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Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West and filled with rare temperate rainforest. It formed over thousands of years by the action of the River Lyd eroding down through the rock to create the gorge you see today. However, this action, and the steep slopes and thin soils of the gorge, make it vulnerable to climate change. Find out how we’re adapting to extreme weather and protecting rare habitats.
From Monday 4 November 2024 only the trails to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide are open. 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 1 March 2025.
This circular one-way route, which takes around 45 minutes, is the best way to explore the deepest part of the gorge known as the ravine. Here the river plunges and tumbles through narrow gaps and into deep potholes. The rock faces are covered with life and constantly drip with water. To view the Devil’s Cauldron, head just off the main route and brave the narrow rock steps to access the viewing platform suspended over the river.
This circular route, which takes around 1 hour, is a wonderful woodland walk. The 30m-high Whitelady Waterfall can be found at the bottom, and depending on the recent weather it can be a gentle cascade down the rock face or a crashing flow of white water. In spring the woods are filled with wildflowers, during summer the whole gorge is enclosed in the green leaves of the trees making it feel like a magical world, and in autumn it turns golden-brown.
Take this optional two-way route through the woodland at Lydford Gorge to link together the Devil's Cauldron trail and Waterfall trail. Perfect if you're visiting by bus or bike, or want a longer walk. It's 1.3 miles and takes around 45 minutes one way with several long flights of steps and some narrow paths.
Please check with the welcome team on the day for when other seasonal routes are open.
Climate change is the single biggest threat to the places we care for. Here at Lydford Gorge extended periods of drought and heavy rain have taken a toll on the thin soils and steep slopes of the gorge. It has required increasing costly interventions, in both time and money, to open safely to visitors each year.
The path along the river, between Whitelady Waterfall and Pixie Glen, has suffered several significant landslips in recent years and we’ve made the tough decision to close this route.
The work that would be needed to make a safe route along the river would be potentially very damaging to the sensitive environment in this part of the gorge which is why we're not currently considering this.
Two beautiful walks remain open (March to Ocotber) allowing everyone to explore the temperate rainforest and enjoy the towering Whitelady Waterfall and unique Devil's Cauldron.
Temperate rainforest is a globally rare habitat that covers less than 1% of the planet. These wet and wild ancient woodlands capture carbon and are one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, home to a host of wildlife, including some rare and special species.
Some of the biggest threats to temperate rainforest in the UK are climate change, invasive species, and tree diseases such as ash dieback.
Excluding people from this section of the river will leave space for nature to thrive.
The whole gorge is a temperate rainforest. The trails that take you to the Devil’s Cauldron and Whitelady Waterfall both have some lovely temperate rainforest habitat.
The Devil’s Cauldron trail is better to see lower plants like mosses, liverworts, and ferns, that love the damp and shady environment there.
The Waterfall trail is better to see trees and plants, especially wildflowers in spring, that thrive in the humidity created by the waterfall.
With the section of river path closed the rangers will continue to look after the gorge but will also have more time to improve the special habitats it contains.
At Lydford Gorge we’re working towards the National Trust goal of being carbon net-zero by 2030. We use two methods of renewable energy and since 2011 we've heated the buildings at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance using a biomass boiler, which uses local sustainable wood from National Trust land around Dartmoor. In 2012 solar panels were installed in the orchard to generate electricity. The rangers have taken the opportunity to switch over to more battery-powered equipment which can be charged on site, plus have switched to more environmentally friendly fuel for other tools.
We’re also looking for further ways to reduce our carbon footprint through the products we buy and our ways of working. A team of staff and volunteers meet regularly to discuss ways for us to take climate action.
With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.
Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.
Discover the history of Lydford Gorge from its earliest fossil formations and importance to the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, to how it influenced the Picturesque and inspired artists.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature with a hike in a prehistoric world where the River Lyd crashes, tumbles and trickles around every corner and delights the senses.
Lydford Gorge is a two 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.
The Tramper will be available to hire again from Saturday 1 March 2025. If you’d like to use your own mobility vehicle to access Whitelady Waterfall please get in touch for further information.
At Lydford Gorge the best winter adventure is to see Whitelady Waterfall. After heavy rain it’ll be at its roaring best. Get wellies on to splash your way around some fun ’50 things’ activities.
We believe that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. That’s why we’re supporting wildlife, protecting historic sites and more. Find out about our work.
Read about our strategy 'For everyone, for ever' here at the National Trust, which will take the organisation through to 2025.