A picturesque stone bridge crosses the River Lyd just south of the village of Lydford. At this point the river often falls fast and furious as it tumbles down into a beautiful ravine roofed by large trees and sided by carpets of wild flowers and garlic. Here the river with its boulders, dark pools, cascades and long rapids is endlessly changing, but always beautiful. Sometimes, when the river moves more slowly its mood becomes reflective and you can stand on the bridge watching streams of sunlight moving around the waters like a dazzling golden beams. The light summer breezes sway willow branches, which with other trees cast their reflections on the sun-kissed water.
The descent into the gorge from the Lydford end is steep, for this is the deepest gorge in south-west England. It stretches from the stunning Devils Cauldron Whirlpool, which lies close to the bridge and travels through about a mile and a half of wonderful scenery, to end with the grand finale of the dramatic White Lady Waterfall.
Alongside the river and above the gorge there are lovely walks from one end of the gorge to the other. Following the river path walkers can enjoy its wildlife and changing moods, whilst from above there are long vista's of a scenic landscape of glorious woods, rare wild flowers and plants.
An enjoyable legend tells that in the 17th century the gorge was inhabited by a notorious family of outlaws - the Gubbins. They are said to have terrorised the neighbourhood, stole sheep from Dartmoor, committed "lewd" acts, and made of with "two strumpets" from whom they are said to have multiplied accordingly!
Today, Lydford Gorge is owned by the National Trust and is open for its entire length throughout the summer. It is a lovely place to wander and continues to be appreciated and revered for its beauty.
in the county of Devon
(8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction NE)There has been a settlement at Okehampton since the Bronze-Age, later it became a prosperous Saxon town with the Saxon Lords being overthrown at the time of the Conquest...
in the county of Devon
(9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction E)Postbridge is a tiny hamlet, yet this richly wooded area, at the heart of the moor has become a natural starting point for the thousands of visitors who annually come to explore the splendour and wonders of the moor...
a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon
(12.2 miles, 19.7 km, direction SE)A popular tourist and beauty spot on Dartmoor. It is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart...
a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon
(14.4 miles, 23.2 km, direction E)This attractive village is one of the most beautifully laid out of all Devon villages with pretty cottages set around a fine village square...
in the county of Devon
(17.4 miles, 28.0 km, direction NE)Set amid the rolling agricultural heartland of Devon, Zeal Monachorum is the very epitome of the perfect, tranquil Devonian village...
All towns in Devon
A simple square keep is all that remains of Lydford Castle. The castle, standing on a small mound in the shadow of the church.....
Set in a dark, brooding corner of Dartmoor, the Merrivale Rows show a vast variety of shape and formation. The site is also.....
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This unique double ringed circle is less dramatic than most and is interesting for the fact that the circles lie side by side.....
Fernworthy Stone Circles are set against the majestic backdrop of some of Dartmoor's highest peaks, in a beautiful forest spot.....
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