Coniston – Brown Howe

This site boasts the wreck of the “Shy Talk” a small wooden speedboat but otherwise is a fine example of typical Coniston Silt sloping down to over 20m. This is often interspersed by a scattering of Paddleboard Paddles throughout the appropriate season.

Night Dives

Due to the easy access, navigation and parking, night dives are reasonably easily conducted. A bright all round light (such as a Tilley Lamp) left by the entry point can make a useful reference for navigation to the exit. Shoals of perch are often seen patrolling the slope.

Shy Talk – Wreck

The Speedboat “Shy Talk” (Great Name, though it doesn’t look too speedy) is NE of the entry beach in about 17.5m depth (summer level).

Parking

Brown Howe has very convenient parking and has a toilet block.  Post code LA12 8DW, accessed off the A5084.  The Car Park is operated by the National Parks and parking charges are payable at a parking meter by cash or card.  Further information 

Dive site access

The access to the water edge is down an easy path leading to a shingle beach and the water.  Fins can be put on at the water’s edge. Exits are possible over a long length of the shoreside with a simple walk back to the start point.

The precise dive entry point can be seen on this Google map

Facilities

Toilet block. The car park is away from the road. You will be able to safely kit up out of your car or take a bench with you. Mobile phone signal is weak but generally available the immediate area.

Diver proficiency

Suitable for all levels of qualified diver, but not great for initial training due to the soft bottom composition.

In the water

As usual in the Lakes avoid disturbing the very soft sediment if you would like any of your buddies to be able to see anything behind you.

A torch is essential at all times, as Coniston is a very dark lake.

There is boat traffic along the lake, so a DSMB should be carried to deploy if coming to the surface in anything but very shallow water.

Dive site plan

Site specific hazards

Harmful algal blooms can occur during the Summer months.  Boating and paddleboard traffic, wild swimmers and stone throwing pet owners.  Currents unlikely but possible in strong winds.  See DSMB note above.

Water Quality

Coniston Water, Brown Howe is a designated bathing water where water quality is monitored from May to September by the Environment Agency.  This area has was designated as a new bathing water for the 2024 season.  Further information and full details of this bathing water and how it is monitored is available on the Environment Agency website.

Post dive refreshments

The Red Lion Pub at Lowick Bridge
The Farmers Arms at Lowick
The Bakery at Greenodd