4.6
(565)
3,832
hikers
122
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Thrushelton offer access to the diverse landscapes of West Devon, including Dartmoor National Park and Lydford Gorge. The region is characterized by open moorlands, deep river valleys, and granite formations known as tors. Hikers can explore a network of paths amidst ancient woodlands and archaeological sites, with the River Lyd flowing through picturesque gorges.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.9
(99)
663
hikers
Step into a landscape often compared to a 'Tolkien vibe' or a 'Brazilian rainforest' on the Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop. This easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) hike, taking about…
3.7
(3)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.7
(3)
23
hikers
1.89km
00:31
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
16
hikers
5.85km
01:50
210m
210m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
4.96km
01:20
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Drop down the hill a short way from the church, to the National Trust entrance - tea rooms, loo, lovely walk and they even have bike locks to lend.
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The views from both Great Links and Brat Tor are incredible. On a clear day you can see both the North Coast and South Coast as well as Bodmin Moor. The River Lyd stepping stone crossing is nice but there is still a wooden bridge crossing if you are a little unsteady on your feet.
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Beautiful area fairly steep path climb up, but well worth it and rewarding
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The section that is worth seeing 😬
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So if you're in the area and willing to pay the entrance fee, then you can take a look. If you don't see it, you're not missing much. It's really just a small area that's well worth seeing. But I have to be fair ☝️... ... the circular trail was closed because of a landslide. So we're missing half of the trail. Maybe the other half would have changed our minds. For people who spend a lot of time in nature, it's OK, nothing more. I hope I'm not lynched here now 😬🙈. There's really beautiful nature in Dartmoor and it's free too 😉.
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Quite nice 😏. If you pass by you can take it with you, you don't have to go there specially 😬.
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Warning! Apparently there was a landslide, so the path along the river is closed. You can only get to the waterfall through the National Trust area. Entry fee is £11 per person! It's no longer a quiet place. Children play right by the waterfall, so you can't take any nice photos. It's a real shame! We would have liked to have known this before the hike. Then we definitely wouldn't have done it!!!
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The first impression of this simple but solidly crafted small sacred monument from 1887 is powerful and imposing. The lonely stone cross can be seen from afar thanks to its exposed location. The ancient, venerable cross is a natural part of this environment and one could almost think that it is literally growing out of the rock from which it rises to a proud height.
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Thrushelton offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 45 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 120 hiking routes in the area, catering to various fitness levels.
The easy trails around Thrushelton provide access to the diverse landscapes of West Devon, including the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park and the dramatic Lydford Gorge. You'll find a mix of open moorlands, deep river valleys, ancient woodlands, and striking granite formations known as tors, offering a varied and picturesque hiking experience.
Yes, the region is home to the impressive Whitelady Waterfall within Lydford Gorge. An excellent easy option is the Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop of Lydford Gorge — Dartmoor National Park, which combines historical landmarks with this stunning natural feature.
Absolutely. The area around Lydford offers easy trails that delve into history. Consider the Lydford Castle and Saxon Town – Lydford Castle loop from Lydford, which allows you to explore the historical Saxon town and the grounds of Lydford Castle.
Yes, some easy trails provide access to the iconic granite tors of Dartmoor. The Widgery Cross at Brat Tor loop from Lydford, for example, offers ascents onto the open moorland, leading to viewpoints from Brat Tor.
Beyond the famous Lydford Gorge and Whitelady Waterfall, easy hikes can lead you to various natural attractions. You might encounter beautiful lakes like Meldon Quarry Lake or Meldon Reservoir. The trails also offer views of prominent tors such as Widgery Cross at Brat Tor and Sourton Tors.
Many of the easy trails are well-suited for families, offering manageable distances and gentle terrain. Routes like the Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop are popular choices, combining natural beauty with historical interest that can engage younger hikers.
Yes, many of the easy routes around Thrushelton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lydford Castle – Lydford Gorge loop from Lydford and the Dartmoor National Park – Lake Viaduct loop from West Devon, which are perfect for a straightforward day out.
The easy trails in Thrushelton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the accessibility to both natural wonders like Lydford Gorge and historical sites.
While Thrushelton itself is a small village, public transport options to nearby hubs like Lydford, which serves as a starting point for many popular easy hikes, may be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance or consider driving to trailheads with parking facilities.
Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for easy hikes, with wildflowers blooming and generally milder weather. However, the region's beauty can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, and even in winter, with appropriate gear, the moorlands offer a stark, dramatic beauty. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Yes, the village of Lydford, a common starting point for many easy trails, offers options for refreshments. You can find local pubs and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a drink after your hike. For example, the Upper Tamar Lake Café is another option if you venture towards the lakes.


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