Following on from Grasmere comes Rydal water. The river that links these two waters together is another dive site that is discussed on this web site under the Rivers section.

Walkers will find easy walks to enjoy in this area (between Grasmere and Rydal) which does tend to be boggy in places after rain, so good boots are the order of the day here. A slate quarry above Rydal water has a fantastic cave and deep water area (compared to other holes!) that is Scuba divable though small at 200 X 40 feet. (see Media Photo b) Fantastic place in summer time for kids to play but keep an eye because water here is deep and very cold though that doesn't stop anyone going for a normal swim. The ice cream van is here almost all year round. As for Rydal Water itself, there is little for anyone to do here except watch the water and feed the ducks. Deer often come down for a forage during the evening after 8pm.

My old (ice cream) friend Mark Peruzza appears to have retired (2004). Update - He's back with my favourite ice cream (July 2005).

Plenty of accommodation can be found in Glenridding or Ambleside dependant on which side of this mountain you came along.

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

The A591 is a great road with lots of lakes and a tarn which are all accessed from it. From the south driving north you have the mighty Windermere, then this lake Rydal water, followed quickly by Grasmere and then Grisedale tarn. Thirlmere next and then Derwent water. Rydal water is a pain when trying to park here.

Yes there are fish as will be testified by the anglers who hog the parking which is why I have never been able to get in on this site!

Nothing striking in the lake other than funning around an island (see Photo Media a) if that can be classed as exciting. If ice has covered this lake in winter and it rarely does, then this would make it more appealing.

No Permission is required. However - the opposite half of this lake is under National Trust regulations.

Rydal Altitude has an altitude of just 64 metres. Maximum depth is sadly less than 10 metres.

Torches: None required. Although she is dim on the bottom.

Thermoclines: non observed.

If new to freshwater diving: just give this one a miss. It's not in my opinion that attractive from above and is equally so below the waves. Probably the ugly duckling of all the lakes.

Kendal + Lakes: branch is based at Kendal Leisure Centre.
Furness Sub Aqua: branch is based at Barrow in Furness.

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

Visibility: 2 metres

Temperature range - no data available.

Visibility: 4 metres.

Temperature range - no data available.

Mobile phones do work in the dive area. Do test your mobile for signal strength. You may be unlucky with your service provider.

Public phones: nearest at Grasmere or Windermere.

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

Nearest toilet: In the Rydal water car park on the lakeside, side of the road (near opposite the ice cream van) with full disabled access (thanks for that info Sean). As for the public phones Grasmere or Windermere town centres.

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