HIGHLAND BRIGADE - Cornwall & Devon

The Highland Brigade is a proper dive, a deep delve into history off the coast of Cornwall. At 24m, it’s well within recreational limits, but don’t mistake that for easy. She’s a big ship, 117 metres of scattered plates and upright sections. We love the scale of it, moving from vast, open deck spaces that now just hint at their former purpose, to more sheltered areas where you can duck in and really feel the ship around you. The wreck's character comes from that gradual collapse. The bows are still a grand sight, even broken. Further back, the boilers are impressive, sitting proud of the seabed, drawing in schools of pollack and bib. There's an incredible amount of life here; conger eels are a regular sight, tucked into shadowy crevices, and lobsters wave antennae from beneath collapsing bulkheads. Visibility can be a typical Cornish mixed bag, so picking a calm day with neap tides is crucial for the best experience. We’d suggest focusing on the engine room area first, then exploring the stern section – the prop shaft is still visible, a strong reminder of the power this vessel once commanded. It’s a site for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, and who don’t mind a bit of a current to earn their exploration.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.580166, -1.090067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: Bonchurch Landslips

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to HIGHLAND BRIGADE

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HIGHLAND BRIGADE

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories