Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave

Not far from the spectacular High and Low force waterfalls you can find another, slightly smaller waterfall known as Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave. While this hidden gem is small it has a fascinating local legend attached to it.

You can find Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave a short walk from the Bowlees Visitor Centre in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk will take you along the Bowlee Beck, through the Bowlees and Gibson's Cave Nature Reserve to the waterfall, and it will take around 30mins to do the route there and back.

As it is set within a nature reserve you can expect to see Grey Wagtails, Dippers and Spotted Flycatchers as well as Orchids and the insectivorous (eats insects) Butterwort.

The waterfall, known as Summerhill Force was formed over thousands of years when the Bowlee Beck eroded a layer of softer Sandstone and Shale that sits beneath a layer of Limestone. This led to the drop of the waterfall and the erosion continues today. The softer rocks will continue to be worn away and eventually the harder upper layer will collapse moving the waterfall further back up the Beck and extending the gorge downstream.

This undercutting forms a sheltered spot behind the wall of water, known as Gibson's Cave. So, who was Gibson and why is the cave named after him? Legend has it that a 16th century outlaw named William Gibson hid in the cave while on the run from the Constables of Barnard Castle. Gibson was well liked and known as a loveable rogue, so locals ended up bringing him dry clothes and food while he hid!

While the route to the waterfall and cave is relatively easy there are a few steps and inclines so it is best to bring some good footwear. The Bowlees Visitor Centre has a café, toilets and a shop and there are usually events on over the year so keep an eye out on their website for details.