The full Lydford Gorge trail
Explore the most dramatic section of the River Lyd on this challenging circular trail. It's an exhilarating walk through ancient woodland and the rocky gorge to the towering Whitelady Waterfall and the roaring Devil's Cauldron.
The full Lydford Gorge trail is now closed
From Monday 30 October 2023 only the trails to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide are open. The rest of the gorge trails are closed every winter for safety and essential maintenance work. This can include tree work, path work and rock face inspections, so please do not pass any locked gates. We plan to reopen the gorge from Saturday 16 March, although the river path will remain closed while we work to repair a section of path damaged by a landslide.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Devil's Cauldron entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX508844
Step 1
From visitor welcome head down the gravel path, past the entrance to the Devil's Cauldron tea-room, and go through the gateway signed 'Lydford Gorge trails'. Then follow the path as it zig-zags gently down through the trees until you come to a junction with a signpost.
Step 2
Turn left at the junction following signs for WF entrance. Follow the path through the woodland for about one mile until you come to a shut wooden gate.
Step 3
From here you have two options. You can turn left and head up the slope, under the railway bridge and up to the waterfall entrance, for the toilets and waterfall tea-room (limited opening). Head back to this point to restart the trail. Or, go through the gate and turn right, follow the path down and keep left where the path splits (this route avoids the steep and uneven steps), to a junction near the river.
Step 4
The full Lydford Gorge trail can also be started from the waterfall entrance.
Step 5
Turn right and follow the path along the river to Whitelady Waterfall. Be careful on the exposed rocks at the base of the waterfall as they can be slippery.
Step 6
After viewing Whitelady Waterfall, cross the suspension bridge and head up river for just over a mile until you come to the new, arched bridge at Pixie Glen. This section of the trail has narrow paths with high drops above fast-flowing water and uneven, bare rock surfaces which can be slippery even when dry.
Step 7
Do not cross the bridge, instead carry straight on and cross the river on a small metal bridge. Carry on uphill until you see a sign for the Devil's Cauldron.
Step 8
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 over the river. The platform floor is not suitable for all dogs so you may wish to avoid this.
Step 9
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. Take the steep path on your right that continues uphill until you meet the gravel path, then turn left to head towards the tea-room, bookshop and way out.
End point
Devil's Cauldron entrance, Lydford Gorge, grid ref: SX508844
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 oak woods abundant with wildlife.
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.
Teign Gorge classic circuit
Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.
Walk in the footsteps of Tom Pearse
A short circular walk following the River Taw and taking in Tarka Bridge and the water channel that powers Finch Foundry.
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