TORBET ON THE TUBE
Andy prepares for a snorkel under Holne Bridge on the Dart
Under the Bridge
He ’ s no troll , but Andy Torbet does have a predilection for hanging out under bridges , as long as he ’ s equipped with snorkel , mask and fins
Bridges – they ’ ve been around for an estimated 3,000 years , defined as a terrestrial-based construction to cross a river by foot , animal or vehicles , without getting wet . However , avoiding contact with the water is rather missing the point for a snorkel excursion , so bridges would seem to be a strange subject for a column on snorkelling . However , choose the right bridge , above the optimum stretch of the right river
64 and you can discover some unique surface and submerged landscapes . And to make my point and whet , or wet , your appetite , here are a few of my favourites in the UK .
Bridge of Orchy , River Orchy , Highlands
This has to be my top bridge-snorkel spot . Consider conditions carefully , though : heavy rain in the mountains can make the visibility poor and the flow strong . However , in the summer months when I ’ ve visited – and I ’ ve done so several times – it ’ s been whisky-clear ( like gin-clear but with a golden tint ). Up to six metres deep in places with little flow , and with incredible , large scale rock formations , car size boulders and slabs where big salmon can be spotted gliding along the riverbed .