The Branksome Pipes don't sound that exciting, but it's also the entry route to the small Branksome Reef that runs parallel to the shore.
The disused outfall pipes are a gentle 100m walk from the Car Park, so far easier than Chesil. Once in the water, it's a gentle 60m surface swim straight out, and then drop down to the pipes at a maximum depth of around 8m. There are two pipes, with a sheltered and interesting "gully" between them. Heading out on the western pipe, and returning on the eastern pipe makes it far easier to then find the rope to the small nearby reef. Leaving the reef on a bearing of 330° will bring you back to the beach.
Don't make the mistake of walking along the top of the breakwater in full kit as there is no "stride entry", you need to enter the water from the sand on either side! If the car park toilets are closed, there are alternatives, 5 minutes walk in either direction along the beach.
Depth: 8m
Location: 50°42'22.0"N+1°54'28.7"W (approx)
Access: Shore Dive
