It’s a beautiful destination for open water swimming, scuba diving, and paddleboarding
A stunning UK lake with crystal-clear water is a hidden gem for swimming and watersports. Nestled on the outskirts of Gloucestershire, the former quarry is renowned for its limestone-filtered lake.
The Lake, situated at the former Cromhall Quarry in Wotton-Under-Edge, offers an idyllic setting for open water swimming, scuba diving, and paddle boarding. With underwater wreckages to explore and the opportunity for night-time swims, it’s a haven for aquatic enthusiasts of all levels.
Managed by the South West Maritime Academy, The Lake also serves as the perfect training ground for those wanting to learn how to scuba dive, offering open water courses, rescue training, and specialised diving sessions.
The South West Maritime Academy provides training courses in maritime safety, medical training, fire training, maritime leisure training, and renewables safety training, using its state-of-the-art facilities around the quarry to deliver a range of maritime safety courses throughout the week. The Cromhall Dive Centre, which had been operating at the quarry since 2006, shut down in 2020 during the UK lockdown.
But in July 2020, the South West Maritime Academy expanded its lease to include the body of water, allowing it to welcome back swimmers and divers, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Paul Breen, Outdoor Activities Manager at The Lake, said: “Here at The Lake, we’re incredibly proud to offer a truly unique and exceptional experience for water enthusiasts of all levels. Our crystal-clear waters surrounded by the dramatic landscape of Cromhall Quarry provide the perfect backdrop for our activities.”
He added: “Whether you’re a seasoned open water swimmer seeking a challenging workout, a beginner taking your first dip, a scuba diver exploring our diverse underwater attractions, or a paddleboarder enjoying a peaceful glide across the lake, we have something for everyone.
“Above all, we’re committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors, with a range of facilities, expert classes and instructors, and convenient services like our on-site shop and food truck – we guarantee you’ll leave feeling refreshed and invigorated.”
The Lake promises its guests an on-site food truck for any post-swim hunger. Those wanting light snack or comforting meal won’t be disappointed with the food truck’s selection of hot and cold treats.
To drink there is either a piping hot brew or a chilled beverage. Sweet tooths are catered for with cakes, flapjacks, and chocolate bars, while those after something more savoury can indulge in crispy bacon rolls, soup with a roll, classic toasties, and the new fish finger sandwich, a great way to refuel after an exhilarating swim or dive session.
The Lake even boasts a fully-stocked shop for a top-notch swimming experience and caters to divers as well thanks to their IDEST-certified Technical Services Department that provides exhaustive care for diving gear such as cylinders, regulators, BCDs, and dry suits, not to mention the various gas fills including air, oxygen, nitrox, and mixed gases.
Each swimming session lasts for two hours and is priced at £6. During the winter, we offer two sessions on Tuesdays and three sessions on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm.
As the days lengthen in spring and summer, there is an extra weekday session on Thursdays, and the sessions run later into the evening. The Lake also provides access to a fantastic dive site on weekends.
Diving costs just £16 per diver, with divers welcome from 8.30am and required to leave by 4.30pm. Paddleboarding can be booked online during the summer months.
Prices start from £7.50 for those bringing their own gear, up to £25.00 for our beginner coaching sessions.
