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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Bowlees Picnic Area

Bowlees Picnic Area

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DL12 0XF

Tel: +44 0191 372 9100

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Waterfall at Gibson's Cave, situated nearby to Bowlees Visitor Centre
  • Waterfall at Gibson's Cave, situated nearby to Bowlees Visitor Centre
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About

There are four small waterfalls and a riverside footpath leading to Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave; named after 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.
An attractive section of the Pennine Way – following the River Tees between Middleton-in-Teesdale and Cauldron Snout – can be reached by crossing the Wynch Bridge. Just past the Wynch Bridge is Low Force, a wonderful series of waterfalls. They are just 15 minutes walk away (0.4 miles) from Bowlees.
One of the ultimate reasons for people coming to Bowlees picnic area is because it is close to the spectacular High Force waterfall. This is the largest waterfall in England, dropping an astonishing 21 metres and it can be reached within an hour on foot (2 miles).

Recntly voted  #5 in the 20 best picnic spots in the UK by Countryfile Magazine.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free admissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Ramp / Level Access
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • Picnic Site

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (free)

Provider Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Toilets

Provider Features

  • In countryside
  • Outdoor Attraction

Access Information

Opening Times

Open all year (1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2021)

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

Road Directions

Nearest major road is B6277.

Highlights...

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), IreshopeburnThe North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of England. As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is also a UNESCO Global Geopark – an accolade awarded to areas across the world with outstanding geology. Areas of Outstanding Natural…

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