Gibson's Cave Summerhill Force
Discover Summerhill Force and the unique Gibson's Cave, a stunning natural spectacle with an accessible walk along the River Tees.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Gibson's Cave Summerhill Force
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Summerhill Force and the unique Gibson's Cave, a stunning natural spectacle with an accessible walk along the River Tees.
"A beautiful place, popular with children for swimming and not a hard walk."
🚗 Park & Donate
A £3 donation for parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre helps maintain this lovely spot. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Essential if you want to walk behind the waterfall or explore the rocky areas. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summerhill Force
River Tees
A beautiful cascade tumbling over a rock edge into a large plunge pool, perfect for photos.
Gibson's Cave
Behind Summerhill Force
A deep recess in the rock face, offering a unique spot to stand behind the waterfall.
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Base for exploration
Offers parking, cafe, toilets, and is the starting point for walks along the River Tees.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking & Donations
Accessibility & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park & Donate
A £3 donation for parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre helps maintain this lovely spot. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Essential if you want to walk behind the waterfall or explore the rocky areas. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots to capture the waterfall and cave, especially from the designated viewing wall. :camerawithflash:
💧 Get Ready to Get Damp!
You can walk right up to and even behind the waterfall if you don't mind getting a bit wet. :sweat_drops:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Donate
A £3 donation for parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre helps maintain this lovely spot. :moneybag:
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Essential if you want to walk behind the waterfall or explore the rocky areas. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots to capture the waterfall and cave, especially from the designated viewing wall. :camerawithflash:
💧 Get Ready to Get Damp!
You can walk right up to and even behind the waterfall if you don't mind getting a bit wet. :sweat_drops:
🚶♀️ Easy Family Walk
A short, gradual incline walk from the visitor centre makes it suitable for families with young children. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gibson's Cave Summerhill Force for its beautiful natural scenery and well-maintained walking paths. The unique experience of walking behind the waterfall and the convenience of the Bowlees Visitor Centre with its facilities are frequently highlighted. While the parking donation is appreciated for site upkeep, some may find the walk slightly challenging if they wish to explore beyond the main path.
"Beautiful walking area and very well maintained. The visitor centre asks for donations in the car park, in order to park up, which is £3 for the day! The visitor centre is a lovely little spot to head into, with a cafe as well. They allow takeaway drinks too. The toilets on site are well maintained and quite clean when I attended. Low Force Waterfall and High Force Waterfall are a short walk away, making this a brilliant day out!"
Beth Crotty
"If you're spending the holidays touring about, especially up in the North Peninnes area, here's a suggestion the kids will absolutely love:
SUMMERHILL FORCE & GIBSON'S CAVE
Bowlees Visitor's Centre, thirteen miles out of Barnard Castle, is a perfect base for exploring a number of places along the River Tees. Sat nav DL13 0XE will take you there.
On previous visits the trail up to Summerhill was flooded and the tiny stream a raging torrent. Not so yesterday so just follow the path behind the Centre, alongside the river for about a mile, with a number of paddling spots and picnic tables, up to the trail head.There the water cascades over a rock edge down into a large plunge pool. Gibson's Cave is formed by a deep recess in the rock face.
Unlike most falls, you can get right up to the falls and even around the back - if you don't mind getting a bit damp!
A really beautiful place, popular with children for swimming and not a hard walk.
There are full toilet facilities, shop and cafe at the Visitor's Centre and ample parking payment by donation, so please, do donate.
Another Teesside Gem!"
Ian Seville
"This was an interesting little walk (behind Bowlees Visitor Centre), which takes you up the banks of the burn, past a disused stone quarry, past the old remains of a bridge (which appeared to lead up to a small cave on the opposite bank), then towards the small waterfall and 'cave' behind it.
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To preserve the area there is a wall you can stand at and take photos, although if you are feeling energetic and wearing good shoes you could climb over and walk behind the fall.
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I went in July, but I imagine in wetter months the fall/spout would be wider and more powerful. We used the visitor centre as a stop off on the way to our holiday cottage from Glasgow to Middlesborough and I think that's the best way to see this little gem. The opath ends at the fall.
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The visitor centre is part of a network of places and footpaths, so if you're looking for a longer hike then there was a walk around 6km (I think) to High Force Waterfall, just beware - that's a paid attraction. At the visitor centre you can also walk to Low Force Waterfall which is very impressive and is FREE!"
Kate Fromings (Author)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best starting point is Bowlees Visitor Centre, which can be found using the postcode DL13 0XE. It's located about thirteen miles from Barnard Castle. The walk to the falls begins directly behind the visitor centre, following the path alongside the River Tees.
Yes, there is a nice big car park at Bowlees Visitor Centre. A donation of £3 is requested for parking to help with the upkeep of the area.
Yes, you can use Sat Nav. The postcode DL13 0XE will guide you directly to Bowlees Visitor Centre, which serves as the perfect base for exploring Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave.
Information on public transport is limited, but the Bowlees Visitor Centre is the primary access point. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider it as part of a driving tour of the North Pennines.
Follow the path behind the Bowlees Visitor Centre, alongside the River Tees. The walk is about a mile and features a number of paddling spots and picnic tables before reaching the trail head for Summerhill Force.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entrance fee for Gibson's Cave or Summerhill Force. However, a £3 donation is requested for parking at the Bowlees Visitor Centre, which helps maintain the site.
While specific opening hours for the visitor centre are not detailed, it's generally accessible as a base for walks. It's recommended to check locally for cafe and shop hours if you plan to use those facilities.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary as there is no formal ticketing system. The site is freely accessible, with parking managed by a donation system.
The main restriction is to preserve the area. Visitors are asked to stay on the path, though adventurous individuals with good footwear can explore behind the falls.
On previous visits, the trail could be flooded or the stream a raging torrent, but this is not always the case. The path behind the centre is generally well-maintained.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire Summerhill Force waterfall, explore the unique Gibson's Cave behind the falls, and enjoy a pleasant walk along the River Tees. There are also picnic tables and paddling spots.
Yes, the plunge pool at Summerhill Force is popular with children for swimming, especially during warmer months.
The walk is generally considered easy, with a gradual incline and a flight of steps. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes from the visitor centre.
Yes, Bowlees Visitor Centre has well-maintained toilets, a cafe, and a shop. Takeaway drinks are also available.
Low Force Waterfall and High Force Waterfall are a short walk away. Low Force is free to visit, while High Force is a paid attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
There's a designated wall for taking photos of the waterfall. For more adventurous shots, you can climb over and walk behind the falls, but be prepared to get wet.
Absolutely! The cascading water of Summerhill Force and the unique rock formations of Gibson's Cave offer stunning opportunities for landscape photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, reducing harsh shadows. Consider visiting during different seasons to capture the falls with varying water flow and surrounding foliage.
Yes, you can get very close. The path leads right up to the falls, and you can even venture behind the water for a unique perspective.
The main challenge is managing the spray from the waterfall if you get close or go behind it. A waterproof camera cover or a lens cloth is advisable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bowlees Visitor Centre itself provides essential facilities like clean toilets and a cafe, which are always a bonus when traveling with children. The opportunity to see other nearby waterfalls like Low Force also adds to the appeal for a full day out without excessive travel.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Bring your own picnic to enjoy at the designated spots along the river, saving money on cafe purchases. The natural beauty and the unique experience of walking behind a waterfall offer significant value without a high price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the River Tees Trail
For those seeking a longer hike, a circular walk of approximately 6km to High Force Waterfall is available. However, be aware that High Force is a paid attraction. Alternatively, the free-to-visit Low Force Waterfall is also impressive and can be reached from the visitor centre, offering more options for a full day of exploration.
Preserving the natural beauty is key, so sticking to marked paths is encouraged. The disused stone quarry and old bridge remains mentioned by visitors add a touch of local history to the walk, making the journey as engaging as the destination itself.
The Unique Geology of Gibson's Cave
Unlike many waterfalls where you can only view from a distance, the accessibility here is remarkable. Visitors can get right up to the falls and even venture around the back, provided they are prepared for the spray. This close proximity allows for a visceral appreciation of the waterfall's force and the rock's resilience.
Safety and respect for the environment are paramount. While the cave is accessible, visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of slippery surfaces. The natural erosion that formed the cave also means that the area is dynamic and should be treated with care to ensure its preservation for future visitors.
Social
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