UKDIVING
I
expect most of SCUBA ’ s readers have missed out on at least one dive trip because of the pandemic – I ’ m one of them ! But some good came from all those lockdown hours glued to screens instead of being underwater ! For me , it all led to an expedition to remember , and some new buddies for life in the process .
Some of you may be listeners of the ‘ Fancy a Brew ?’ podcast hosted by Advanced Diver Andy Clark . Having spent hours enthusing about diving with experts the world over , Andy decided to get together a team of adventurous UK-based photographers , videographers , marine biologists ( and me ) to plan a Covid-secure , back-to-basics shore diving expedition .
The plan was to show off what Britain ’ s west coast had to offer , explore less frequently visited locations and support ocean conservation projects along the way . We would visit the west coast of Scotland , then head south to the Llyn Peninsula and Pembrokeshire coast of Wales . This was the Western Ecology Tour , also known as Expedition WET .
Highland fling
Lateral-flow tests completed , we rendezvoused at the renowned ‘ Big Green Welly Stop ’ in Crianlarich , gateway to the
Flame shell in Lochcarron
Above : Butterfish in Lochcarron
PHOTO : CHRIS RICKARD PHOTO : ROSS MCLAREN
Below : Andy Clark surfaces at Hobbs Point
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