A very picturesque area with a public footpath leading away from the lake and up into the mountain which leads to excellent views of the lake higher up.

There are three places to park on Crummock Water. In the main car park which has room for 8 vehicles, also in the small lay-by seen in the centre photo above where the road rises up and around on the lakeward side. There is also a small beach of shingle making it a popular picnic spot. The third is a lay-by at the lakes Southern end.

There are walks available for ramblers and fell walkers. Superb views available from up and above the main car park. Those into Wordsworth will also find they can step back in time at Wordsworth house in nearby Cockermouth.

A guest house and Hotel can be found at Buttermere village. Near by at Crummock water there is also a village called Low Lorton where the pub owners have a good caravan and camping site.

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.

If you are coming in from the M6 Penrith J40 and heading for Keswick - this is the shortest route but you are suggestively advised not to return this way because of altitude - follow the A66 but don't come off at the Keswick signs as we need to by-pass Keswick. On your left side is the turn off for the B5292 : Winlatter forest / Lorton sign. Come off here. Within minutes you are now going to turn to the left along the unclassified road for Buttermere and Newlands Hause at 333 metres above sea level. Near the end of this route as you descend towards the lakes there is a parking place on your left where you can take some superb shots of the view and catch a glimpse of Crummock water from this height. Arriving at the bottom of the descent you are turning right and straight onto Crummock water.

Clickable map! >
Property of the National Trust
Warden Permission Not Required.
Disabled divers will find access is not difficult.
Ramblers and fell walkers will have a wonderful day!

The trout, eels, perch and minnow can be chanced upon during the day. They are often seen lying against the rock faces in almost vertical positions. Night time is also very good at this site due to it's relatively clear water allowing our dive torches good penetration and giving exciting eerie effects similar to that in the film "The Abyss" due to the fine particulate present in the water. That's Algae to everyone else! but is also given another less eloquent name by some of us :-)

Is diving the superb vertical rock faces with their milky quartz patterns.

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

Warden is: Mark Astley. Tel: (01900) 85267

Disabled divers may find this site a little challenge in the shallows. Boulder strewn shallows shelf. Access is available. See site pages for details.

This area is an SSSI site. Take only pictures leave only bubbles! No guide lines are to be laid, no touching of rock faces or bottom is requested.
This site is about to become a European Designated Conservation Site. We local divers are waiting to hear what that may mean to us!

Lake Altitude at at 375 feet (99 metres). Care should be taken regarding routes leading away from this dive site. Maximum depth for this lake is 43 metres on the far side opposite Hause Point.

Divers should avoid the following roads: signposted for "Keswick" between Buttermere and Crummock. Due to altitude of this route after a dive. Also, do not use the B5289 past Buttermere. This route takes you up over Honister Pass at over 1335 feet above sea level. If you need to head for Keswick the best route is head for Cockermouth. The road signposted for Keswick between Buttermere and Crummock is the lesser of two evils if you are desperate, however, this takes you to 1249 feet - placing you at risk of DCS.

Torches: Very dark from 25 metres on.

Thermoclines: can occur during the early to mid summer period. They never appear to be unduly strong in this lake.

If new to freshwater diving: this is an ideal introduction to the lakes with decent visibility and easy access by the shingle beach onto an extended area of stone lakebed before entering onto the silt bed.

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: 10 + metres.

Temperature range is 11 to 12 degrees Celsius.

Visibility: improves to 20 + metres.

Temperature range is 3 - 4 degrees above zero.

Mobile phones do not work in the dive area. However, by the large car park there can be seen a small path leading up and facing the lake. At a height of about 60 to 70 metres your mobile phone will begin to receive a good signal.

Public phones: Are in the villages & pubs nearby.

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

Nearest toilet: pub in Lorton. or at Buttermere village in pub.

For Angling or Canoeing contact relevant agency - see links page for non divers.

No powered boats (RIBs etc.) allowed on lake.

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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