Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH

Lydford Gorge

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

8.2

Wildland

Half day

Time

Paid

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

WoodlandRiversideValleyWalkersPhotographersFamiliesWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

8.2

The River Lyd has cut a steep-sided gorge through the woodland, creating two striking encounters: the 30-metre Whitelady Waterfall and the foaming, narrow-rocked Devil’s Cauldron.

This is more than a woodland walk: the trail brings you close to the force of a river confined between steep rock walls, with a major waterfall and the turbulent Devil’s Cauldron as distinct highlights. The rugged, steep paths make it a more demanding visit than its short distance might suggest.

Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild

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Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH

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The experience

Allow time for a demanding gorge walk, not just a quick look at a waterfall. Choose one of the two trail entrances, follow the signed route while taking care on steep and uneven ground, and make the waterfall or Devil’s Cauldron your main pause. Trail access and conditions can change, so check before setting out.

Things to do

See the Devil’s Cauldron

Look into the turbulent pothole where the River Lyd foams through a narrow gap in the rock. The National Trust describes a viewing platform at this feature.

Visit Whitelady Waterfall

Take in the 30-metre waterfall, one of the gorge’s principal natural features.

Walk a gorge trail

Explore the steep-sided, wooded gorge on a trail from one of its two entrances. Paths can be narrow, rocky and uneven; check current route information and closures first.

Browse the entrance bookshops

The National Trust lists a second-hand bookshop at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance and a pop-up bookshop at the Waterfall entrance. Check availability before visiting.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; confirm trail access and allow for steep, uneven ground.

Quick escape: meet the Devil’s Cauldron

01
Start at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance if it is open.
02
Follow the available gorge trail to the viewing platform.
03
Pause to watch the River Lyd churn through the narrow rock gap.
04
Return by the signed route, taking care on steep and uneven sections.

Half day · Half day; exact walking time depends on which trails are open and your pace.

Make a half day of it: waterfall and gorge

01
Check current trail conditions and opening information before travelling.
02
Explore the gorge from one of its entrances, choosing a trail that suits your ability and the conditions.
03
Make Whitelady Waterfall or Devil’s Cauldron the main stop, depending on your chosen route.
04
Finish with a visit to an open tea-room or bookshop at the entrance.

Hidden details

Notice the narrow rock gap at Devil’s Cauldron — From the viewing platform, look at how the River Lyd is funnelled through a narrow opening and emerges as foaming water.

When to go

· Weekday mornings may be quieter, particularly in summer; check current opening times and access before setting out.

Spring and early summer bring fresh foliage; autumn offers woodland colour. The gorge may close for safety due to forecast high winds or flooding.

Paths are steep and uneven and can be slippery. Check the National Trust website before travelling because high winds or flooding may cause closures.

What to look for

01
Watch how the River Lyd narrows and churns between the rock walls. At Devil’s Cauldron, look down towards the foaming water from the viewing platform
02
at Whitelady Waterfall, take in the full 30-metre drop.

Best time to go

Spring to early summer for fresh woodland growth; autumn for colour. Check conditions before visiting, as high winds or flooding may lead to closure.

Spring and early summer bring fresh foliage; autumn adds woodland colour. An early weekday visit may be quieter, but check the current opening hours and closures before travelling.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Families · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

National Trust visitor attraction with separate Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron entrances. Admission is charged; check current opening, prices and path conditions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Car parks are available at both entrances; National Trust information says spaces are limited for long vehicles and caravans are not suitable. No overnight parking.

Toilets

Toilets available; check current opening details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Tea-rooms are listed at both entrances; check current opening details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on short leads and must be kept out of the river.

Accessibility

The gorge trails include steep, narrow and uneven sections and are unsuitable for wheelchairs. The site has rugged terrain and vertical drops; check current access information before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid

Water

River