The waterfall is named after a 16th-century outlaw named Gibson who reportedly hid in the cave to escape the authorities.
The limestone at the site contains visible fossils dating back to the Carboniferous period, approximately 320 million years ago.
The site is a recognized Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique geological exposures.
The water forming the fall is part of the Bowlees Beck, a tributary of the River Tees.
Summerhill Force is a cascading waterfall located within the valley of the Bowlees Beck in Teesdale. Behind the waterfall lies Gibson's Cave, a natural cavern formed by the erosion of the underlying limestone bedrock. The site is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can access the cave interior by walking on the path behind the waterfall curtain. The geological formation features Carboniferous limestone and sandstone layers typical of the local region. Access to the site is provided via a short woodland trail leading from the Bowlees Visitor Centre.
The interior of Gibson's Cave looking outward through the veil of the waterfall.
Wear waterproof footwear as the path behind the waterfall is consistently wet and slippery.
Bring a camera with weather sealing to protect your equipment from the spray of the falls.
Combine your visit with the nearby Low Force and High Force waterfalls for a comprehensive tour of the local river geology.
Do not attempt to climb the rock faces around the waterfall, as the limestone is prone to crumbling.
Stick to the marked footpaths to avoid trampling sensitive plant life; keep noise levels low to respect local wildlife.
