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🌲 Woodlands & ForestsOff-lead areasModerate to Challenging

Lydford Gorge

24 miles from Exeter β€’ Various gorge walks

Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the South West with the dramatic Devil's Cauldron and 30m White Lady waterfall. Three pawprint rated by National Trust - the very best for dogs! Dogs welcome in tea-rooms. NEW enclosed off-lead area with agility obstacles.

White Lady Waterfall in Lydford Gorge

Β© m-peters, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

Distance

Various gorge walks

Off-lead

Yes

Parking

Free

Overview

Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the South West with the dramatic Devil's Cauldron and 30m White Lady waterfall. Three pawprint rated by National Trust - the very best for dogs! Dogs welcome in tea-rooms. NEW enclosed off-lead area with agility obstacles.

What to Expect

Dramatic gorge walking through ancient woodland. Devils Cauldron with churning waters. White Lady waterfall (30m). Dogs welcome on short leads - steep drops mean this is essential. Tea-rooms are dog-friendly. New off-lead play area with agility at Devil's Cauldron entrance.

Best For

  • βœ“Dramatic scenery
  • βœ“Waterfalls
  • βœ“Three pawprint rated (best for dogs)
  • βœ“Dog-friendly tea-rooms
  • βœ“New off-lead agility area
  • βœ“Free parking

Not Ideal For

  • ⚠Dogs who don't like being on lead (leads essential)
  • ⚠Mobility issues
  • ⚠Vertigo sufferers

Things to Be Aware Of

  • ⚠Dogs must be on short lead at all times on trails
  • ⚠Steep drops - leads essential for safety
  • ⚠Keep dogs out of river
  • ⚠Slippery when wet
  • ⚠Winter closure: some trails closed Nov-March

Local Tips from Evie

NEW enclosed off-lead area in the orchard at Devil's Cauldron entrance - great for letting dogs burn energy! Has agility obstacles. Tea-rooms welcome dogs. The Castle Inn in Lydford village is excellent and dog-friendly. Allow 2-3 hours for full circular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Lydford Gorge?

Yes! Three pawprint rated - the very best for dogs. Dogs welcome in tea-rooms. Must be on short lead on trails (steep paths and drops).

Is there an off-lead area at Lydford Gorge?

Yes! New enclosed off-lead area in the orchard at Devil's Cauldron entrance. 15m x 30m with 5.5ft fence and agility obstacles including jump, weave posts, tyres and tunnel.

Is parking free at Lydford Gorge?

Yes! Free parking at both entrances.

Practical Information

Address

Lydford Gorge, Lydford

EX20 4BH

Parking

FREE parking at both entrances. Waterfall entrance has 3 Blue Badge bays 20m from welcome. Devil's Cauldron entrance (EX20 4BH) has 2 Blue Badge bays 35m from welcome. Not suitable for caravans. No overnight parking.

Facilities
tea-rooms (dog-friendly)toiletsfree parkingwater bowlsdog waste binstether pointsNEW off-lead dog area in orchard
Terrain
gorgewoodlandpathssteep sections
Off-Lead Info

Three pawprint rated by National Trust - the very best for dogs! Dogs must be on short lead on trails (steep paths). NEW enclosed off-lead area in orchard at Devil's Cauldron entrance: 15m x 30m, 1.65m/5.5ft fence, with agility obstacles (jump, weave posts, tyres, tunnel). Dogs kept out of river.

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Need a Dog Walker?

I walk dogs at Lydford Gorge regularly. Get in touch if you need help.

Contact Me