Written by Carrie-Ann Lightly, September 12, 2024
As a wheelchair user, finding accessible countryside walks can often be a challenge. Natural terrain, uneven paths, and lack of suitable mobility equipment can make it difficult to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.
However, my recent visit to Low Force near the Bowlees Visitor Centre in the North Pennines was a truly special experience. With Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicles available to hire, this area has become a fantastic option for disabled visitors looking to explore stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking Low Force waterfall.
Disclaimer: this post is part of a paid collaboration with the North Pennines National Landscape team, who received funding from Defra’s Access for All programme and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to provide the Tramper.
Discovering Bowlees Visitor Centre and Low Force
Bowlees Visitor Centre is nestled in the heart of the North Pennines, in County Durham. It serves as a gateway to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region, including the majestic Low Force waterfall on the River Tees. The visitor centre offers a range of facilities and information to help you make the most of your visit, and it’s the starting point for accessible walks that allow you to immerse yourself in this beautiful part of the world.
The centre is a hub for outdoor activities, offering walking routes, wildlife spotting opportunities, and events throughout the year. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Bowlees Visitor Centre has something for everyone.
Visit Bowlees Visitor Centre and Low Force Waterfall
Blue Badge Parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre
If you’re visiting Bowlees Visitor Centre and need Blue Badge parking, you’ll be pleased to know that accessible parking spaces are available right in front of the centre. These spaces provide easy access to the visitor centre and the surrounding walks. Blue Badge holders can park for free.
The parking area is wheelchair accessible, and from there, it’s a short distance to the visitor centre and the start of the accessible walks. Whether you’re planning a short stroll to take in the views or a longer walk to Low Force, the parking facilities make it easy to begin your adventure.
Tramper All-Terrain Mobility Vehicle Hire at Bowlees Visitor Centre
One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to hire a Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicle from the Bowlees Visitor Centre. Trampers are fantastic for enabling people with mobility needs to explore rugged landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible.
What is a Tramper? A Tramper is an all-terrain mobility scooter designed to navigate challenging paths, making it possible for disabled visitors to explore areas like the route to Low Force. These vehicles are robust and easy to use, with comfortable seating and simple controls.
During my visit, the staff at Bowlees Visitor Centre provided a full demonstration of the Tramper, ensuring I felt confident using it before setting off. They also gave me an overview of the accessible route to Low Force, highlighting any potential challenges along the way.
You can book your Tramper hire in advance through the Outdoor Mobility website, which is recommended as the Trampers are popular, especially during peak times.
Wheelchair Accessible Walk to Low Force
The walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre to Low Force is now one of my favourites. The path is approximately 1.5 miles round trip, and while it’s not the smoothest ride due to natural ground and tree roots, the Tramper handled it well. The route takes you through beautiful woodland, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery.
Reaching the viewpoint, I was thrilled to finally see the waterfall —a rare treat for a wheelchair user due to the usual barriers presented by such natural sites.
I did encounter a minor hiccup with the Tramper when it briefly refused to switch into reverse gear, giving me a bit of a scare as I got closer to the edge! Thankfully, my friends were on hand to manually push the Tramper until the reverse function kicked in. The staff at the visitor centre were great and gave the Tramper a thorough check afterward to ensure everything was in working order for future users.
Despite the bumpy path and a gate that required my friends’ assistance to open, the walk to Low Force was great fun.
Wheelchair Accessible Toilets at Bowlees Visitor Centre
Toilet facilities are available behind the visitor centre including one wheelchair accessible toilet. The accessible toilet has pull down and fixed grab bars, and an emergency alarm.
Facilities at Bowlees Visitor Centre
Our day began with a hearty brunch at the Bowlees Visitor Centre café. The café offers a variety of tasty options, including delicious cheese and ham toasties and bacon sandwiches—perfect fuel for a day of exploring. The centre is dog friendly, so Poppy was able to join us inside.
The visitor centre also features a gift shop, where you can purchase maps of the area, locally made products like fudge, chutneys, and sweets, as well as a selection of souvenirs.
Final Thoughts on Bowlees Visitor Centre and Low Force
For wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, Bowlees Visitor Centre and the accessible walk to Low Force offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the North Pennines. The availability of Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicles opens up this stunning area to everyone, allowing you to enjoy the natural landscape and the impressive Low Force waterfall.
Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing day out or an adventure in the countryside, Bowlees Visitor Centre is a destination that shouldn’t be missed. The combination of accessible facilities, scenic walks, and the chance to hire a Tramper makes it a must-visit spot for disabled visitors looking to explore the great outdoors.
