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There’s nowt quite like a good hike to blow the cobwebs away, and on the 30th of November, twenty of the community of Tyne To Summit ramblers laced up our boots, grabbed the dogs, and headed for the stunning waterfalls of High Force and Low Force, with a cheeky detour to Gibson’s Cave. It was a lush way to kick off a crisp Saturday morning in the North East, leaving behind the graft of the week just gone, for a day filled with laughter, fresh air, and proper good crack.
Starting bright and early, our group set off on a lush six-mile circular route. The frosty nip in the air was soon forgotten as we hit the trail, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the North Pennines. High Force, the majestic highlight of the route, stood tall and proud, thundering down into the River Tees below. A couple of us were quick to whip out the cameras, trying to capture its power, but to be honest, photos just don’t do it justice.
From there, we followed the winding path along the river to Low Force, a smaller but no less charming cascade – did you know this was used in the filming for the hit war movie 1917? The sound of rushing water and the crunch of winter leaves underfoot made it proper atmospheric, like something out of a good book.
No Tyne To Summit hike would be complete without a cuppa, and halfway through the route, we found the perfect spot for a quick break, a belter little café to mark the midway point. Out came the flasks, and there was plenty of banter as we warmed up with coffee and a few cheeky snacks. The dogs, as always, stole the show, nosing around for crumbs and loving the attention.
Tucked away in the woods, Gibson’s Cave was our next stop. Did you know this little gem is famous for an outlaw named Gibson? It’s said that a man named Gibson, an outlaw fleeing justice, found sanctuary beneath the dripping limestone overhang of the cave. Pursued relentlessly by the authorities, he used the natural hideaway to evade capture. The location, secluded and surrounded by dense woodland, made it an ideal place to stay out of sight. The constant curtain of water falling from the rock above served not only as cover but as a source of sustenance for the fugitive.
According to the tale, Gibson’s life in the cave wasn’t entirely solitary. Locals, sympathetic to his plight, or maybe charmed by his roguish ways – would secretly bring him food and supplies. It’s said that he was a man of charisma, someone who could inspire loyalty even as he lived on the fringes of society.
But every hiding place has its limits. Eventually, the law closed in on Gibson, and his time at the cave came to an end. Whether he was captured, met a darker fate, or simply vanished into the wilderness of the North Easts forests is unknown, leaving his story shrouded in mystery. What remains is the name of the cave, a lasting reminder of the man who once sought refuge there. We can’t lie, with its mossy rocks and trickling water, the cave did have us all feeling like explorers. It’s a bit of a magical spot, the kind of place where you half expect to see fairies flitting about. One of the group joked about setting up camp there – though we’re not sure the dogs would’ve been up for it!
The best part of the day wasn’t just the views (though they were absolutely class) but the company. There’s something about our group walks that bring people together, whether it’s swapping stories, helping each other over a stile, or just having a laugh at someone’s lateness into the carpark. It’s these moments that remind you why the North East has the best people – full of warmth, humour, and a love for the great outdoors.
As we looped back to our starting point, the group was buzzing. The fresh air, stunning scenery, and good company had us all feeling recharged and ready for whatever the rest of the weekend had in store. For Scott, this meant more football (SHOCK). For the dogs, though, it was time for a well-earned nap – and probably a bath!
So, if you’re looking for a top-notch adventure, High Force, Low Force, and Gibson’s Cave are the perfect trio. A six-mile wander filled with natural wonders and great crack? You can’t beat it.
Here’s to more hikes, more laughs, and more lush Saturdays in the North East. Who’s up for the next one?
