Bowlees

Situated in Upper Teesdale 5 km (3 miles) north west of Middleton in Teesdale on the B6277 road, Bowlees Picnic area has four small waterfalls and a riverside footpath leading to Gibson's Cave and Summerhill Force.

There is a Visitor Centre run by Durham Wildlife Trust over the Bowlees Beck.

Following the riverside path upstream you will pass through an old Limestone Quarry. It was once used for the production of road stone. The quarry has been left undisturbed, allowing trees and a wide variety of wild flowers to re-colonise.

Low Force, an impressive series of waterfalls, is only 15 minutes walk away, and High Force, the largest waterfall in England can be reached within an hour on foot.

One of the most attractive sections of the Pennine Way is only a 15-minute walk away. This section follows the River Tees midway between Middleton and Cauldron Snout. It can be reached by crossing the Tees on the Wynch Bridge, near Low Force.

See: signboard at Bowlees for details on routes.

Location

Approx 57 km (35 miles) by road from Durham City centre

Approx 5 km (3 miles) by road (B6277 north west) from Middleton in Teesdale

Grid Ref. NY 907 283

Bus route See: Traveline North East and Cumbria website

Facilities

Free Parking

Toilets (with wheelchair access)

Picnic Tables

Durham Wildlife Trust's Visitor Centre (Call 01833 622292 for opening hours. Coffee and light refreshments are available in the Centre shop).

Enquiries

Picnic Area - Tel 0191 3833594

Visitor Centre - Tel 01833 622292

There is wheelchair access to the Visitor Centre and much of the site, but not along path to Gibson's Cave due to steps

Area

2.5 hectares (6 acres)