A walk at Lydford Gorge takes you into a temperate rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and fascinating rock formations. Perfect for a nature-filled family adventure.
1 mile / 1.6 km
The railway path is a mainly flat route that follows the line of the old Great Western railway to the bird hide and takes around 15 minutes. From here it can be made into a short circular walk with some narrower paths and steeper slopes through the woodland or just return the way you came to keep it simple.
On the Devil's Cauldron trail there are seven narrow steps, with a handrail but no barrier, that take you into the pothole on a platform over the water. There is an overhang above the steps so we don't recommend taking backpack child carriers down. This short section can be avoided, or the party can take it in turns to go down.
Lydford Gorge is a temperate rainforest, a habitat that is globally rare. Nearly every surface is covered with plants, moss, lichen, and liverworts. As the River Lyd and Whitelady Waterfall crash through the gorge they release moisture into the air and help to keep it lush and green. While on a walk, look out for chalkboards to help you stop and take notice of the sights, sounds and smells of the nature around you.
The orchard meadow at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance has space to explore and plenty of room for picnics.
Stop by the second-hand bookshop and leave us a thought or a drawing on our Comment Tree.
Running daily until Sunday 12 July 2026, from 10am to 4.30pm.
Pick up a free trail sheet from visitor welcome before you head off on your walk. Then see if you can spot something that begins with every letter of the alphabet, you may need to get creative. There are some other nature challenges to have a go at on your way too.
Wednesday 15 July to Sunday 6 September, running every day between 10am and 4pm.
Free event (admission applies), booking not needed.
Follow the trail around the orchard, answering questions and playing games, to learn about the plants that aren’t plants that fill the temperate rainforest at Lydford Gorge.
Please note there's some rough ground and slopes, sorry it's not buggy friendly, dogs on leads are welcome.
Don't let rain keep you inside – being a temperate rainforest, Lydford Gorge is real adventure when it’s raining. So put on your waterproofs and get outside. There are plenty of puddles to splash in and the raindrops on the river make some mesmerising patterns. Water trickles down the rock faces and over the ferns and mosses as it makes it way to the river, creating an ever-changing soundscape as you walk through.
Try out some ‘owl ears’ to get the full effect. Cup your hands behind your ears and turn you head to intensify the different sounds around you.
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.
Lydford Gorge is a three 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.
Discover where to eat and drink when visiting Lydford Gorge, what’s on the menu and the literary gems you’ll find in the second-hand bookshop.
Find out about accessibility at Lydford Gorge and how to make the most of your visit to this deep river gorge filled with rare temperate rainforest habitat.
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