A magnificent river gorge the deepest in the South West, with 30m high waterfall! There are a range of walks available to suit different abilities and time scales, however sturdy footwear is recommended for all trails. At the northern end of Lydford Gorge you can explore the ravine and the Devil’s Cauldron, a large pothole in the deepest part of the gorge with a viewing platform over the river. This circular walk takes around 45 minutes.
The full Lydford Gorge trail takes around 2.5 hours to complete and is a challenging circular walk with narrow slippery paths and steep drops. On this route you can see the 30m Whitelady Waterfall and go into the Devil’s Cauldron pothole on a platform suspended over the water. Each season provides a different backdrop, when spring arrives flowers such as wild garlic and bluebells emerge for spring, filling the gorge with colour and a strong scent. Summer is dominated by the green leaves of the oak woodland which evokes temperate rainforest vibes, making it feel like you’ve entered a prehistoric world full of uplifting sounds, sights and smells. In autumn the oak leaves turn to golden brown and random fungi species pop up in unexpected places. In winter clearer views change the landscape look and feel that are hidden in summer by the leaves, and on a frosty morning mists can veil the waterfall.
Parking is Free. 35 mins – 23.1 miles
- Sat Nav. EX20 4BH for the Devil’s Cauldron entrance
- EX20 4BL for the Waterfall entrance.





















