From M6 Penrith junction, pick up the A66 for Keswick. follow this around Keswick and onto Bassenthwaite lake. The main dive sites nos 2 and 3 will be seen and passed as you head for the B5291. Note that some car park lay-by's may not be marked on your OS map!

Take the B5291 passing the Bassenthwaite Boating Club and then over the Ouse bridge, noting the car parking sites offering 2 access points to the west shore, coming up to the Ouse bridge (sharp turn right here) and you are on the northern shore line. Watch for the lay-by on the right and you are here.

Good views of the lake and for picnics. You can park up on either side of the bridge (where the lay-by's are, and access to the lake for a shore dive.

You will find the Bassenthwaite Boating Club just around the corner from the bridge, on the western shore side.

Maximum depth in this lake is at 22 metres but not here. It is also a popular place for those boat fishing for Pike or Perch, so watch for any fishing tackle on the bottom. Depth will be just 6 metres at best with some current from the river Derwent.

For your information only: Entering from the North shore. An interesting dive heading west/southwest across this shallow lake bed with the river 'Derwent' current gently pushing you down the lake. Compensate for this current and you will surface by the beach on the opposite shore. Dependant on the current strength; if you don't compensate you'll be heading due south and into the middle. Don't worry about depth because you won't ever hit 10 metres even at warp speeds!!

Autumn and Winter would offer the best visibility, but rain run-off from the river Derwent may cause viz problems during the winter season. During the Summer season, the river keeps this section of the lake quite clear at 4 metres viz plus.

At this site: Be aware of any current pushing you down and into the centre of this lake - its not a problem but it could become exhausting trying to get back up to your entry point due to working against the current.

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