|
Small, but non the less worthwhile dive site.
Pardarn Country Park, Llanberis, Gwynedd, North Wales
Tel: 01286 870889
Introduction
There are some exciting developments happening at Vivian quarry. It is being transformed into a dedicated diving centre. Kevin Williams has originally leased the quarry and surrounding buildings from the council and is busy modernising it. He has already installed a small dive shop just at the entrance and the entry point has been build into a stepped platform, (no more struggling to get out).
Boat diving (around Anglesey), treasure hunts, barbecues and evening dives are available on request. Kevin also offers all manner of training including speciality courses (O2, PRM etc.), even Nitrox & Rebreathers.
Services
Vivian Quarry can now offer a dive shop, oxygen and first aid on site, air to 232 Bar, toilets, public phone and ample car parking (£2.00 for the day). Future plans include fish and underwater training platforms.
Safety
Vivian Quarry is borderline with regard to altitude diving, it is recommended that if the atmospheric pressure is less than 1000mb at sea level then you should use BSAC level 2 tables or equivalent. It is also recommended that when returning home, avoid any increase in altitude and head towards Bangor and the A55.
Costs
A days diving will cost you £5.00 and it is open from 10am - 5pm weekdays and 9am - 5pm weekends. Note all divers must be registered.
The Dive
After kitting up in the car park its a short and easy walk, through the tunnel to the quarry. Entry and exit is much easier now they have built this new platform.
Look around and you will see a separate spectator platform which is usually occupied by interested tourists and there is usually a few climbers clinging desperately to the cliff face. The dive itself is excellent, it is about 18m deep and the visibility is usually 10m +. There is a small blast house and a storehouse at the bottom, the latter is not very stable and entry is not recommended.
The quarry is located on a beautiful country park with a few craft shops and a slate museum. It's a lovely dive in an equally lovely setting. You will find plenty to do in your surface interval.
How to get there
Best avoid the mountains and approach Llanberis from the A55 or Bangor direction. Get on the A4086 which and follow it past the large lake on the left and past Llanberis. Take the last left turn before the end of the lake and follow the road round to the left and into the Park. [Map].
|
