Flushiemere Beck Waterfall
Tucked away in the peaceful hills above Bowlees, there’s a little waterfall that hardly anyone knows about. It flows quietly along Flushiemere Beck, close to where Wester Beck joins it, hidden beyond the well-known paths and visitor spots. It’s one of those places that makes you stop, listen, and feel the calm of nature all around you.
This isn’t a grand roaring waterfall, but it’s beautiful in its own way. The woodland walk to reach it is peaceful, the scenery changes as you go, and the spot itself is so still and relaxing. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel far away from everything, even though you’ve only walked a couple of miles from Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Quick Facts
🗺️ Location: Starts from Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale
📍 Postcode: DL12 0EX
🚗 Parking: Donation based car park beside the visitor centre
☕ Facilities: Toilets and a lovely café with great coffee and homemade cakes
🥾 Route type: There and back, with options to turn it into a circular walk
📏 Distance: Around 2.2 miles there and back
🕒 Time needed: About 1 to 1.5 hours depending on stops
💧 Main feature: Flushiemere Beck Waterfall, with a smaller fall nearby
🐾 Dog friendly: Yes, but dogs should be kept on leads around livestock
🌤️ Best time to visit: After rainfall when the beck is flowing well
📍 Where to Start
The walk begins from Bowlees Visitor Centre car park, which is run by the North Pennines AONB Partnership. Parking is donation based, so it’s worth popping a few coins or tapping your card inside the centre to help support the upkeep of the site. The visitor centre is a lovely place to start or finish your adventure, and if you time it right you can enjoy coffee and a slice of cake when you return.
Before setting off, it’s worth checking the visitor centre’s opening hours as they vary with the seasons. During busier months it’s usually open from ten in the morning until around five in the afternoon.
🚶 The Walk
From the car park, walk towards the visitor centre. Before you reach it, you’ll cross a small bridge and go up a few steps. At the top of those steps, just before the main building, look to your right and you’ll see a large wooden gate leading into a patch of woodland. Go through the gate and follow the path into the trees.
The woodland path is easy to follow and really peaceful, especially when the leaves are rustling in the breeze or the sunlight shines through. Halfway through you’ll cross a small wooden bridge and head gently uphill. As you reach the top, the path opens out and you’ll spot a stile on your left. Climb over that and you’ll be in open fields with views stretching across Teesdale.
Follow along the wall for a few minutes, then cut diagonally across the field. You can usually see where others have walked, and soon you’ll come to a slope that leads down toward the two becks. The sound of running water starts to fill the air as you descend.
Down below you’ll see where Wester Beck and Flushiemere Beck meet. There are a few smaller cascades on Wester Beck, but the main one sits on Flushiemere Beck a little further on. You’ll need to cross Wester Beck to reach it, but it’s not too tricky and there are plenty of rocks to step on. Once across, follow the beck upstream for a short distance and you’ll reach Flushiemere Beck Waterfall.
This little fall might not be large, but it’s beautiful and peaceful. The water tumbles over layers of rock surrounded by moss and ferns, and it feels completely untouched. It’s a lovely spot to rest, have a drink, or just sit quietly and listen to the water.
If you follow the beck a little further upstream, there’s another small waterfall tucked away. Both fit perfectly into the landscape and give the feeling of true discovery.
While you’re in the woodland on your way there or back, keep an eye on your map. If you cut across at the right point you can actually reach the top of Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave. Seeing these famous falls from above gives a whole new perspective, but please take care if you explore this way as there are no fences or barriers.
We have created a digital route for you to follow on Hiiker here
🌳 About the Area
Bowlees is one of the best places in Teesdale for gentle family adventures. It’s part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the UNESCO Global Geopark. The mix of woodland, fields, and rivers makes it perfect for spotting wildlife. Dippers and wagtails love the becks, and in spring the woodland comes alive with wildflowers.
The rocks and cliffs here tell part of the area’s ancient geological story, shaped by water over millions of years. That’s what gives this landscape its unique look and why so many little falls appear where layers of sandstone and limestone meet.
You’re also in a great position to visit other well-known spots nearby. Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave are just a short walk away. Low Force and High Force are both close too, as well as Hannah’s Meadows Nature Reserve and the Bowlees picnic area. You can easily make a day of it here. Don't forget the impressive Cauldron Snout Waterfall
💬 Good to Know
If you’re visiting with family, the Bowlees Visitor Centre has plenty of space to sit outside and enjoy a picnic. The café serves cakes, sandwiches, hot drinks, and ice creams. Inside you’ll also find displays about local wildlife and geology.
Dogs are welcome on the walk but there may be livestock in the fields, so please keep them on a lead. Take care when crossing the becks as stones can be slippery. It’s best to wear waterproof boots or wellies, especially after rain.
This is a natural and unmarked walk, so there are no railings or fences around the waterfalls. Please take responsibility for your own safety and plan your route before heading out. A paper map is always a good idea, even if you’re following the route digitally.
Why You’ll Love It
What makes Flushiemere Beck Waterfall special is its sense of peace. You can stand beside it and hear nothing but the water and the wind through the trees. It’s a walk that feels like a small adventure, perfect for anyone who enjoys finding hidden places away from crowds.
Whether you go just for the walk, for the photos, or for a quiet moment in nature, it’s a beautiful spot to explore. And finishing your visit with a warm drink and a slice of cake back at Bowlees makes it even better.
