Wastwater – The Pinnacles

Location

The Pinnacles
Wastwater
Cumbria

Next Event

Wastwater, The Pinnacles - 14/04/2024 - All Day
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A fresh water wall, or shallower dive in the Lake District’s deepest lake with options regarding entry point and depth.

Parking
Pinnacles.  Car parking and entry point
Lunesdale Divers tend to use one of two car parking areas, both near to each other.  Your Dive Manager will advise you which one to aim for on the day.

The first is good if you’re happy with a shallower dive as you’ll have a longish swim at about 6 metres depth before you reach the wall and drop off to the deeper section at The Pinnacles.  The second is recommended if you’re planning a deeper dive as the entry point is nearer to the wall and drop off.

You’ll need to drive up the narrow road on the north west side of the lake (the post code of the Wasdale Head Hotel, CA20 1EX at the top end of the lake will get you onto the right road, but if you get there, then you’ve gone way too far!).  On your way, pass through Santon Bridge.  Just before you reach the lake on your right, look out for the Wasdale Hall Youth Hostel sign.  About 3/4 mile after that, you’ll come to a junction with a little lane that comes in from the left (signposted to Gosforth).  About 50 metres after the junction there is a small car parking area on the left with room for about 10 cars.  This is the first car parking area.  If you’re aiming for the second car parking area, then continue along the road for about another 200 metres, going slightly uphill, around a bend to the right, then downhill.  When the road levels out, the second car parking area is on the right hand side.  It’s no more than a very small area of gravel and a flat grassy area, with a bit of a drop down off the road.  There’s room for about 3 or 4 cars only.  A couple more might squeeze in on the grass at the side or the road, just before there.

Facilities

No facilities. You will need to be able to kit up out of your car or take a bench with you.  Take food and hot drinks.

Mobile phone coverage is sketchy to non-existent.

Dive Site Access

Just down the bank from whichever car parking area you are at.

Diver Proficiency

Suitable for all levels of qualified diver, choosing an appropriate depth relevant to qualification and experience.

Special Kit or Equipment

Although the water in Wastwater is usually much clearer than other lakes, a good torch and a back up are essential if planning a deeper dive, and recommended for shallower dives too.

The water in Wastwater is often colder than other lakes, so take this into account when planning how much insulation you need.  Take plenty of spare warm clothes to put on after the dive or between dives.

In the Water
Pinnacles. Entry point
A number of different dives/depths are possible from around 6m to 70m.  Have a discussion with your Dive Manager on the day regarding what is appropriate for you and your buddy.

Site Specific Hazards

Care should be taken when walking down the grassy bank to the entry point and on the pebbly/stony beach as you enter the water.

No powered craft are permitted on Wastwater, but it’s possible you could encounter swimmers, rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.

Dive Site Map

Wastwater Pinnacles Dive Site. Map produced by Rob Whittaker
Wastwater Pinnacles Dive Site, Map produced by Rob Whittaker

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