Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom
    Hoy and West Mainland

    Wreck of Urmstone Grange

    Good diving all year

    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) - Wreck of Urmstone Grange offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA drysuit
    Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded
    Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Dropping onto the Urmstone Grange, you immediately feel the scale. This isn't some scattered debris; it's a solid, industrial wreck. We love how intact the stern section feels, almost like she just settled there yesterday, rather than nearly a century ago. The holds are our favourite part to explore, especially when the light is good enough to pick out the details of the internal structures. Look for the massive prop, too, often shrouded in dabs and tiny crabs. The wreck itself has a moody, atmospheric character. It's colder here, darker than most diving, but that's part of its charm. Visibility, typically 5-10 metres, lends an eerie feel. You’ll often spot massive plumose anemones carpeting the deeper sections, their white frills swaying gently. We’ve seen conger eels poking out from shadowy corners and schools of saithe darting through the superstructure. It suits divers who appreciate history, enjoy penetrations, and don't mind a bit of chill for a unique experience. Come prepared for cold water, even in summer, and bring a good torch; you’ll want it for peering into those deeper holds.

    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.

    Today06:4117:2110h 40m daylightGolden hour 16:25

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Urmstone Grange

    Wreck of Urmstone Grange Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Wreck of Urmstone Grange, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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