get tricked by a crafty gentleman of the road?

[Ali]

He gets us most times for a £5. If not on the way in he gets us on the way out
The local BSAC club always moan a bucket full to us about it when we see them!

Ali

[gixerdiver]

yep the guy took £5 off us aswell then he opens the gate and lets you park a bit closer

very happy fellow his words were in the morning {9am} when we got there was if were still there when gets dark he will dial 999

don't think they will blow tunnel reason WHY ? who will pay for it not cheap blowing thing up unless you no some terrorists that need some trainning maybe

[witchieblackcat]

Unless the owners of the quarry are getting annoyed with divers borrowing their quarry I can't see why they'd want to go to all that expense. Hodge hasn't caused any real bad news recently (apart from the lady that fell off the ladder) so I can't see why the owners wouldn't want us there.

I heard that the gentleman at the gate owned the field that you drive over to get to the quarry - hence the £5 charge.