Anyone dived the Eccy Delph?

[Ding Dang Doo]

Hi all,

popped over to look at what was on offer at Ecclestone Delph, near Chorley in Lancs yesterday. Looks like they are spending a good deal of hard earned on improving facililties there. I turned up at about 3pm viz looked superb, as it is closed on a Monday and no one had been diving yesterday (Tuesday). I can imagine that the viz can turn poor very quickly.

Got talking to one of the bods there (think his name is Barry?) Says they are going to sink a small plane in the next few weeks and add a 30m swim through. Says on the web site about putting 'village' in there but he didn't mention this to me.

Loads fish (Golden trout, chubb) easily visable.

Wondering if any of you lot have been over to it, value your opinion, as it could save half an hour going to Cape from where I am.

Pete

[Paul Beal]

I have done it several times. It is a good site for training or a bimble. It is quite good for us as trainees can hit 20 m without too much hassle although the viz in the sump can be apaulling. The rest of it is quite silty but it is O.K unless very busy. There are plenty of handy training platforms in 6m and the beach is good for rescue training.

Cheaper than Capernwray too!

Paul

[Keiron]

Yup, we do Eccy Delph regularly for training dives, quick dips. Facilities have improved dramatically over the last few weeks, the breeze block structures now have wooden cladding on which makes a huge difference. The seperate toilet units are a bit dire though, use the changing rooms instead.

Visibility is normally okay-ish (3-6m) at the surface and then down to 1-2 metres, roundabout the 16m+ mark. So, if you want to get your low vis dive signed off, it's perfect. Some days it can be quite surprising how clear it actually is.

The staff are great, normally really helpful (if you are pleasant to them). The plane and swim-through are news to me, but anything to add to the quarry would be great. Although, I hope it doesn't stir up the muck any more than it alreadys is.

They've just installed a new 300bar compressor which I understand should be working from this week, and apparently for no more cost than a 230bar, which is nice news indeed.

[Mark Davies]

Is the viz improving? Last time I went it was just appalling, but then it hadn't been open for long and they were still trying to clean it up.

I don't do puddles often but I'm bored stupid with Capernwray so if it is getting better I'll go back and give it a try next time I need to test some kit.

[Keiron]

Ummm, it's really hit-and-miss, some days it can be okay. Last saturday is wasn't too bad at all, on other days it's shocking. You really do take your chances I think, depends on usage, weather, same factors as everywhere else I guess.

Personally, I think it's great, because it sets you in great stead for those murky Anglesey dives that you've driver 1:30 minutes for!!

[psmudge]

Did my OW there a couple of yrs back, I have an entry mu instructor did where viz was 12".

They spent a lot last year trying to improve the water quality. This involved pumping lot's of air down to the bottom of the quarry in several places, however, all this appeared to do was give the impression of diving in a green jaccuzzi.

I went for a look a couple of weeks ago and it does look as though things have improved, maybe it is time for another did in the Delph?

Psmudge

[fluice]

They also do much better bacon and sausage sarnies than Capernwray do. Proper meaty sausages, thick cut bacon and if you're lucky they'll even bring them to you by the water while you're marshalling.

Marvellous!

Lou

[LisaR]

Last time I was as at Eccy Delph they had guide ropes & sign posters to all the "features", no need for navigation. The only time you knew where the bottom was, was when it hit you in the face. It must have improved since then.

[pieater]

Well, I went full of trepidation a couple of months ago with a few local-ishYD'ers; having been filled with dire predictions of crap vis through various people.

I actually found it to be a thoroughly pleasant experience. We went mid-week at the start of the season and found vis to be 6-8M. One of the party did have a slight "issue" at one stage and the vis went completely when body parts touched the deck, so I can see how it might be less than ideal at weekends.

If you're going when it's quiet - it'll be fine.

TaDa

Martin

[paberley]

I've spent two days training for my ocean diver at the Delph. (last weekend and also a day in May) I think the place is great for novices. Easy access into the water, appears very safe, I've not experienced any really bad viz except when I've stirred it up myself . I'm a nervous diver and have loved training there. Also never been really busy, and you dont have to kart your gear for miles.
Go and support them instead of Stoney who seem to get all the business. I've not been to Stoney, but by the sounds of it, this place seems better in many ways. Really relaxed atmosphere and great bacon butties tooooooo.