The geology of the area is such that the majority of reefs run east to west, have a sheer north face and a top that slopes southwards to disappear into the sandy kelp bed – something like a saw-tooth in cross section. Some care should be taken when entering or exiting the water as the rocks can be a little slippy.

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Lady's Hole follows this pattern, it has a reef wall to the south side which slopes gently upward to the north, the bay contains a reef on either side and a sandy area in the middle with a gully. Entry from the beach leads on to a rocky area which gradually becomes a sandy base. The bottom slopes gradually out till 10 metres deep, were it drops by another few metres in depth. Lots of growth and kelp around the reef area to the north. A selection of fish, as well as Lobsters and Scallops can be seen around the site, the Lobsters like to hide in the crevices so look carefully and you may see a whopper. 

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When approaching Beadnell harbour, take note of the shape of the main headland, it’s a typical profile albeit larger than most. Usually the highest reef in a group is to the north and several smaller reefs parallel it to the south. Sometimes the most southerly reef of a group cannot be found depending on how the winter storms have moved the sand around.

The north faces are riddled with crevices, some of which penetrate several metres.