Short answer: Yes, it's in Devon, and yes it's worth the nine miles. Two car parks, two loops — the Devil's Cauldron trail is the dramatic one, the waterfall loop is the harder walk. Dogs welcome on leads.
Launceston sits close enough to the border that some of its best days out are technically in Devon. Lydford Gorge is the clearest example.
The deepest gorge in the South West — a river carving through ancient woodland, with the Devil's Cauldron whirlpool at one end and the White Lady waterfall at the other.
There are two car parks and two loops, each around 45 minutes. The Devil's Cauldron side is the more dramatic and slightly easier; the waterfall loop is steeper. Walking between them adds well over an hour.
Paths are steep, rocky and slippery after rain, with some narrow sections. Proper shoes rather than trainers, and it isn't suitable for buggies.
Welcome on leads, though some sections aren't advisable with a dog for safety reasons — the signage is clear about which.
A café at the main entrance, and the Castle Inn up the hill in Lydford village for a proper meal — worth booking ahead for a Sunday roast.
Allow longer than you think. Each loop is around 45 minutes at a steady pace, but the paths slow you down and most people stop repeatedly. A half day is realistic; trying to squeeze it into an hour isn't.
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