![The base of Whitelady Waterfall in spring as it flows down the moss covered rock face into a deep pool, Lydford Gorge, Devon](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/lydford-gorge/library/spring/whitelady-waterfall-spring-lydford-gorge.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
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.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831
Step 1
From visitor welcome, head through the small wooden gate, follow the path down round a sharp right-hand bend then keep left to go under the old railway bridge.
Step 2
Continue on the path that bends to the left, go past the small gate on the right.
![Ground-level view of a woodland path bordered by green plants, with lines of limestone rock emerging through the path](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/lydford-gorge/library/summer/liddaton-formation-limestone-path-lydford-gorge-devon.jpg?auto=webp&width=684&dpr=2 2x)
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 6
Turn left, at the junction or after exiting the bird hide, and follow the railway path to the end, 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
![Ordnance Survey map of the Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/lydford-gorge/library/lydford-gorge-waterfall-trail-map-no-steps-devon.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&dpr=2 2x)
More near here
![The River Lyd flowing through the deep ravine of Lydford Gorge with green plants on the steep banks.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/lydford-gorge/library/spring/river-lyd-ravine-lydford-gorge-devon.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
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.
![A family watching the birds from the bird hide at Lydford Gorge, Devon](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/devon/places/lydford-gorge/library/spring/visitors-in-the-bird-hide-lydford-gorge-devon.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Lydford Gorge Railway Path
Take an easy stroll along the line of the old Great Western Railway, passing through deep cuttings that have now returned to nature.
Get in touch
Our partners
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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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