The Bowlees riverfly trail is part of the Great North Pennines Bug Hunt. This trail is a short walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre, along the path between Low Force and High Force. 

On the river bank

Starting at Bowlees Visitor Centre, can you see the riverfly tiles on the wall of the building? Take a rubbing or a photo so you know what riverflies to look for along the trail. The tiles show both young and adult riverflies. Some mayflies have three tails and stoneflies have two tails.

Wonderful riverflies

Riverflies spend the first part of their lives as nymphs within the River Tees and then, in summer, they emerge from the water as short-lived winged adults. Their presence indicates good water quality and they are a vital source of food for fish, birds and bats.