Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 73

06 PRACTICALITIES WHEN Diving is possible all year with winter temperatures dropping to 7 degrees. Visibility drops during heavy rain and there can be seasonal plankton blooms. Warmer summers with longer days are preferable but beware of swarms of biting midges at this time! SCOTLAND SCOTTISH LOCHS GLASGOW EDINBURGH UNITED KINGDOM IRELAND ENGLAND 05 The sea temperatures are warmer than you might expect for the latitude, although diving is best done with a drysuit. Reasonably-priced campsites with various facilities are available, but there are also many opportunities to pull off the road and overnight in a lay-by for free. The key to getting the most from a campervan is to be as self-contained as possible. A complete set of dive equipment is essential. If you can manage a portable compressor and take all the food and drink you need then the open road, and unlimited low-budget diving, are just around the next corner. HOW Campervans can be hired at a number of the larger towns and cities around the UK. A bit