So a slight change from the norm, we are still on Dartmoor, just, but not on the open moor or amongst the tors. This is a lovely village and National Trust spot, full of greenery, high cliffs and the river, the cause of the gorge. We’d had a little rain before visiting so we were hopeful of some water traversing the gorge and resulting waterfalls. We say some, although the rain more recently would have meant a better spectacle. We drove out to the west of Dartmoor, passing the Dartmoor square of Wilmingstone and the old railway bridge over the lane, before heading to Lydford. We first had a poke around in the castle, which was actually a court and prison, before we dropped to look at the older Norman earthwork castle. Next we had a lengthy wander around the gorge, a much changed place recently as the National Trust have closed off most of the lower river path due to landslides. It has meant you no longer get to see the better parts of the path nor the tunnel falls, also you don’t get up close to Raven’s Tor which is a shame. Instead we walked the higher path out and back, visiting the White Lady falls at the far end. We then headed back to the village to have a look in the church, one I hadn’t visited before. A nice day out and a good change from our normal pattern of Dartmoor or coastal.
Distance – A few miles, maybe 5 Start time – 11.30am Time taken – 3hrs Highest Point – Lydford Castle 222 metres
Weather – Some sun, mainly cloudy
Before starting out, some photos from work. These hawks are brought in to try and move on the seagulls that nest on the roof of our building. I would say that over the years they have definitely reduced the numbers considerably, so it is workingThe deer however are present very regularly!So driving across to Lydford we pass the Dartmoor square at WilmingstoneParked up in Lydford we first look towards the Castle Inn pubNo surprise it sits next to the castle, or prison as was its use.The prison also held the court. It was used by the 4 stannary towns on Dartmoor to administer the laws of the land, specifically on the mining of tin and its taxation. The 4 towns were Ashburton, Plympton, Chagford and TavistockIn the sunshine is the church in Lydford, St Petroc’sThis mound was the older Norman castle, behind the newer prison fort.
Foxgloves were very popular here
Chimney Sweeper moth, I think
Into the gorge now, and there are two paths to take, firstly the loop to the Devil’s Cauldron and the out and back plus loop to the White Lady Falls. First up for us was the Devil’s CauldronA nice glade which was perfect for a coffee for usLarge Red Damselfly catching the raysIn the narrowing gorge to the Devil’s CauldronThe Cauldron, as you can see by the smooth carved walls, the water is like a washing machine in here after serious rainLooking out, the path down is short, exposed, slippery and narrow with a hand rail. Easier on the return back up. Rock and moss is king down hereWe are out into the greener sectionsClimbing back up to the higher path you get views down. The glade we sat in for a coffee earlier is below hereWe’d set off for the White Lady Falls now, this is as near as you can get to Raven’s Tor now, the old path can be seen at the bottomLydford Gorge above the canopyThe River Lyd has carved its way to this point and settles a little as we walk to the waterfall
White Lady Waterfall
I didn’t take any other photos as we returned the way we went out. Now at the church we look past a grinding stone to the castleInside the church, this one seems to be one of the better kept churches on the whole moorAnd a superb rood screen to finish off with. A superb outing for us both and always good to change it up a little.
Fascinating about the birds of prey – what a great job that must be for someone! And what a beautiful walk, the lush greenery along the river and the waterfalls!! We really need to find a river walk asap!! 🙂
What a lovely account of your day at Lydford! Even with some paths closed, it sounds like you made the most of the gorge’s stunning scenery and history. The White Lady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron are such highlights, and the ancient woodland makes it all feel magical. Thanks for sharing your walk—definitely inspiring me to plan a visit!
A gorge and tumbling river is right up my street although never done Lydford Gorge. The kind of thing thing I’ve scrambled about in wetsuits in my youth! Stunning church as well!
treksandtors 
Fascinating about the birds of prey – what a great job that must be for someone! And what a beautiful walk, the lush greenery along the river and the waterfalls!! We really need to find a river walk asap!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rivers are my favourite water based walk, canals are nice as are lakes. But a good river has far more interest about it
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely account of your day at Lydford! Even with some paths closed, it sounds like you made the most of the gorge’s stunning scenery and history. The White Lady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron are such highlights, and the ancient woodland makes it all feel magical. Thanks for sharing your walk—definitely inspiring me to plan a visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember when I first did the gorge in the 1960s – mostly planks with no safety rails.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely, Steve! My kind of a day out xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning walk. Love the devil cauldron.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When its been raining its a stunning sight in there
LikeLiked by 1 person
A gorge and tumbling river is right up my street although never done Lydford Gorge. The kind of thing thing I’ve scrambled about in wetsuits in my youth! Stunning church as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah its a good spot, especially after a bit of rain
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely walk. Looks like it might be cool as well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes its definitely sheltered, so likely to be cooler when its hot. But then again you really want some rain before you go to see the best of it
LikeLike
Pingback: Summary – April to June 2025 – Our Lake District Escapades