Enclosed in green leaves, summer is a fabulous time to visit the deepest river gorge in the South West, home to the 30m-high Whitelady Waterfall and a stunning temperate rainforest.
Lydford Gorge offers two main trails: to take in the ravine, view the tumbling river and enjoy lower plants such as mosses, liverworts and ferns that thrive in the damp, shady environment, walk the Devil’s Cauldron trail; alternatively, take the circular Waterfall trail, where you can enjoy a plethora of trees and plants that love the humidity created by the cascading Whitelady Waterfall.
Our temperate rainforests are under threat from invasive species, tree diseases, and climate change. This summer our trail in the orchard will be highlighting the world of mosses. Despite being tiny and unassuming, mosses have survived on our planet for over 450 million years. As you delve deeper into the trail, you’ll discover more about this remarkable plant and how, with small changes, we can help tackle climate change.
Visitors can use the Lyd Link trail to go between the Devil’s Cauldron and Waterfall trails or use the car parks at either end of the site to access their chosen trail. The Lyd Link takes approximately 45 minutes each way to walk; please note that some parts are narrow and there are steps. However you plan to enjoy Lydford Gorge this summer, you’re in for a treat and will be supporting the National Trust’s vital conservation work at the same time – two fantastic reasons to visit.