Lydford: Gorge and History

Lydford offers two distinct focal points for planning your trip: the river landscape of Lydford Gorge and its Saxon and Norman history. To help you choose, consider specific destinations and routes: the Waterfall Trail includes a challenging circular walk, the Lyd Link connects the Gorge entrances, and Stage 3 of the West Devon Way starts in the centre of Lydford.

Lydford Gorge: Rainforest and Waterfall

Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West and is filled with temperate rainforest. This temperate rainforest is a rare habitat worldwide. One striking destination in the gorge is Whitelady Waterfall: the 30-metre cascade flows down a rock face into the River Lyd. The Lydford Gorge Waterfall Trail is a challenging circular route through the rainforest to the foot of the waterfall. Check trail conditions and access before you travel.

The Devil's Cauldron lies in the deepest part of Lydford Gorge. It is a large whirlpool with a viewing platform suspended above the river. The Devil's Cauldron Trail passes through rocky terrain along the River Lyd to the platform. When choosing between the two destinations, the Waterfall Trail focuses on the foot of the cascade, while the Cauldron Trail leads to the platform above the whirlpool.

Routes and Getting There

The Lyd Link runs through woodland and connects the entrances to the Devil's Cauldron and the Waterfall Trail in Lydford Gorge; the route is 1.3 miles long. The difference between the routes is clear: the Lyd Link connects the Gorge entrances, while the challenging Waterfall Trail is a circular route to the foot of the waterfall.

The Lydford Gorge Railway Path also has a historical connection: it follows the route of the former Great Western Railway through deep cuttings that have since been reclaimed by nature. The former railway line and the cuttings’ natural character today make this a different way to experience the Gorge.

Both entrances to Lydford Gorge are on National Cycle Network Route 27 (NCN27). Check cycling conditions before setting off. Services between Okehampton, including the railway station, and Tavistock stop at both Gorge entrances; check the services again before travelling. Stage 3 of the West Devon Way starts in the centre of Lydford. For this route, too, it is advisable to check current route conditions before setting off.

Saxon and Norman History

In the 9th century, Lydford was one of Devon’s four important towns, or burhs. The Saxon street grid is still discernible: modern hedges and footpaths trace the lines of former streets. These visible lines give the town’s history a tangible form without conflating its different historical periods.

A former Norman earthwork castle lies south of Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, while Saxon town defences lie to the north. The Church of St Petrock in Lydford is a Grade II* listed building. Together, these structures and traces in the landscape illustrate different periods of Lydford’s history—from the Saxon era and the Norman castle to a protected church building.

Discover more destinations: North Tawton, Outer Hope, Axminster, Starcross, Bishop's Tawton, Budleigh Salterton, Rackenford, Bampton.

For the wider travel guide: Devon.