Dorothea Quarry 2009

Dorothea slate quarry is the deepest artificial excavation in Britain. If Blackpool Tower were placed in the quarry then only the top quarter would be visible. The roads which once led down the quarry walls provide excellent levels for divers, who are also attracted by the clear underwater visibility.

Dorothea abandoned in 1956 has now reverted to nature; rabbits scamper where of slates were split and buzzard wheel overhead on thermals caused by piles of discarded slate.

Nine divers from Rossendale Sub Aqua Club dived a variety of sites last Saturday. These included a dive through one of the road tunnels that now lie 22m underwater.

The bubbles from previous divers have collect along the rough-hewn tunnel roof and provide a mirror like surface as dive swim through.

Safety and planning before the dive, then carefully following the dive plan are essential when diving this extremely deep site. Before entering the water the club carried out a risk assessment and planned the dive route using underwater maps of the area. For several trainees the dive allowed them the chance to develop underwater navigation skills covered in recent Club Diver lectures.

Dorothea Quarryn

Charles and Ilona

Dorothea Quarry