Where to go · Devon
Forest bathing at Lydford Gorge
A deep, damp river gorge on the western edge of Dartmoor, with temperate rainforest and a 30 metre waterfall.
Lydford Gorge is the National Trust's steep-sided gorge of the River Lyd near Tavistock, and the walk through it takes you into damp, mossy temperate rainforest beside fast water. The best-known sights are the Whitelady Waterfall, about 30 metres high, and the Devil's Cauldron at the other end of the gorge. The sound of water is constant, which makes it a good place to stand still and listen.
In winter the Waterfall entrance and its circular trail stay open while the Devil's Cauldron end closes, so the gorge is often quieter then. The Waterfall trail is about 2.8km down to the falls and back; there is also a step-free route to the bird hide and the waterfall, though it is rough and sloping. The paths elsewhere are steep, rugged and narrow beside the river, with uneven steps, so wear boots with grip and take your time.
Practical
- Managed by
- National Trust
- Parking
- Free car parks at the Waterfall and Devil's Cauldron entrances
- Terrain
- Steep, rugged paths with uneven steps beside fast water; rough step-free route to the waterfall
- Nearest station
- Okehampton, about 10 miles
- Facilities
- Toilets and tea-rooms at both entrances (Devil's Cauldron end closed in winter); bird hide
- Opening and entry
- Admission charge for non-members; National Trust members free. Reduced winter access, Waterfall trail only
- Official page
- nationaltrust.org.uk
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
Guides who run sessions here
No guides listed at Lydford Gorge yet
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Arlington CourtNorth Devon estate with ancient woodland, an old lake and red deer
Bellever ForestHigh Dartmoor conifer forest by the East Dart, with Bronze Age remains among the trees
Fingle WoodsSteep, wooded Teign valley where oak and hazel are slowly replacing old conifer plantationPhotos: Arlington Court, Bill Tyne from Oxford, England (CC BY-SA 2.0); Bellever Forest, Forester2009 (CC BY-SA 3.0); Fingle Woods, Nilfanion (CC BY-SA 4.0).