Things to see and do at Lydford Gorge

Whitelady Waterfall flowing down rock face and past viewing area, Lydford Gorge — Whitelady Waterfall in winter | © National Trust/Dianne Giles

Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, the impressive landscape of Lydford Gorge offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Winding walking trails take you through temperate rainforest with cascading waterfalls and fascinating rock formations carved out by the River Lyd.

Visit the Whitelady Waterfall

This 30-metre cascade is a spectacular sight and makes for a great photo opportunity. It formed when the River Lyd captured the headwaters of the River Burn, the Lyd’s greater strength meant that it could erode the bottom of the gorge faster than the River Burn, resulting in the huge difference in height you see today.

Enjoy winter scenes

Whitelady Waterfall can be dramatic in winter. Some days it’s cloaked in mist, on others it’s lit from above by the late winter sun, and after heavy rain the water comes pounding down the cliff face. If we’re lucky enough to get a heavy frost – or even a light dusting of snow – the gorge can be truly magical.

With the trees bare, winter brings views out over the gorge that are hidden by leaves in summer. From the railway path, look towards Dartmoor to spot Widgery Cross sticking up from the top of Brat Tor. It’s a four-metre granite cross erected by William Widgery, a renowned local artist, to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

Stop off at the bird hide

Head along the old railway line to find the bird hide. It's a sheltered spot to stop and see what birds are visiting the feeding station.

Winter opening

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.

A family watching the birds from the bird hide at Lydford Gorge, Devon — Watching the birds from the bird hide at Lydford Gorge, Devon | © National Trust/Dianne Giles

Spot wildlife

Lydford Gorge provides food and shelter for many bird species, including goldcrests. Being the UK’s smallest bird they can be hard to spot, so instead listen out for their very high-pitched calls, although the sound may be too high for some people to hear.

Just off the path by the river, you’ll find an old mine working to peep into. These days it’s barred with a gate to keep humans out but allow other residents in and so provides a safe habitat for rare greater and lesser horseshoe bats, whose numbers have seriously declined nationally in previous years.

Planning a visit from spring

We plan to reopen from Saturday 1 March 2025. This is when the visitor welcome, tea-rooms, second-hand bookshop, and toilets will be open again. Plus, in addition to the walking trails to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide, the Devil's Cauldron walking trail, some seasonal routes, and the orchard will be open once more to explore.

Family with two children walking their dog on a lead up some of the narrow steps at Lydford Gorge, Devon — Family walking their dog on a lead in the depths of Lydford Gorge | © National Trust/Dianne Giles

Hike the Devil's Cauldron trail

This circular one-way route 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. During the winter closure the rangers can work on the narrow paths here and complete essential maintenance.

Visitors taking photos with mobile phones on the viewing platform of the Devil's Cauldron at Lydford Gorge, Devon — Capture the drama of the Devil's Cauldron at Lydford Gorge | © National Trust Images/John Millar

View the Devil's Cauldron

Brave the narrow rock-hewn steps onto the Devil's Cauldron viewing platform, which is suspended over the water in the depths of this natural pothole. In winter this section can flood and so the floor and walls of the viewing platform are lifted to allow the river and winter debris to pass without damaging it.

A man and two children build a den amid trees at Lydford Gorge, Devon, making a conical shape with long branches — A family build a den in the orchard meadow at Lydford Gorge, Devon. | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Fun in the orchard

This is a great space to escape the crowds and there's plenty of space for picnics and free play. During most school holidays there is a family-friendly trail running too. Over winter the grass here is grazed by a flock of local Whiteface Dartmoor sheep to help improve the meadow habitat.