Howdy folks, its good to be back!! After a few years of self-exile, I'm officially out and about. So, I thought rather than report on one of the many local locations in my neck of the woods, why not visit a site out of town. Knowing I would soon be travelling to the Surrey area, this awarded me with the perfect opportunity to return to Coulsdon Deep Shelter. My initial visit, some years ago, was a result of an old mate and his pals driving us to a few popular spots. Coulsdon was the last on the list, by which point it was silly o'clock, my enthusiasm had faded somewhat and I just wanted to get home. Since then, it had always been in the back of my mind to return to this place and now I had that opportunity. Setting off early to avoid most of the heavy traffic I arrived in the area nice and early. Parking in the same spot my mate had a few years ago, I took the short walk to this location. As with all my explores, and predominantly being a solo explorer, I had already checked the usual maps of the area so as not to walk into any unexpected and unpleasant surprises. Now's the point that I shall reframe from explaining exact entry points, etc., as its never been my way to provide exact locations or provide pins, etc. Ultimately with a bit of basic checking on the internet, this location is fairly easy to find, so "have at it"!
History:
Coulsdon shelter was completed by October 1941 with a capacity of 720 persons. Originally the capacity was planned to be 1,500 but the length of the tunnels was reduced once softer chalk was encountered. The shelters were used post-war as a garage and workshop. If you do a little bit of digging, there are photo's showing folks working here. From reviewing previous posts, other more informed explorers have provided a far more comprehensive summary of the history so if you would more details on the place, please feel free to pop along and appreciate their post too.
The Explore:
Being predominantly a solo explore I always do my homework, mainly for my own safety more than anything else. I could find no latest intelligence to suggest whether this place was still accessible or not! This was going to the first of two locations I would hit, whilst on my way further into Surrey. I felt that if this place was open then it would set a good omen for the rest of the day. The way in couldn't have been more obvious, which made me laugh when hearing of other explorers who couldn't find it! Sadly most explorers trample through wooded areas, which leave a very obvious path and this was clearly the case here. Hopping along like an over excited gazelle, I quickly found the entry point and it was open wider than I remember. Before going in, I did my usual quick check to see if any local turds were lurking about, a shine of my Olight Marauder Mini on high beam into the entry point to scar off any bats, and I was in. As you crawl in, as with all explores, it soon opens out and you can stand freely. Still mindful the bat that flew at my face those many years ago, wasn't present, I proceeded further inside. First ten minutes were spent conducting a full recce of the location to ensure I had the place to myself, and bingo it was all mine! I was instantly thankful and pleased with myself for returning as the 10 minutes spent here upon my first visit had clearly a bad decision. Note to self, with future multiple explores in a single day, take some bloody coffer or redbull! After a few awful photos with my mobile phone, it was time to get to work with my Nikon D5500 and a fisheye lens. After approx. 1 hour, I got out my new toy - the Hoverair X1. Reviews stated it wouldn't fly in the dark or underground, which turned out to be utter dog shi# as it worked a treat. Realising after 2-3 hours I was now just going round in circles it was time to move onto my second location. A report on my second location will follow in due course - Deep Dene! I have attached a few photos from both my mobile and D5500 which I hope provides an update on the current state of the place. Loads of A-hole graffiti I'm afraid but I guess with this great hobby growing vastly over the past few years, it also opens up these sites to such dipshi# minded individuals.
Stay safe folks, see you out there.
I can also be found on Instagram, you lucky people. Urban Ginger Hog signing off!!!
History:
Coulsdon shelter was completed by October 1941 with a capacity of 720 persons. Originally the capacity was planned to be 1,500 but the length of the tunnels was reduced once softer chalk was encountered. The shelters were used post-war as a garage and workshop. If you do a little bit of digging, there are photo's showing folks working here. From reviewing previous posts, other more informed explorers have provided a far more comprehensive summary of the history so if you would more details on the place, please feel free to pop along and appreciate their post too.
The Explore:
Being predominantly a solo explore I always do my homework, mainly for my own safety more than anything else. I could find no latest intelligence to suggest whether this place was still accessible or not! This was going to the first of two locations I would hit, whilst on my way further into Surrey. I felt that if this place was open then it would set a good omen for the rest of the day. The way in couldn't have been more obvious, which made me laugh when hearing of other explorers who couldn't find it! Sadly most explorers trample through wooded areas, which leave a very obvious path and this was clearly the case here. Hopping along like an over excited gazelle, I quickly found the entry point and it was open wider than I remember. Before going in, I did my usual quick check to see if any local turds were lurking about, a shine of my Olight Marauder Mini on high beam into the entry point to scar off any bats, and I was in. As you crawl in, as with all explores, it soon opens out and you can stand freely. Still mindful the bat that flew at my face those many years ago, wasn't present, I proceeded further inside. First ten minutes were spent conducting a full recce of the location to ensure I had the place to myself, and bingo it was all mine! I was instantly thankful and pleased with myself for returning as the 10 minutes spent here upon my first visit had clearly a bad decision. Note to self, with future multiple explores in a single day, take some bloody coffer or redbull! After a few awful photos with my mobile phone, it was time to get to work with my Nikon D5500 and a fisheye lens. After approx. 1 hour, I got out my new toy - the Hoverair X1. Reviews stated it wouldn't fly in the dark or underground, which turned out to be utter dog shi# as it worked a treat. Realising after 2-3 hours I was now just going round in circles it was time to move onto my second location. A report on my second location will follow in due course - Deep Dene! I have attached a few photos from both my mobile and D5500 which I hope provides an update on the current state of the place. Loads of A-hole graffiti I'm afraid but I guess with this great hobby growing vastly over the past few years, it also opens up these sites to such dipshi# minded individuals.
Stay safe folks, see you out there.
I can also be found on Instagram, you lucky people. Urban Ginger Hog signing off!!!
