Lydford, near Okehampton, Devon, on the western edge of Dartmoor
White Lady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2The River Lyd drops into a steep-sided gorge, where the White Lady Waterfall is one of the dramatic features of a landscape shaped by rushing water.
This is more than a waterfall viewpoint: the River Lyd has carved a deep, wooded gorge with close-up water, rock and trail experiences. Its best appeal is the combination of a striking natural feature and the chance to explore the gorge on foot.
Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapLydford, near Okehampton, Devon, on the western edge of Dartmoor
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The experience
Visit the waterfall as part of a walk in Lydford Gorge. The National Trust describes trails from the Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron entrances; check which paths are open and choose a route suited to your ability.
Things to do
See the White Lady Waterfall
Visit the named waterfall within Lydford Gorge. Confirm the waterfall trail is open before setting out.
Look into the Devil’s Cauldron
The National Trust describes the River Lyd foaming through a narrow gap in the rock at the Devil’s Cauldron. Check whether its trail and viewpoint are open.
Walk a gorge trail
Choose an open route from the Waterfall or Devil’s Cauldron entrance. The gorge paths may be steep, narrow and uneven; check current route information before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check current trail distance and duration with the National Trust
Quick waterfall visit
- 01
Use the Waterfall entrance if its trail is open.
- 02
Follow the signed route to the White Lady Waterfall and return by the same route where permitted.
Half day · Allow a half day; confirm route length and timings before visiting
Explore the gorge
- 01
Check which trails are open and choose an entrance.
- 02
Explore the gorge trail and its river scenery.
- 03
If the route is open and suitable, visit the Devil’s Cauldron as well as the waterfall.
- 04
Finish at one of the National Trust tea-rooms if open.
Verified history
The supplied sources establish the gorge’s river and landscape features but do not provide a specific historical account.
Hidden details
The River Lyd at the Devil’s Cauldron — Look for the river foaming through the narrow rock gap described by the National Trust.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Visit during the current trail opening hours; check the National Trust website on the day.
The supplied sources do not establish a best month or seasonal wildlife event. Trail availability is more important: high winds and flooding can cause closures.
High winds or flooding may lead to gorge closures or trail changes. Check the National Trust website before travelling.
The route
- surface
- Narrow and uneven sections are reported; confirm current conditions with the National Trust.
- difficulty
- Gorge paths may be steep, narrow and uneven; check current route details before visiting.
- start point
- National Trust Waterfall or Devil’s Cauldron entrance; check which trails are open.
- parking start
- National Trust car parks are listed at both entrances. Check current availability and access information.
- shorter alternative
- A shorter out-and-back to the waterfall may be possible, but confirm the open route and distance with the National Trust.
- White Lady Waterfall
- River Lyd
- Devil’s Cauldron
What to look for
Look for the White Lady Waterfall and the River Lyd’s changing course through the gorge. The National Trust also highlights the Devil’s Cauldron, where water foams through a narrow gap in the rock.
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for walking conditions and flowing water; check trail status before visiting, especially after high winds or flooding.
Choose a clear, calm day when the trails are open. The National Trust warns that high winds or flooding can lead to closures, so check its website before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The waterfall is within the National Trust-managed Lydford Gorge. Access is by paid admission; check the National Trust website before travelling for current opening, trail conditions and closures. Gorge paths may be steep, narrow or uneven.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car parks are listed at the Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron entrances. Parking is free; spaces are limited for long vehicles, caravans are not suitable, and overnight parking is not allowed. Check current details before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed by the National Trust; check current opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
National Trust tea-rooms are listed at the gorge entrances. Check current opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on short leads and must be kept out of the river.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and toilet. This does not confirm that the gorge trails or waterfall viewpoint are wheelchair accessible. Gorge paths can be steep, narrow and uneven; check with the National Trust before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around White Lady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
