Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, the impressive landscape of Lydford Gorge offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Winding walking trails take you through temperate rainforest with cascading waterfalls and fascinating rock formations carved out by the River Lyd.
The habitat of the gorge is known as ‘temperate rainforest’ which is characterised by high rainfall and humidity and a low annual variation in temperature. These conditions create the perfect conditions for moisture-loving lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts). They are the base of a rich and diverse ecosystem supporting large numbers of insects and the birds and mammals that feed on them.
Most surviving fragments of temperate rainforest in Britain occur on steep-sided slopes above rivers and lakes which have avoided clearance and intensive grazing pressure. So it's important to continue to look after and improve these special places for the future.
0.8 mile / 1.3 km
This circular one-way route, which takes around 45 minutes, is the best way to explore the deepest part of the gorge known as the ravine. Here the river plunges and tumbles through narrow gaps and into deep potholes. The rock faces are covered with life and constantly drip with water. The paths can be steep, narrow and slippery in places. Devil's Cauldron trail
We ask visitors not to swim, however tempting, as it's not safe. If something were to go wrong the area is very inaccessible. Please avoid disturbing the wildlife and special habitats of the gorge and don't go in.
As the leaves turn from green to brown the gorge is filled with golden light. At the end of October most of the gorge trails are shut for safety and maintenance work over winter, so now is the time to explore the Devil's Cauldron.
When the conditions are just right, wet but mild, many different fungi can pop up overnight in the woods. Here are some to look out for:
It is not advisable to eat any wild mushroom unless it has been identified by an expert, and foraging is not allowed in the gorge due to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Autumn is a great time to look out for fish swimming in the river. On a dry day choose a high point next to the river and look into the water somewhere the sun is not reflecting off the surface. The fish you're most likely to spot is the brown trout. There are usually smaller fish fliting about in the shallows, but there can be much larger fish swimming lazily against the current in the deeper pools.
In autumn you might get lucky and spot a Jay or hear their screaming call. They are shy and rarely move far from cover, but you may see them burying acorns, which they can retrieve later in the winter when food is scarce.
Every winter we close for safety and essential maintenance work. From Monday 3 November 2025, only the waterfall trail and railway path will be open for walks, all other facilities - including the toilets - will be closed until we reopen in spring 2026.
Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Discover how to have a dog-friendly visit to Lydford Gorge, including where to walk, what to be aware of and what facilities are available for your four-legged friend
Discover where to eat when visiting Lydford Gorge, how to find the tea-room, what’s on the menu and what treats you’ll find in the second-hand bookshop.
This autumn explore a prehistoric world full of crashing water as the trees turn from green to gold, with plenty of outdoor fun and adventure for all the family at Lydford Gorge.
A Tramper can be hired to access Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide in the gorge, thanks to Countryside Mobility South West.
At Lydford Gorge in Devon we've closed a section of the gorge walking trail, which has become unsafe, while we assess the effects of a changing climate on the rare temperate rainforest it contains.
Discover the history of Lydford Gorge from its earliest fossil formations and its importance to the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, to how it influenced the Picturesque and inspired artists.
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
