Bowlees and the Gibson's Cave Trail
County Durham
This is the softest of the Teesdale waterfall walks, a short wooded amble along Bowlees Beck up to Summerhill Force and the shallow sandstone recess behind it known as Gibson's Cave. It is a dog friendly outing that suits small legs, older dogs and anyone wanting Teesdale's mood without the distance, with mossy boulders, primroses in spring and the beck chattering alongside you the whole way.
Keep dogs on the lead on the final approach to the cave where the rocks are always damp and the stepping stones across the beck get slippery. There is no livestock in the wooded valley itself, though the fields on the walk in hold sheep, so close control at the field boundaries is sensible. Paths are compact earth and stone with a couple of gentle rises, and Bowlees Visitor Centre at the start is a friendly hub with a cafe, toilets and small exhibition.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.0 km (1.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 45 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Woodland, River
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe, toilets and interpretation exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
- Parking
- Donate-and-display car park at Bowlees Visitor Centre with space for around 40 cars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowlees and the Gibson's Cave Trail dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs, earning a rating of 8 out of 10 on Wildpack Collective. The short, wooded route along Bowlees Beck is particularly good for older dogs and those who prefer a gentler outing, with mossy boulders, spring primroses and the sound of the beck for company the whole way.
Can dogs be off lead at Bowlees and the Gibson's Cave Trail?
There are sections where off-lead walking is possible, but close control is needed in a couple of spots. Dogs should be kept on the lead on the final approach to Gibson's Cave where the rocks are permanently damp and stepping stones can get slippery, and at the field boundaries on the walk in where sheep are present.
What should I know before visiting Bowlees and the Gibson's Cave Trail with my dog?
The paths are compact earth and stone with a couple of gentle rises, making it an accessible outing for most dogs. Bowlees Visitor Centre at the start has a cafe and toilets, which is handy before or after your walk, and parking is available in the donate-and-display car park which holds around 40 cars.
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