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.
A short way off the circular Devil's Cauldron trail you enter a dark ravine surrounded by dripping rock faces covered in mosses and ferns. Brave the narrow rock-hewn steps which take you onto a platform suspended over the water. Here the river seems to boil and it's this action and the tremendous force of the water that created this giant pothole over the centuries.
This 30-metre high cascade is a spectacular sight and makes for a great photo opportunity. It formed when the River Lyd captured the headwaters of the River Burn, the Lyd’s greater strength meant that it could erode the bottom of the gorge faster than the River Burn, resulting in the huge difference in height you see today.
Head along the railway path, which follows the line of the old Great Western Railway, to find the bird hide. It's a sheltered spot to stop and see what birds are visiting the feeding station. This can also be visited while walking the Waterfall trail.
The meadow area at the Devil's Cauldron entrance is a great space to escape the crowds. There are mown grass paths to wander along and the orchard is full of blossom during spring, insects in summer, and autumn colour as the season turns.
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
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. Rainforests in the UK are part of the Coastal Temperate Rainforest biome, a globally rare habitat that some say is more threatened than tropical rainforest.
The high humidity and low temperature range create the perfect conditions for moisture-loving lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts). Good examples of this habitat could contain over 200 different species of bryophytes and 100-200 species of lichen. These lichens and bryophytes are the base of a rich and diverse ecosystem. A wide range of plants love to grow here which in turn support 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. In Devon there are many small fragments of temperate rainforest, which is why it’s so important to continue to look after them for the future.
Summer is the best time of year to look for butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
In the orchard meadow keep your eyes peeled for chimney sweeper moths, which are day-flying and all black with just small white tips to the wings. Or perhaps you might spot a keeled skimmer dragonfly zipping about between the long grass.
In the woodland you'll find it hard to miss a speckled wood. These common butterflies feed on honeydew produced by aphids in the tree tops, and are rarely seen feeding on flowers.
Along the riverbank take a moment to delight in the beautiful demoiselle damselflies as they flit around. The males are a brilliant metallic blue and easy to spot. The females have golden wings and a shiny green body so can be harder to see.
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.
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 spring find a prehistoric world full of crashing water and new growth 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.
