Summerhill Force & Gibson’s Cave
Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave sit just a short walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre and offer one of Teesdale’s most distinctive small discoveries. The waterfall drops in a single smooth cascade over a rocky outcrop that forms Gibson’s Cave beneath it, creating a striking natural overhang an Bow Lee Beck. The outcrop is now protected and safely walled off to prevent access behind the waterfall, helping to preserve the site while still allowing visitors to enjoy its setting on an easy, family-friendly walk.
Quick Facts
Location: Bowlees, near Middleton in Teesdale
Parking: Bowlees Visitor Centre, DL12 0XE
Walk time: Around 10 minutes each way
Route length: Short out-and-back walk
Path type: Stone paths and woodland trail
Difficulty: Easy and family friendly
Dog friendly: Yes
Accessibility: Uneven stone steps on the way to the waterfall viewpoint
Watercourse: Bow Lee Beck
Parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre
We usually park at Bowlees Visitor Centre (DL12 0XE), just a short walk from Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave. Parking is donation based, with suggested contributions of £2–3 for up to three hours or £3–4 for longer stays. These donations help look after Bowlees Visitor Centre and the surrounding North Pennines landscape.
The parking machine is cash only, but you can also donate inside the visitor centre when it’s open. There are toilets, picnic benches and a small café on site. In summer it can get busy, so we tend to arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon for a quieter visit.
About the Walk
The walk to Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave is short, easy and full of interest, making it ideal for families and anyone looking for a gentle Teesdale outing. From the car park at Bowlees Visitor Centre, it’s worth noting that the route does not cross the wooden bridge towards the visitor centre building. Instead, head out past the toilet block and follow the stone path beside Bow Lee Beck, which leads directly towards the waterfall.
Although the distance is short, there is plenty to notice along the way. The beck forms small pools and minor cascades, the path passes through woodland, and you can spot reminders of the area’s past, including old bridge remains and nearby mining features. The route includes a few stone steps and uneven surfaces on the way to the waterfall viewpoint, so sturdy footwear is helpful, especially after wet weather.
Summerhill Force itself is a single, graceful cascade where Bow Lee Beck drops over a rocky outcrop that forms Gibson’s Cave beneath it. The outcrop is now walled off to protect the site and prevent access behind the waterfall, but the viewpoint still offers a clear and atmospheric view of the fall, with the sound of water echoing through the wooded valley.
Because the walk is so short, it works well as a standalone visit or as part of a longer day exploring Bowlees, Low Force and High Force nearby. It’s a simple walk that shows how even short routes in Teesdale can offer something memorable.
What You’ll See Along the Way
The Molluscarium at Bowlees
Just a short distance from the car park, the Molluscarium is a circular stone structure designed to celebrate invertebrate life, particularly snails, as part of a North Pennines project. It’s a gentle introduction to the area and a reminder that this landscape isn’t just about big waterfalls, but also the smaller details that make Teesdale special.
A Small Waterfall on the Walk In
As you follow the stone path beside Bow Lee Beck, you’ll pass a small stepped waterfall where the water spills over dark rock ledges into shallow pools below. It’s an easy place to pause, listen to the sound of running water, and enjoy the sense of moving deeper into the wooded valley before reaching the main waterfall.
Summerhill Force from Below
Looking upstream, Summerhill Force reveals itself as a single, elegant cascade dropping over a rocky outcrop framed by trees and layered stone. The surrounding pools and smaller cascades add to the atmosphere, making this a peaceful and enclosed setting that feels tucked away despite being so close to Bowlees.
A Waterfall That Changes With the Seasons
One of the things that makes Summerhill Force so special is how different it feels throughout the year. Whether you visit in winter frost, fresh spring growth, or after heavy rain, the waterfall always looks and sounds a little different. It’s a place that rewards repeat visits and never quite looks the same twice.
A Classic View of Summerhill Force
At any time of year, the main viewpoint shows the waterfall in its simplest form: a single drop framed by layered rock, mossy ledges, and trees above. It’s an easy place to pause, take photos, or simply enjoy the steady rhythm of water in a sheltered woodland setting.
Summerhill Force in Full Flow
After rain, the waterfall becomes louder and more animated as water spills cleanly over the rocky outcrop and into the pool below. The sound fills the hollow beneath the rock and makes the whole setting feel alive, especially when the surrounding woodland is green and full.
Summerhill Force in Winter
In colder weather, Summerhill Force can transform into a frozen sculpture of ice and flowing water. Icicles form along the rock edges and the cascade slows into thick, textured shapes, creating a dramatic and rarely seen side of this quiet Teesdale waterfall.
A Hidden Waterfall Under the Bowlees Bridge
Just a minute from the car park, there’s a small waterfall that many people miss completely. If you stand in the car park and look back towards the road you arrived on, you’ll see the stone bridge just before the entrance. Take a moment to look underneath and you’ll spot a gentle cascade flowing over dark stone into a shaded pool below.
It’s a simple, unexpected little surprise and a nice place to pause before or after your walk. Easy to reach, easy to miss, and a reminder that some of the best spots in Teesdale are tucked quietly out of sight.
A Place to Slow Down and Care For
Summerhill Force sits within a protected part of Teesdale, and it’s a place that really benefits from being treated gently. The paths, rocks and surrounding woodland are easily worn, so sticking to the main routes and taking care near the water helps keep it special for everyone who comes after.
It’s one of the reasons we love this walk so much. It’s not about ticking off miles or chasing big views, it’s about slowing down, listening to the water and enjoying a short, peaceful wander that feels good for the head as much as the legs.
Summerhill Force also works beautifully as a starting point for exploring more of Upper Teesdale. From here, it’s easy to continue on to Low Force, High Force or Bleabeck Force, linking together some of the dale’s best waterfalls at your own pace. Whether you stop here or make a full day of it, this little corner of Teesdale always feels like a good place to begin.