Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail
Head into Lydford Gorge to find the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall on this steep but rewarding circular walk. Feel history under your feet, from Devonian fossils to the visitors in search of the picturesque since Victorian times. Your return is through ancient woodland full of wildlife.
Near to
Lydford GorgeStart point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
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 left to go under the old railway bridge.
Stage 2
Continue on the path that bends to the left, go past the small gate on the right.
Stage 3
Continue down hill, ignore a small path that heads off on the left. When you get to a junction turn right and continue along this path, with the river on your left, until you reach the base of Whitelady Waterfall. Please be careful on the exposed rocks at the base of the waterfall as they can be slippery.
Stage 4
After admiring the waterfall, and possibly playing a game of Pooh sticks on the suspension bridge, it’s time to head back out of the gorge. Walk back the way you came, with the river on your right this time, until you reach the junction again.
Stage 5
Take the right-hand path and follow it uphill as it winds through the woodland. Ignore a narrow path that goes off on the left at a corner. At the top of the hill you'll join the railway path. Turn right here to visit the bird hide a short way along the path.
Stage 6
Turn left, at the junction or after exiting the bird hide, and follow the railway path to the junction, then head back up the small slope you came down at the start of the walk to finish.
End point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831
Trail map
More near here
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.
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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