UKDIVING
The Light Fantastic
Simon Rogerson enjoys some classic shore dives along the Dorset coast , focussing on the photographer ’ s preoccupation with light in the sea
I
live in the Thames Valley and my nearest decent dive sites are mostly to be found along the Dorset coast . If the weather looks settled , I prefer to book a hotel and enjoy leisurely evenings rather than hopping up and down the M3 . I had the opportunity last year to stay in a newly refurbished hotel in Weymouth , The Gresham , which was helping to promote an arts festival in the town . I used the town as my base for exploring the area and indulging my fondness for shore dives .
Now we ’ re stalking
Kimmeridge is one of those places that has managed to slip under the radar of today ’ s depth-seeking divers , only to be adopted by underwater photographers . It ’ s a beautiful drive down to this idyllic spot , even with the knowledge that the western half of the bay is off limits thanks to longstanding military use as part of the Lulworth Ranges .
My buddy and I arrived to be greeted by Paul and Allison Pettit , both talented photographers and members of the Isle of Purbeck SAC . “ I ’ ve never seen it like that
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Kimmeridge Bay ’ s entry points