This water is renowned for its big trout. There is also a large expanse of "Alba?" water Lilies in the southwest area of this lake, and a large reed forest along the southern shore.
It is also an SSSI site - Recreational Divers not allowed - sorry!

A great place for those who enjoy long walks up mountains and dropping into a friendly "local" Inn for refreshments.

For non diving family members, a last bastion of civilisation comes in the form of the Brotherswater Inn, or they can take a trek up the mountains or go up Kirkstone Pass itself where another pub awaits.

Patterdale village offers accommodation in the form of the Patteredale hotel, but there are many places along Ullswater from Hotels, to camping.

For more details use one of the links here. Simply enter the name of this lake, village or town into the web site search window that appears. Hotels and Guest Houses Youth Hostels for Families etc.

From Penrith, follow the A592 for Ullswater. Head south along the A592 and onto Ullswater. Stay on this road until you are passing along the lake and through Patterdale village - shortly after, you will come across the Brotherswater sign.

The lake can be seen clearly on your right before hitting Kirkstone Pass. There is a viewing stop at the summit, where rugged breathtaking beauty abounds all around you. Divers who are allowed to dive, should visit this spot PRIOR to diving Brotherswater - once you dive you can't go up to the top of this high mountain pass.

Clickable map! >
Property ownership / right of ways complicated - those with special interests in this water can contact National Trust.
Warden Permission Required.
Ramblers and fell walkers will have a wonderful day!

Never dived because it is an SSSI site, but also a very shallow one, yet it is an altitude dive with relatively clear water and plenty to see if you appreciate that this is a different environment from the sea and provided also, that you have the correct credentials to dive here.

Permission should be obtained from the National Park Authority warden for this lake.

Lake Altitude at 618 feet - or - 165 metres. with a maximum depth of 6.4 metres in this lake along it's central line continuing for some distance.

Divers should avoid the following roads: No diving in Brotherswater but, when diving in Ullswater - do not use the A5091 or A592 respectively after a dive, as this route takes you to 1286 feet above sea-level. Warning: after a dive in Ullswater - you must NOT under any circumstance use the Kirkstone Pass road it has a lethal altitude of 1702 feet.

Torches: Not required. Very light and relatively clear.

Thermoclines: No information.

If new to freshwater diving: fine, but no diving allowed.

Penrith Divers: Penrith based. Air compressor at Penrith.
Solway Sub-Aqua Club: Wigton based. Air compressor at Wigton.
West Lakes Sub-Aqua: Cockermouth based club. Air compressor sited at Cockermouth.

West Cumbria: branch is based at Egremont.
Solway divers: branch is based at Whitehaven.
Kendal + Lakes: branch is based at Kendal Leisure Centre.

For more details see "Dive Clubs & Air" page.

Visibility: 4 metres but, will be variable according to rain fall, not so much by sunlight thanks to a good supply of cold mountain becks running into Brotherswater.

Visibility: 6 metres.

Temperature: no data.

Mobile phones do not work in the dive area. Do test your mobile for signal strength, you may be lucky with your service provider.

Public phones: at Brotherswater Inn

For the latest on the weather: "Scuba Weather Report"

Nearest toilet: Brotherswater Inn.

National Park Authority "Visitor centre contact listing"

NT Address:- National Trust HQ
The Hollens, Grasmere, Ambleside,
Cumbria, LA22 9SW. Tel: 015394 35599.
Or Email: enquiries(at)ntrust.org.uk

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