Another trip to St Abbs organised by Graham Brookes.
This year 5 divers set off on the long journey north to St Abbs and the much anticipated
St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve. This site has many spectacular dives (including Cathedral Rock as featured in the BBC’s “Coast” programmes) and large numbers of marine life.
Accommodation was at either the
Rhovannion B&B as used last year or camping at
Crosslaw Caravan Park. This proved to be a clean, spacious and quiet site with a very pleasant woodland walk on the way to the pub.
A couple of early arrivals set of for a coastal walk north from Coldingham beach on Friday afternoon.
Diving was booked with
Dive St Abbs from MV Topline skippered by Paul Crow.
The first dive on Saturday was at Petticowick, just around the St Abbs headland from the harbour. A particular highlight was that this was John Branston’s first sea dive, accompanied by Graham. Lots of large Sunstars spotted, as well as a lobster sheltering in the rocks. After a break back on shore we dived at Black Carrs. Again lots of wildlife, particularly the carpets of Brittlestars, clinging together for mutual support in the current. It was noticeable that there was quite a swell as we exited the water after this dive.
We had planned a shore dive to Cathedral Rock as the third dive of the day, but unfortunately the writing was literally on the wall. The harbourmaster had placed a sign stopping access to the harbour walls due to unsafe conditions.
Next day we assembled at the harbour but the conditions did not look promising. Paul Crow advised that conditions were unsuitable and were forecast to be worse next day. There were no shore diving sites offering shelter from the wind. The shipping forecast quoted onshore winds, force 5 – 6, occasionally 7.
So it was time for plans A, B and C. John and family set off for home, Phil and Alison visited Edinburgh and Graham and Jeff did a longer walk in the St Abbs Head area. Spectacular views were everywhere, and we may have spotted an interesting dive site for the next visit.
