Bringing your dog to Lydford Gorge

Two visitors walking their dogs on leads along a path through the autumnal woodland at Wallington — Visitor walking dogs on the lead through an autumnal woodland | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

We love dogs at Lydford Gorge, and you’re welcome to bring them with you as you explore its dramatic landscape. Please keep dogs on a short lead and out of the river for safety; and also to protect the rare temperate rainforest habitat.

Winter opening

From Monday 3 November 2025 only the trails to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide are open for walks. The Devil's Cauldron trail and seasonal trails are shut 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 from Saturday 14 March 2026.

Our pawprint rating system

We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged-friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members’ handbook.

Lydford Gorge is a three pawprint rated place.

Where can my dog go?

Dogs are very welcome at Lydford Gorge. However, if they do not enjoy being on the lead then this may not be the best place for a walk.

Please keep dogs on a short lead at all times and out of the river.

What do I need to be aware of?

The trails in the gorge can have steps, narrow paths, steep slopes and uneven surfaces. The river is very fast-flowing in places and there are some sections of path that have no barrier.

Wandering off the path can cause loose rocks to fall, also there are old mine workings and delicate wildlife habitats.

Over winter Lydford Gorge is home to visiting woodcock. These rare, ground-dwelling birds are nocturnal, so during the day they hide in the undergrowth and can be easily disturbed by a friendly dog.

Lydford Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with some rare moss and lichen species that grow on rock faces and the banks of the river. By keeping your dog out of the river you can help protect these delicate plants; and also prevent the pesticides used in flea treatments getting into the water and affecting the wildlife that live there.

Facilities available for dogs

Water bowls can be found outside visitor welcome (closed).

Dog waste bins are located at the start of the walking trails and further along the yellow trail by the railway bridge.

The Canine Code

We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:

Keep them close: using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals. It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. But if cattle approach you, it's best to let your dog off the lead, and call them back when it's safe to do so.
Pick up the poo: please always clear up after your dog. If you can't find a bin nearby, take the poo bags home with you.
Watch the signs: keep an eye on local signs and notices wherever you're walking. They'll tell you if a beach has a dog ban, for instance, or if a path has been diverted, or if you're in an area where dogs can run off-lead.
Stay on the ball: remember that not everyone loves dogs, and some people fear them. So make sure your dog doesn't run up to other people, especially children.