Bowles Outdoor Centre is one of the UK’s leading outdoor and experiential learning providers. Bowles is a unique and beautiful place on the Kent/ Sussex border, with lovely facilities and buildings – including a replica of a chapel at the base of the Matternhorn! The 12 acre site in the heart of the High Weald is the focus for anything from one hour to five day activities: from rock climbing; learning to ski and snowboard; zip wires; kayaking and archery, to high-ropes adventure courses.
A focal point of the Centre is its majestic sandstone rock outcrops. South-facing and up to 10m high, these are the centre of all the climbing activity on site and are a stunning example of the inland sandstone cliffs found uniquely in the High Weald. Not only are the outcrops great for climbing, abseiling and bouldering, they are also home to rare mosses, lichens and ferns that thrive in their damp micro-climate. Bowles undertakes very careful site management to avoid any erosion or damage to the rocks.
The ethos of sustainability extends across the whole of the site. In the woodlands where the high and low ropes courses are located, there is an inspirational outdoor classroom. Used for story telling, bushcraft activities and as a fire shelter, the classroom has a living grass roof and is built from locally-sourced timber - including chestnut, ash and hazel. It sits attractively in the very landscape from which it is created.
Plan your next High Weald adventure on the Bowles Outdoor Centre website.