Cromhall Quarry, South Gloucestershire

[Steve L.]

Following the previous threads on this quarry, a couple of us went for a dive there this morning.

I think the directions have been posted previously. Having got off the main road, you drive through what appears to be a coach and lorry repair and servicing area, down a track to the water.

It was a bright sunny day, and we were greeted by Mike, formerly of the National Diving Centre in Chepstow. We duly paid our £10 entrance fee and signed the usual paperwork. All over in about 30 seconds.

The site is huge. The area of water is the same as, if not bigger that Vobster. There are two points of entry. The first is a pontoon near the main entrance. This will put you straight into about 14 metres of water. The second, (a drive of a couple of hundred metres around the other side of the site) is a gentle sloping beach. Suitable for novices and trainees.

There is an abundance of parking around both areas. Having to get there early to park near the waters edge does not apply to this dive site.

As for the diving. Currently, there is not much in the way of underwater attractions. Just the sort of thing you`d find in a quarry anywhere. Dumped cars, tyres, beer cans, and golf balls (?)

For the first dive, we swam along the north wall of the quarry, in an average depth of about 12 metres. Not an awful lot to see, but the viz was about 8-10 metres. Comparing it against some recent dives at Vobster, NDAC and Babbacombe, to be able to see my buddy from several metres away was a sight to behold. Upon returning to the pontoon, we were able to emerge from the water using a very diver friendly spine ladder fitted to it.

The second dive was very similar, but along the east wall.

Overall, I was very impressed and will certainly use the site again as it is only about 20 mins. drive from where I live.

The only downsides are that currently, there is no compressor, but I understand one will be installed within a couple of weeks, and no food or drinks, you have to bring your own. There is a toilet on site.

It was very quiet, we were the only ones on our side of the quarry all day.

Although it`s only open at weekends,I can well recommend it.

[Charley]

Thanks for the report, will have to pay a visit to Cromhall