URMSTONE GRANGE
Protected Area
Hoy and West Mainland
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - URMSTONE GRANGE offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
Urmstone Grange isn't a deep dive, sitting at a comfortable 6 metres, but don't let the shallowness fool you. This blockship, deliberately sunk in 1914, offers a surprisingly engaging rummage through history. We love that you can spend ages here, tracing the length of the 103-metre hull, now largely broken up but still forming distinct sections of twisted metal and plating. Visibility can be variable, it is Scapa Flow after all, but on a good day, the light penetrates beautifully, illuminating the dense kelp forests that have taken root. It’s an ideal site for macro enthusiasts or those newer to wreck diving, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. Look for the shy velvet crabs tucked into crevices and the vibrant nudibranchs grazing on the kelp fronds. Our favourite approach is a slow drift along its length, letting the gentle current guide you over the scattered remains.
Typical URMSTONE GRANGE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for URMSTONE GRANGE
URMSTONE GRANGE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for URMSTONE GRANGE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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