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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth of the Highland Brigade dive site?
The Highland Brigade wreck site typically lies at a depth of 24 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for those with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck artifacts can divers expect to see on the Highland Brigade?
The Highland Brigade is a fascinating steam ship wreck, built in 1901 and sunk in 1918. Divers can expect to explore its substantial structure, including remnants of its four boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Highland Brigade wreck dive, particularly concerning visibility?
The Highland Brigade is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive. While specific visibility conditions are not provided, divers should be prepared for varying conditions typical of UK waters. Always check local dive reports before planning your dive.
When is the best time of year to dive the Highland Brigade for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a best time of year for optimal conditions at the Highland Brigade wreck. For general guidance on seasonal diving, it's advisable to consult local dive centers and weather forecasts, or visit our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Highland Brigade wreck?
Given the Highland Brigade is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 24 meters, a certification beyond Open Water, such as Advanced Open Water or a Wreck Diver specialty, is highly recommended. These certifications ensure you have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck exploration.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Highland Brigade dive site?
The provided data does not detail typical current or visibility conditions for the Highland Brigade dive site. As with any wreck dive in the Cornwall & Devon area, conditions can vary, so it's always best to consult local dive operators for up-to-date information before planning your dive.