Wreck of Solide - Northumberland & Northeast

Northumberland diving often means a date with history, and the *Solide* is no exception. We love this site because it’s a proper wreck dive, not just a pile of scattered debris. She was a French privateer, sunk in 1797 after a scrap with the HMS *Venerable*, and you can absolutely feel that drama as you descend. The *Solide* sits upright, which is always a bonus, and her wooden timbers are remarkably preserved in the cool North Sea water. You’ll weave through ribs and broken deck beams, spotting ancient cannonball racks and the occasional musket ball if you’ve got a keen eye and good light. This isn’t a colourful reef, but the wreck itself is home to an impressive number of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like ghostly flowers. Look closer, and you'll find the usual suspects: inquisitive wrasse darting between the timbers, and if you’re lucky, a grumpy-looking conger eel peering from a dark recess. We've found the visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, especially with a flood tide, though it's never going to be Red Sea clear. Best suited for experienced cold-water divers comfortable with low visibility and potential current.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.816048, -4.956004

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren