HMS ROSE VALLEY - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS *Rose Valley* is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks we always make time for, even if it doesn't get the same fanfare as the big battleships. It’s an old trawler, just 26 metres long, sitting upright in about 15 metres of water, usually on a silty seabed. You can often get some surprisingly good light down there, filtering through the water and giving the whole wreck a moody, atmospheric glow. What we love about the *Rose Valley* is its accessibility and the sheer volume of life that’s made it home. Shoals of saithe and pollack hang off the mast, and the hull plating is thick with soft corals, dead man's fingers, and anemones. We’ve seen conger eels poking their heads out from cracks in the engine room, and the bow section, in particular, is a great spot for crabs and lobsters. Our favourite trick is to take a moment near the stern, letting our eyes adjust to the low light, and watch the smaller fish darting in and out of the propeller shaft. It’s not a deep dive, so you get plenty of bottom time to really explore every nook and cranny. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate the quiet beauty of a smaller wreck, where history and marine life intertwine without the crowds.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.825650, -3.152400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Switha

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS ROSE VALLEY

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS ROSE VALLEY

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°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