Lydford Gorge River trail
The adventure starts as a woodland walk with some tantalising glimpses of the river far below. The trail then heads down into the gorge to find the towering Whitelady Waterfall before following the river up-stream past Tunnel Falls to the tranquil Pixie Glen and back to the start.
Please keep dogs on leads.
Sturdy footwear is essential.
This is a one-way route due to the narrow paths.
Map
Start:
Lydford Gorge Devil’s Cauldron car park, SX508844
1
From the Devil’s Cauldron entrance visitor welcome, follow the gravel path down, past the entrance to the Devil's Cauldron tea-room. Go through the wooden gate signed Lydford Gorge Trails, then follow the path as it zig zags down to a junction.
2
Turn left following signs for River Trail, then follow the path through the woodland for about 1 mile until you come to a shut wooden gate.
From here you can turn left and head up the slope, under the railway bridge and up to the Waterfall entrance, for the Waterfall tea-room and toilets. Head back to this point to restart the River trail.
3
Go through the gate and turn right, follow the path down and keep left where the path splits (this route avoids the steep and uneven steps), to a junction near the river.
4
Turn right and follow the path along the river to Whitelady Waterfall. Be careful on the exposed rocks at the base of the waterfall as they can be slippery.
Whitelady ghost.
So the stories go, the name of Whitelady Waterfall comes from a spirit who haunts it dressed in a long, white gown that flows like water. Some claim that anyone drowning in the river who sees her will be saved.
5
After viewing Whitelady Waterfall, cross the suspension bridge and head up river for just over a mile until you come to the new, arched bridge at Pixie Glen.
Please note: This section of the trail has narrow paths with high drops above fast-flowing water and bare rock surfaces which can be slippery even when dry.
Look out for Tunnel Falls
Here the river tumbles through a series of smaller cascades and the footpath winds up and over the river before entering a rock tunnel carved out by the Victorians, which gives the falls their name.
6
Turn right to head across the bridge, then follow the path up to an open gate. Turn left and follow the path as it zig zags back up to the Devil’s Cauldron entrance.
Please note: The Devil’s Cauldron is currently closed while we repair damage caused by a fallen tree.
Bridge design
Lydford Gorge once had strong links to the railway. It was how most visitors arrived to experience this natural wonder. The arched design of the new Pixie Glen bridge evokes this railway heritage as well as providing great views out over the river.
End:
Lydford Gorge Devil’s Cauldron car park, SX508844