Devil's Cauldron Trail
Descend into Lydford Gorge on this circular walk and follow the narrow, winding paths next to the River Lyd as it changes from peaceful stream to raging torrent. Head through the deep ravine, stopping off at the viewing platform in the Devil's Cauldron (a large pothole full of gushing water and encircled by rock walls) before heading back out again.
Near to
Lydford GorgeStart point
Devil's Cauldron entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX508844what3words
///port.turns.irrigatedTrail information
*Narrow, rocky paths with some steep gradients and rugged steps which may prove challenging for visitors with limited mobility. For further details, please see Terrain or Accessibility section.
**Dogs welcome, please keep them on a short lead at all times, and out of the river. We advise not to take them onto the Devil's Cauldron viewing platform.
Narrow rocky steps
There are seven narrow, uneven rock steps, with a handrail but no barrier, leading down to the Devil's Cauldron viewing platform, although navigating these is not necessary to complete the trail.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Devil's Cauldron entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX508844
Stage 1
From visitor welcome head down the gravel path, past the entrance to the tea-room, and go through the open gate to start the walk.
Stage 2
Follow the path as it zig-zags gently down through the trees until you come to another open gate.
Stage 3
Head through the open gate and continue down to the river and across the bridge. The area to the left is closed as there are some rare lichen species on the trees here which are no longer safe.
Visitors on the new bridge at Pixie Glen in Lydford Gorge, Devon | © National Trust Images/Mel Peters Stage 4
Turn right after the arched bridge, then follow the path upstream and cross back over the river via a metal bridge.
Stage 5
Follow the path to the left, up the rock steps, to where it splits.
Stage 6
To head into the Devil's Cauldron, take the left-hand path which drops down to a gate. Go through the gate and down the seven narrow, rock-hewn steps, with a handrail but no barrier, to access the viewing platform (20 yds). The platform floor is not suitable for all dogs so you may wish to avoid this. To continue the walk head back out of the cauldron to the main path and head left to continue uphill until you reach a junction with a steep path up to the right.
Narrow rock-hewn steps leading out of the Devil's Cauldron | © National Trust/Rose Cooke Stage 7
At this point you can explore a short section of path under the road bridge. Then head back to take the steep path uphill and follow it until you meet the gravel path, turn left to head towards the tea-room, second-hand bookshop and way out.
End point
Devil's Cauldron entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX508844
Trail map
Map of Lydford Gorge Devil's Cauldron trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 ordinance survey
More near here
Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail
This rugged circular walk descends into steep-sided Lydford Gorge, to the foot of the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall, before returning through temperate rainforest abundant with life.
Lydford Gorge Railway Path
Take a stroll along the line of the old Great Western Railway, passing through deep cuttings that have now returned to nature.
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