Dartmoor beauty spot closed for winter as structural repairs get underway

One of Dartmoor’s most dramatic beauty spots has closed many of its walking routes for the winter, including the popular Devil’s Cauldron trail, as the National Trust carries out its annual programme of safety checks and maintenance.

Lydford Gorge, known for its steep pathways, powerful river sections and fast-changing winter conditions, routinely shuts its narrower routes between late autumn and early spring. 

The closure allows ranger teams to safely inspect paths, stabilise surfaces and protect infrastructure from the impact of storms and high water.

This winter’s weather has arrived early and forcefully, with heavy rainfall causing the River Lyd to rise before work crews were able to fully dismantle parts of the Devil’s Cauldron viewing platform, an action that happens every year to prevent storm damage. 

Recent photographs of the swollen river around the structure highlighted the force of the winter water levels, leading some local visitors to ask about possible damage and safety concerns.

In response, Rose Cooke, Visitor Experience Officer for Lydford Gorge, provided a detailed explanation to reassure the public and outline the work now underway. She said:

“Lydford Gorge closes most of its walking routes, including the Devil’s Cauldron trail, every winter. This is part of our usual seasonal programme so we can carry out essential safety and maintenance work, which isn’t possible while visitors are on the narrow paths.”

ABOVE: A mudslide in March caused the trail to be closed for emergency repairs (Credit: National Trust/Luke H)

She added that the unique design of the viewing platform means partial dismantling is necessary every year:

“The Devil’s Cauldron viewing platform is designed to be partly dismantled each winter. We remove the sides and floor so that high water and storm debris can pass through safely without causing major damage.”

This year, however, the weather beat the team to it.

“Heavy rainfall led to the river rising before we were able to remove these elements. There is no significant structural damage, though one side panel was loosened from its fixings.”

Cooke confirmed that rangers have now removed the sides and floor as planned and will continue maintenance over the winter months. 

The National Trust currently expects to reopen the Devil’s Cauldron trail on Saturday, 14 March 2026, depending on weather conditions and any safety issues that arise. 

As staff frequently note, conditions in the gorge can shift quickly at this time of year.

While the main gorge paths are closed, the short walk to Whitelady Waterfall remains open to visitors throughout winter. 

All other on-site facilities, including the toilets, are shut until spring.

The National Trust is advising visitors to check local updates before travelling, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, as Dartmoor’s rivers and gorges can become hazardous with little warning.