Easy
England · United Kingdom
- Distance
- 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 25 m
- Typical duration
- 16 min
- Canyon and gorge
- Forest
Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail, Lydford Gorge
EasyEngland · United Kingdom
- Distance
- 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 33 m (108 ft)
- Typical time
- 22 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- Loop
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail, Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail, Lydford Gorge is a 1.5 km hiking route in England, United Kingdom. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. Most people take around 22 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Nothing here is technical, and the climbing is spread out rather than concentrated.
The gorge section is the highlight, with rock walls close on both sides and the light changing by the hour. You hear the falls before you see them, which makes the final approach genuinely exciting. Tree cover shades most of the route, which makes it a sound choice on hot afternoons.
It is a 1.5 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Plymouth, about 28.9 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by National Trust.
In short, Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail, Lydford Gorge suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Easy1.5 km33 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.
Highlights
- Waterfall
- Canyon and gorge
- Forest
- Wildlife watching
- Circular route, no backtracking
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 85/100
- Adventure
- 37/100
- Difficulty
- 4/100
- Accessibility
- 83/100
- Family
- 88/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Go within a day or two of rain if you want the falls at full volume.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Narrow gorges flood quickly. Check the forecast upstream, not just where you are standing.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United Kingdom are reached on 999. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Bring a small tripod and a neutral density filter if you want the classic silky water, and shoot on an overcast day to avoid blown highlights. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
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