Very photographic area but then one could argue that all the lake district is photographic. The tarn is the highlight here and children love the swans. The Mute Swans return every year and are used to being fed. They don't bit but watch you don't snatch the food away from them or they will try and have a stab at it.

Walking, cycling and photography are the main pursuits in this area.

Ambleside has the guest houses and hotels but camping is available up here if you keep an eye out for the signs.

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

At the northern end of Windermere, use your map to find the A593. Travelling along the A593 which links Ambleside (next to Windermere) and Coniston. The road heads generally west from Ambleside, then sweeps south. You actually pass Hodge Close and eventually come across this tarn.

Clickable map! >
Property of the National Trust
Warden Permission Required.
Disabled divers will find access is easy.
Ramblers and fell walkers will have a challenge up here!

In the area we explored, we found this lake close to being devoid of life. No fish were seen although some interesting signs of life in the form of minute sponges? and small crustacea on small areas of lakebed.

Depends on your attitude to shallow water, but this does offer a taste of high altitude diving and the chance to watch those swans and ducks paddle at a furious rate! Just a good bit of fun and a laugh.

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

Tarn Altitude at 179 metres (739 feet)

Divers should avoid the following roads: north of Buttermere, signposted for "Keswick" between Buttermere and Crummock due to altitude of this route after a dive. Also, do not use the B5289 south, 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 is the lesser of two evils if you are desperate, however at 1249 feet above sea level, this too will place you at high risk of triggering a DCS.

Torches: Only if on a night dive which would make for a more interesting dive at this site!!

Thermoclines: None observed.

If new to freshwater diving: then this will make a nice second dive and you can brag you done an altitude dive too.

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

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

Visibility: 4 + metres.

Temperature range is 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Visibility: improves to 6 + metres.

Temperature range is 3 - 5 degrees above zero.

Mobile phones do work in the dive area.

Public phones: no sign of any in the area.

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

Nearest toilet: at Ambleside or Coniston villages. None up here.

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

No powered boats (RIBs etc) allowed on lake.

Warden is: not known at this time.

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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