The last time Pete had been there was 5 years ago, so he wasn't aware that they've moved Norman Cross!! Anyway, after a pretty little drive through the wilds of Lincolnshire we eventually got there the back way (!). The weather was glorious and the water looked transparent. I'd been warned about Gildie's poor visibility at times: it used to be a brick quarry (closed down in 1945), and the silt down there is supposed to hang in the water like mustard gas. However, today it was like a crystal millpond and I couldn't wait to get wet.

It was a Friday, yet we were astonished at how quiet it was. All day there couldn't have been more than 6 other divers there, and it has to be said the setting and the facilities are on a par if not superior to Stoney Cove. There's loads of seating, inside and out, and the bar does lovely food (and served vegetarian burgers, which for us veggies is a real plus) and the staff were helpful and alert. On one occasion a diver surfaced without his buddy and the rescue RIB was out there in a flash - a case of reverse block, and the diver eventually surfaced in some discomfort. My wife came along for the ride and we brought our two dogs who were able to run around and play with Polo, the resident collie. All in all I'd rate Gildenburgh highly, both for beginnners and qualified divers.

One thing missing at Gildenburgh is a site map showing the wrecks and underwater features. My buddy Les has drawn a site map and I have translated it into this full colour effort for this site. Les is in the process of adding all the relevant compass bearings for those wishing to navigate, but all the features are marked with buoys. I'll add the bearings to this map when Les is finished. If anybody has them already (or has any corrections to make), please let me know. It'll give people an accurate point of reference, and save Les a few tank-fills!

OK, on with the dive...
 

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