Bowles Rocks is Southern Sandstone's premiere climbing venue; its easy access and south-facing aspect making it convenient, sunny and fast drying. The sandstone is compact and amongst the best in the area, which is well reflected in the quality of the routes and boulder problems. For the most part, Bowles is one continuous stretch of rock, reaching 11m in places. It offers everything from slabs to steep overhangs and has a picturesque amphitheatre at the highest point of the main crag. The crag name comes from a dutchman named 'Bowles' who originally owned the rocks. The walls were also used as firing ranges in World War II and famously used to house pigs (which explains the unusual route naming conventions). John Walters, a passionate rock climber, recognised Bowles' potential in 1961 and purchased the rocks, turning it into a unique climbing centre. Ownership was transferred to a charitable trust in 1964 - The Bowles Rocks Trust - which is a registered charity that 'supports children and young people to achieve their potential through outdoor education'. The site also has other facilities including a dry ski slope, a heated indoor swimming pool and, perhaps most importantly, a small and well maintained toilet block ideally situated just below the rocks.