Cosmeston Lake started life as a limestone quarry in 1920. The quarrying continued until the local cement works closed in 1966. With pumps and machinery removed, the quarry slowly flooded from run-off and natural springs until it became the lake it is today.
The slipway is only a few metres from the car park, which makes entry and exit very easy. The site is home to several fun attractions created by divers, and also the remains of a stolen car, which is as close as we get to our own shipwreck.
The club was permitted to launch our dive boat at the lake a few years ago to map the bottom with “Side Scan Sonar”. This resulted in the creation of a depth contour map to help us with underwater navigation.
At a maximum depth of 9 metres, (The white area) it is by no means an ideal site for seasoned scuba divers, but it has found a little niche as a training venue and a social gathering for Cardiff BSAC’s club members every Sunday morning, when we’re not off diving elsewhere.
Join us for “Coffee at Cossie” from 10am. Non-divers welcome.
Over the 25 years we have been diving here, several videos have been filmed underwater. A selection can be seen on YouTube.
Non members wishing to come along for a coffee or a chat are welcome to join us on a Sunday morning from 10am. The country park has newly refurbished toilets and cafe. There’s also a childrens play area, along with walks for all the family. In the school summer holidays, you will often find us diving here on weekday evenings, when we take a few weeks off from pool training. If you want to meet up, or join us for a dive, contact us, so we know you’re coming.
Cardiff BSAC is a branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club
The British Sub-Aqua Club is the UK governing body for recreational scuba diving
Summer Holidays
During the school summer holidays, Cardiff BSAC moves from our regular Wednesday evening pool training sessions.
From July 21st, we meet at Cosmeston Lakes in Penarth on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm.
Diving is optional, and all are welcome.
Pool sessions at Penarth Leisure Centre return on September 2nd.