LOWMOUNT - Cornwall & Devon

The Lowmount, a steamship sunk by a mine in 1917, is one of our absolute favourite wrecks in this corner of the UK. Lying at just 11 metres, she’s a genuinely accessible piece of history, feeling more like an archaeological site than just a dive. You won’t find pristine structures here. Instead, it’s a lovely jumble of plates, beams, and the distinct, hulking forms of her two boilers. That’s where we spend most of our time, exploring the nooks and crannies that have formed over the decades. The light down there, especially on a sunny day, filters through the water and plays across the rusted metal, giving everything a kind of muted glow. We’ve found conger eels tucked into gaps, their heads peeking out, and there are always plenty of crabs scuttling over the wreckage. For us, it’s the sense of scale and the sheer amount of colonisation that makes it special. This isn't a wreck you just swim over; you can actually get in amongst it, tracing the outline of her 86-metre length. It suits anyone keen on wreck diving without the depth, offering plenty to explore in an unhurried way.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.663166, -0.840133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 LOWMOUNT

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 LOWMOUNT

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 range for diving at the LOWMOUNT dive site?
The LOWMOUNT dive site offers a typical depth of 11 meters, making it a relatively shallow wreck dive. This depth is suitable for many divers looking to explore a historical steamship. You can find more details about this site at LOWMOUNT.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at LOWMOUNT?
The primary underwater topography at LOWMOUNT is the impressive 86m x 11.6m steamship wreck itself, which sank in 1917. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting various local species. For general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the LOWMOUNT dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The LOWMOUNT dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, and it is also noted as a dangerous wreck. This means it is not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience to safely explore this historical site in Cornwall & Devon.
What is the optimal season or time of year to dive at LOWMOUNT for the best conditions?
The provided data does not specify the optimal season or time of year for diving at LOWMOUNT for the best conditions. We recommend consulting general resources for when to dive in the United Kingdom to understand typical seasonal conditions.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at LOWMOUNT?
Given that LOWMOUNT is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive and a dangerous wreck, specific certifications beyond basic open water are highly recommended. Divers should ideally hold advanced certifications or specialized wreck diving training to safely navigate and explore this historical steamship. For more on dive training and equipment, please visit our resources.
What are the prevailing currents and general water conditions (e.g., visibility, temperature) at the LOWMOUNT dive site?
The provided data for the LOWMOUNT dive site does not include information regarding prevailing currents, visibility, or water temperature. Divers planning a trip to LOWMOUNT should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions.