Cromall Quarry

[AMW]

I spent a couple of hours at Cromhall quarry today, a nice site we dived from the "beach area" a nice ramp into the deeper water . You can park within a few meters of the water. The other area you can dive from are the pontoons straight down to 14M. After wading in we dropped down to a gradually descending bottom and down to 15M. We then did some line laying practise amongst large boulders in good visibility.Even after disturbing the bottom is settled out very quickly. All in all a good place to practise and check out gear.









Andrew.

[DIVE BUDDHA]

this looks very intresting and is the first time ive ever heard of this quarry !! can you tell me where exactly it is ?

[AMW]

A bit far for you ?

Cromhall is in Gloucestershire.

Andrew.

[DIVE BUDDHA]

erm yep it is mate but nice all the same !!!! and good pics too

[Chardy]

Is Mike working there??

Thanks

[AMW]

Is Mike working there??

Yes as well (I think) another person from over the river

Andrew

[AMW]

A photo showing car to water distance


No compressor or shop at the site they do have a toilet. The lack of shop and air do not make much difference to me I have my own compressor and live near by. Even if I did not it would not be a problem as the water is the important thing so take a drink and food

Andrew.

[Rich Dolby]

Greetings,

'yippeediver' - Directions for Cromhall Quarry (NGR ST 705918) :-

Junction 14, M5 (1 mile south of Michael Wood Services, Junction 14 is the first junction 2 miles North of the M4/M5 interchange)

Turn East onto the B4509, heading toward Wotton-under-Edge/Yate, etc.. Travel approx. 1 mile before reaching a T-junction. Turn right, stay on this road for approx. 600 yards - the road drops down a shallow incline. At the bottom of this incline on the right is a group of buildings - this is the entrance (you're about 7 min's off the M5 by now).

Turn right into the coach station - Westward Travel, follow A4-sized signs depicting yellow standard-dress 8-bolt hard hat, accross coach yard and through the adjacent transport dept. The road will quickly lead you into the quarry itself.

It's a tenner to get in, we have a compressor but its not on-line - yet. At the moment we're only open weekends 9-00a.m. - 5-00p.m., but the way the numbers are building (despite zero advertising) it's only a matter of time (short) before the centre goes 'live' full-time week days to.

At the moment vis is around 10m at any depth. Water temp around 12-14 Deg. C. The 'silt' bottom is actually stone dust, so this settles out very quickly. It's very much a site run 'by divers - for divers' ... everyone who works there is advanced-trimix qualified minimum.... with a few bits added on - CCR, wreck, cave, etc...

It's an ideal site for training at all levels, o.k., we don't have extreme depth, but as most will agree, in the majority of training situations extreme depth/drop-offs merely complicate the instructors risk assessment, and make a 'lost diver' scenario a potential night-mare!

Chardy , Mike - ex of NDC, & myself are working there. The boss is an Inspiration diver - so we're all speaking the same language as it were - nice change!!

Any divers are welcome to call in during the weekends, for now bring you're own gas, but I'm sure that'll change soon. Incidently, 400 yards down the road is the Royal Oak (01454 260 365), nice garden and the food is reasonably priced and of outstanding quality, in the bar is a glass-covered Well (50ft+ deep) dived a few years ago by none other than Martyn Farr - so it's almost a 'divers pub' right on the doorstep.

Cheers for now,


Rich D.

p.s. AMW, how's my Draeger getting on? starting to wish I hadn't sold the bloody thing!!

p.p.s Divers can park right by the waters edge - get in or out whenever you want.... no need to wait for 'transport'....

[AMW]

p.s. AMW, how's my Draeger getting on? starting to wish I hadn't sold the bloody thing!!

Colin is lovingly looking after it although it now has extra bits (KISS valve etc) to make it mCCR in fact he is taking it on holiday next week to try it with a bit of cave diving in the Doubs.Just to keep it company I am taking my RB as well

I still have the Avon guides for you to look at I live about 10Km from the quarry.

I hope to get along for another dive after we get back (three weeks ish).

Andrew.

[Rich Dolby]

Cheers Andy, would like a chance to look over the Avon Gorge info that you have. I'm at Cromhall any weekend so drop in for tea/coffee etc... I was diving with MF last week and know he's heading into France this week - he now has a KISS CCR - progress!!

Regards,



Rich D.