The Devil's Cauldron is the perfect name to sum up the seething mass of white water that churns beneath dark and mysterious canyon walls. It seems fitting that it is located in Dartmoor, known for its enduring myths and legends. It’s one of the most captivating waterfalls in England and the walk to reach it, one of the best in Dartmoor.
It’s an easy trail but for the very last section which involves negotiating a few exposed steps next to a bit of a drop which may unnerve some people, though most will find it adds a touch of excitement and expectation to the walk.
The Devil's Cauldron Walk
The stats
Distance: 0.7 mile (1.1km) circuit
Elevation gain: 50m
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat
Trailhead: Lydford Gorge National Trust Car Park
Summary: The walk to the Devil's Cauldron is all on a well maintained track looked after by the National Trust. There’s a slope to walk down on the way so you’ll have a bit of a climb on the way back up, but it’s not overly steep and the good track conditions means it’s quite easy.
The only section which requires care with footing is the final few steps down to the viewing platform which are unfenced and exposed.
The walk
From the National Trust car park you will head briefly along a grassy lawn before following the signposted path downhill into the forest.
The first 350m of the walk is downhill on well maintained steps/slope, though after rain it can still get a little muddy.
The forest is dense and beautiful and you’ll immediately hear the sound of the river below you. After 350m you’ll cross the river on a small bridge and head right.
The path now follows the water and is rocky in places with some minor undulations. It’s absolutely stunning and you quickly enter the gorge with its mossy walls, abundant ferns and clear emerald water.
On the narrower parts of the track there are handrails to help with stability.
The section of track leading through the gorge is magical, and sadly one of the only parts that you can still visit which feels like you are actually in the gorge following the long term closure of the main gorge circuit (you can still visit the stunning Whitelady Falls, but it was beyond the falls where the walk got really special).
It’s so sad as this really was one of the most magnificent walks in all of England, but at least you can still have a taste of it with the route to the Devil’s Cauldron.
Anyway, back to the trail and once you’ve been walking for 585m you’ll come to a warning sign relating to the steps down to the lookout.
You’ll reach the gate in front of the steps 40m later. A maximum of 8 people are allowed on the platform at any one time, but if you’re lucky like us, you’ll be there alone and really get to soak in the incredible atmosphere.
The rocky steps lead down to the metal platform and there is a wire handrail on the right if needed. The stairs were soaking wet on our visit and I thought they would be very slippery, but surprisingly they weren’t. I found them a fun addition to the walk, adding that little touch of adventure!
You’ll then walk for just under 30m to the end of the platform.
The Devil’s Cauldron
The last few metres of the track take you into the dark lair of the cauldron. On a cloudy day - which I would recommend for the most atmospheric time to visit - the walls of the gorge are almost black and have been elaborately sculptured by the force of rushing water over time.
The waterfall is not tall, in fact it’s little more than a cascade, but the raging mass of white water is really something to behold.
That along with the magnificent canyon walls create a spellbinding scene.
It’s a special spot and though very short, it makes for one of the best walks in Dartmoor.
Continuing the trail
You can walk for a little further before you need to head back uphill to the car park.
After passing back through the gate you can continue along the path for a short distance, alongside some more cascades. You only get a partial view, but it still offers a glimpse into the magnificent gorge.
After the waterfalls, you head up some stairs to a bridge which spans the top of the gorge walls. It’s another fabulous section of track and well worth seeing before you complete the circuit. It’s just over 100m from the cauldron.
You used to be able to continue the walk for another 1/4 of a mile to the sublime Tuckers Pool which looks like it’s straight out of a scene from the Jungle Book.
But alas, as with the main track through Lydford Gorge, access to the pool is no longer permitted. Sometimes the back route is open and you can read more about that here.
From the bridge, you head back the way you came before forking left at the junction. This path will take you back to the car park.
The Devil’s Cauldron entry fee
Over the last couple of years, entry to the Lydford Gorge area has almost doubled in price, it’s currently £14.30 for adults and £7.20 for children (free for NT members). If you’re not a member make sure you also visit Whitelady Falls at the same time as the Devils Cauldron to maximise your entry fee. You can connect with the trail to the waterfall from near the ticket office.
Opening times and parking info
The Devil’s Cauldron is usually open between March and October, but has closed at other times in recent years so check whether it’s open here before making the journey.
There are two car parks for Lydford Gorge, the one for the Devil’s Cauldron can be seen here on Google maps, postcode EX20 4BH. The second car park is located a little further up the road and is the closer parking point for Whitelady Falls if you don’t want to take the link track.
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