Lydford Gorge Railway Path
Take a gentle stroll along this disused railway line, which passes through deep cuttings made to take the Great Western Railway between Tavistock and Launceston. Water drips down these rock faces nearly all year round, keeping them consistently green and lush. Then head back the same way, or descend into the woodland for an alternative route back to the starting point.
Near to
Lydford GorgeStart point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831
Stage 1
From visitor welcome, head through the small wooden gate at the end of the gravel picnic area, follow the path down round a sharp right-hand bend then at the junction keep right.
Stage 2
Continue on the path; which bends to the left before running straight. After passing the wild pond on your left you'll enter a section where the path goes through a deep cutting with water dripping down the rock faces most of the year.
Stage 3
Continue on the same path and take the opportunity to look out over the gorge on your right, this is easier when the trees do not have their full canopy.
Stage 4
At a junction, ignore the path on the right and carry straight on a small distance for the bird hide.
Stage 5
To extend the walk a little, keep on the railway path until you see an old railway building. At this point you can head back the way you came for an easy stroll back to the start.
Stage 6
Alternatively, head back past the bird hide to where a path takes you left (the one you ignored earlier) and head down the steep hill (not suitable for the Tramper).
Stage 7
At the next path junction take the right hand, narrow path. When it meets another path keep heading up hill.
Stage 8
Head under the railway bridge, which you walked over at the start, and up the hill to the finish.
End point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831
Trail map
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.
Devil's Cauldron Trail
Immerse yourself in the deepest part of the gorge where the River Lyd crashes through a rocky landscape, and brave the Devil's Cauldron pothole on a platform over the water.
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