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.
Reduced opening over winter
All facilities, including the toilets, are now closed for winter. The gorge trails, excluding the walk to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide, are also closed for safety and essential maintenance work, which we do every winter. This can include tree work, path work and rock face inspections, so please do not pass any locked gates.
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 (which pulls towards you to open), 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 no entry gate on your right until you come to where the path splits in two.
Step 3
Take the path on the right, which will take you down over 200 uneven steps that zig-zag down the side of the gorge to get to 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. Do not cross the bridge, instead head downstream with the river on your right, until you reach another split in the path.
Step 5
Follow the left-hand path that takes you almost back on yourself, and make your way back uphill.
Step 6
Keep on past the steps that lead to the waterfall, past the no entry gate, back under the railway bridge and up the hill to the finish.
End point
Waterfall entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX501831
Trail map
More near here
The full Lydford Gorge trail
*This walking trail is closed while we work to repair a section of path damaged by a landslide*
Devil's Cauldron Trail
The Devil’s Cauldron trail is now closed for safety and maintenance over winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring 2024.
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
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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