The deepest river gorge in the South West, with 30m high waterfall
Geology, human history and the natural world have all helped shape Lydford Gorge into what it is today.
The gorge is a great place for an adventure at any time of year. The wildlife, river, plants and trees enchant the senses each and every day.
There are a range of walks available to suit different abilities and time scales however sturdy footwear is recommended for all trails.
The full Lydford Gorge trail takes around 2.5 hours to complete and is a challenging circular walk with narrow slippery paths and steep drops. This trail operates on a one-way system due to the nature of the paths. On this route you can see the 30m Whitelady Waterfall and go into the Devil’s Cauldron pothole on a platform suspended over the water. Allow extra time to stop and refuel at one of our tea-rooms.
Currently not accessible while a new bridge is being installed, the Devil’s Cauldron trail is one of two shorter circular walks allowing you to experience the exciting features of the gorge. The Devil’s Cauldron trail is a moderate 45 minute walk which is also part of the one-way system as the paths are narrow and slippery in places, especially after heavy rain when the Devil’s Cauldron is at its most spectacular.
Whitelady Waterfall can be reached on various routes as the paths here are two-way. The Waterfall trail is a moderate circular walk of about an hour. One option is to take the path down over 200 uneven steps to the waterfall and then walk along the river and up the sloped path back to the start. For further options ask at visitor reception or explore using the map you receive on arrival. For those with mobility limitations, the waterfall can also be reached by tramper – we have one available for hire, please pre-book at least 48 hours in advance by phone or email.
Add-ons to the walking trails include the track along the old railway line to the bird hide (which is also suitable for the tramper) and the path to Tucker’s Pool which follows the river further up-stream from the Devil’s Cauldron. This tranquil pool is a good place to rest and watch for wildlife. Dippers and wagtails can be seen flying low over the river, while woodland birds can be spotted darting about in the trees.
The flora in the gorge changes with the seasons. Wildflowers such as wild garlic and bluebells abound in spring, filling the gorge with colour and scent. Summer is dominated by the green leaves of the oak woodland which encloses the gorge making it feel more magical. In autumn the oak leaves turn to golden brown before falling and colourful fungi can pop up in unexpected places. In winter look out for views that are hidden in summer by the leaves, and on a frosty morning mists can veil the waterfall.
The gorge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology, flora and fauna. Please respect the habitats in the gorge by taking only photographs and leaving only footprints.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £11.70 | £10.50 |
| Child | £5.85 | £5.25 |
| Family | £29.25 | £26.25 |
| Family one adult | £17.55 | £15.75 |
|
Group Adult
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £9.90 |
|
Group Child
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £4.90 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Free entry to National Trust members.
Reduced rate November to February when only the waterfall trails are open.
Group admission requires pre-booking through lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk
Last entry to gorge is 30 minutes before closing time. While a new bridge is being put in the Devil's Cauldron can only be accessed on the full Lydford Gorge trail.
