Picnics

Bowlees Visitor Centre – picnic area

Bowlees Visitor Centre – picnic area

At Bowlees Visitor Centre there are picnic tables in the grounds. Bowlees is located in a beautiful part of Upper Teesdale.

Tranquil area

There are four small waterfalls and a riverside footpath leading to Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave; Gibson was a 16th century outlaw who lived behind the waterfall to stay hidden from the law. There are plenty of places to sit in quiet contemplation surrounded by the sound of cascading water.

Look for the white breast of the dipper bobbing in and out of the water searching for food or the buzzard soaring above your head. The old limestone quarry contains many limestone-loving wildflowers, including seven species of orchids, knapweed and wild thyme. These plants attract butterflies and other insects, which are prey for magnificent dragonflies.

  • Location: The picnic area is located in the car park behind Bowlees Visitor Centre off the B 6277.
  • Terrain: Off-road sections, steep sections.
  • There is car parking, public transport, pushchair access and disabled toilets nearby.

More to explore

Use the link below to view the visit and explore map, and discover walks, trails, activities and more across the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.

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