It has taken us 25 wasted years to learn that Upper Teesdale is quicker to access from Lancaster than most of the Lake District. July is the time to walk between Low and High Forces (the “Geotrail”, booklet from Bowlees centre), where the flowers are fantastic. We saw 77 different species (excluding the likes docks, nettles and shrubs, but including shrubby cinquefoil). Never heard of Alpine Bistort or Melancholy thistle before! Below are some of the flowers seen. Parking at Bowlees is with an honesty donation of £2. Walk is about 5 miles, but could take forever. (For a longer walk see the update blogpost of July 2018).
Cow Green is also worth exploring, and a host of “Nuttalls”, which will be deserted, although at present my bad knees prevent too much hill walking.
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