Discover more at Lydford Gorge
Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
The Tramper at Lydford Gorge
Enjoy the spectacular sight of Whitelady Waterfall thanks to the all-terrain Tramper, which is available to hire March to October - please book in advance.
Using your own mobility vehicle at Lydford Gorge
If you'd like to use your own mobility vehicle to access Whitelady Waterfall please get in touch for further information as there are things to be aware of before visiting.
What is a Tramper?
The Tramper is an electric all-terrain mobility scooter designed specifically to cover rough ground and grass safely. It can go up and down slopes, over bumps and tree roots, through shallow puddles, mud and soft ground. With a top speed of four miles an hour it can keep pace with the briskest walking companion.
Where can I explore on the Tramper?
At Lydford Gorge, the Tramper can be driven to the base of the Whitelady Waterfall and back up again and can also be driven along the railway path to the bird hide and back the same way. To cover both routes, with time to admire the views, usually takes between one and two hours.
There are steep slopes on the route to Whitelady Waterfall, there are some very rough, uneven sections of path that are bare bedrock, and there are drainage channels at intervals across the paths that are rough to travel over. On the route to the bird hide there's a short slope at the start after which it's flat but muddy in places.
Please note: The Tramper can be used to reach the toilets, tea-room and bird hide but cannot be taken into these due to a lack of space. For more information please read the full access statement.
‘The use of the Tramper has meant that we can all come to this special place together with my parents, four generations all together. Thank you, your team have been brilliant and so helpful.’
Visitor comment, May 2023
How to hire the Tramper
To guarantee that the Tramper is available we ask you to book at least three days in advance, and we can take bookings up to four weeks in advance.
Please call us on 01822 820320 and leave a message with your name, contact number and preferred date so that we can get back to you between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss a suitable date.
Normal National Trust admission charges apply; entry is free for National Trust members. If you need to bring a carer or essential companion to accompany you as a disabled visitor, they are free of charge.
To use the Tramper you’ll need to become a member of Countryside Mobility which then gives access to Trampers at 50 other hire locations. This costs £15.00 per year, £5 for a two week ‘taster' membership, or £3 for a single day hire. We will sign you up on the day and give you training on how to use the Tramper, which takes around 15 minutes.
On the day of your booking, we'll give you a briefing of the route and can offer existing Countryside Mobility members refresher training on the Tramper controls.
Please be aware that all Tramper users must be accompanied by one other person. This person needs to reasonably fit as there is limited mobile phone signal in the gorge - in an emergency help can be found at visitor welcome.
Please note
We might occasionally have to cancel a Tramper booking due to severe weather conditions, but will try to contact you as soon as possible, if this happens.
Who can use it?
The Tramper can be used by anyone who struggles with walking, and who can use handlebar steering and hand controls (a short introductory session will be given before use).
You don’t have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use the Tramper. It can simply be that your difficulties are caused by a permanent or temporary condition.
If you're a first-time user, please read the important medical and health information, and watch the introductory video. Carefully check that the scheme and equipment are suitable for you - you are the best judge of your own ability.
The benefits of Countryside Mobility membership
Once you’ve signed up for membership, you can use Trampers at 50 Countryside Mobility sites across South West England, and return to your favourite spots again and again.
Contact us
To request further information, or make a booking, please email us. We monitor the inbox Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Call
Please call and leave a message with your name and phone number so that we can get back to you.
Our partners
Countryside Mobility provides safe, enjoyable access to the South West's most scenic locations for anyone who has difficulty walking, through an off road mobility scooter hire scheme.
You might also be interested in
Article
Bringing your dog to Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is a one pawprint rated place. Discover how to have a dog-friendly visit, including where to walk, what to be aware of and what facilities are available for your four-legged friend.
Article
Things to see and do at Lydford Gorge
Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and escape the hustle and bustle by enjoying a winter woodland walk to see the towering Whitelady Waterfall at Lydford Gorge.
Article
Eating and shopping at Lydford Gorge
The Devil’s Cauldron tea-room and Waterfall tea-room are now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring 2024.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Lydford Gorge
At Lydford Gorge the best winter adventure is to see Whitelady Waterfall. After heavy rain it’ll be at its roaring best. Get wellies on to splash your way around some fun ’50 things’ activities.
Article
The Tramper at Castle Drogo
Mobility Tramper hire is available for use on the estate and grounds, operated in partnership with Countryside Mobility Scheme.
Article
The Tramper at Cotehele
All-terrain Tramper hire at Cotehele, in partnership with Countryside Mobility, allows visitors to explore the garden and estate with ease. Advance booking essential.
The Tramper at Parke
Tramper hire, in partnership with Countryside Mobility, allows visitors to explore the Parke estate. Advance booking essential. Call 01626 834748 or email parke@nationaltrust.org.uk
Article
Welcoming everyone to Buckland Abbey
We love to welcome everyone here at Buckland Abbey. Read on to discover how to make the most of your visit, download our access statement, and find out how to contact us with any questions you might have.