Not far from there The Pennine Way splits into 2 options and can be walked as a circular route known as the Bowes "loop"
We walked it one grim, grey and snowy February to find that the pub at Bowes was shut for refurbishment!

A Mudcat walk - what a brilliant idea - can I come too? (maybe not August Bank Holiday as we will be coming back from Scotland via the hotel where they shot the pub scenes for The Wicker Man !!)