Gibson's Cave, Hare Hill and Bales Allotment

This medium circular walk in Upper Teesdale packs a lot into roughly 7 km / 4.3 miles, with about 200 m / 656 ft of ascent. It starts near Bowlees Visitor Centre, Bowlees, Newbiggin-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 0XE, which is the most practical landmark and access point for the route. Bowlees sits within the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, so even a relatively short outing comes with a strong sense of geology, mining history, waterfalls, and open moorland scenery. (northpennines.org.uk)

The walk is best thought of as a moderate outing rather than a hard one. The distance is manageable, but the combination of stone paths, woodland trails, uneven ground, steps near the beck and waterfall sections, and a climb onto higher, more exposed ground around Hare Hill and Bales Allotment gives it a genuine medium feel. In wet weather, the rocky and stepped sections can become slippery, and the moorland stretches can feel more committing than the mileage suggests. (northpennines.org.uk)

From the start, the route typically leaves Bowlees on clear paths heading toward Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force, following Bowlees Beck upstream. This opening section is one of the most attractive parts of the day: mixed woodland, rushing water, and short bursts of ascent lead to the waterfall recess known as Gibson’s Cave, a dramatic overhang behind or beside the falling water depending on flow conditions. The out-and-back to Gibson’s Cave alone is about 1.3 km / 0.8 miles, so on this longer circuit it forms a scenic early highlight before the route continues onto higher ground. (northpennines.org.uk)

What to expect on the route

After the waterfall section, the character of the walk changes. The sheltered beckside trail gives way to more open hillside and allotment land around Hare Hill and Bales Allotment, where the views broaden across Upper Teesdale. Expect a mix of grassy tracks, stony paths, and occasional rougher sections where footing needs more attention. The climb is not especially long, but it is enough to raise the heart rate, and the exposed ground can catch wind quickly. If low cloud is sitting on the tops, visibility can flatten the landscape, so route-finding becomes more important here than it does near Bowlees itself. Using HiiKER before setting out is sensible, especially if you want to confirm junctions across the open sections.

Approximate pacing for most walkers is around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on stops, ground conditions, and how long you spend around the waterfall and viewpoints. Strong walkers may move faster, but this is a route worth lingering on because the scenery changes so noticeably over a short distance.

Landmarks, landscape and wildlife

Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force are the signature landmarks. Summerhill Force is a compact but striking waterfall, and the cave-like recess gives the place a theatrical feel that stands out even in a region famous for waterfalls. The beckside woodland around Bowlees adds contrast to the more open fell and pasture above. (northpennines.org.uk)

Bowlees is also known for its geological interest. The wider Upper Teesdale area is one of northern England’s standout landscapes for exposed rock, river action, and upland landforms, and Bowlees is promoted as a gateway to that geology-rich terrain. The transition from wooded beck to open moor and allotment is part of what makes this route so rewarding. (northpennines.org.uk)

Wildlife can be a major part of the day, especially in spring and summer. Around Bowlees and Upper Teesdale, walkers may encounter upland birds, meadow species, and a rich mix of wildflowers, while the broader Bowlees area is also noted for notable invertebrate interest and species-rich hay meadows nearby. Otters and red squirrels are associated with the wider North Pennines landscape, though sightings are never guaranteed. (visitengland.com)

Historical significance

This is a walk with more history than first appears. Bowlees Visitor Centre itself occupies a **Grade II listed 19th-century Methodist chapel