See the South West’s BEST waterfalls with THIS itinerary
Don’t go chasing waterfalls… or do with this four-day Devon and Cornwall waterfalls itinerary!
This slice of the UK has some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the country, and the terrain of West Devon, East Cornwall and Exmoor is brimming with glorious falls!
I’ve put together a four-day itinerary showcasing the best waterfalls in the region and suggested a few other attractions in each area too.
Day 1: East Dartmoor and Teign Valley
Begin your trip at Becky Falls, which is near Bovey Tracey – just outside the moorland village of Manaton. The main waterfall tumbles over a wall of huge granite boulders in a steep wooded valley.
The marked trails are on different levels: the red trail is the longest and least trafficked, winding through mossy woodland past hidden cascades and ancient oak trees. The falls themselves are natural but set within a privately-managed estate, so entry is ticketed and paths are well maintained.
See my full guide to visiting Becky Falls here.
From Becky Falls, drive 25 minutes south through the Teign Valley to reach Canonteign Falls which is just outside Christow. Here, Lady Exmouth Falls claims the title of England’s highest manmade waterfall, with water descending 70 metres down a wooded hillside.
After parking, follow the steep woodland trail to the top viewpoint, which opens out to views across the valley and surrounding farmland.
The waterfall is narrow but dramatic, especially after rainfall!
Other attractions in the area
- Haytor
- Grimspound
- Postbridge Clapper Bridge
- Castle Drogo
See my Dartmoor itinerary or things to do in Dartmoor post for more information!
Day 2: Lydford Gorge and Golitha Falls
Start the day at Lydford Gorge, a National Trust property on the edge of Dartmoor near Okehampton.
This is the deepest gorge in the south west, and it features two standout natural features.
First, the White Lady Waterfall, a 30-metre single-drop fall framed by steep ferns and rock. Second, the Devil’s Cauldron, where the River Lyd churns through a narrow crevice with thunderous force.
Begin your walk at the main entrance and follow the one-way loop (approx. 2 hours), which includes steep, sometimes slippery sections – and a couple of parts where you’ll need to scramble on narrow rock above the river (there are handrails!).
Walking poles or good grip shoes are a wise choice!
Take a look at my full guide to Lydford Gorge.
From Lydford, head west along the A30 and cross into Cornwall. Just south of Bodmin Moor, park at the Draynes Bridge car park to access Golitha Falls.
These aren’t high waterfalls but a long series of cascades running through ancient oak woodland along the River Fowey. The trail is mostly flat and easy underfoot, though parts can be muddy in wet weather.
In spring, the area is filled with bluebells and wild garlic; in autumn, the golden canopy transforms the forest into a particularly scenic walk. There’s no entry fee and no need to rush—the path runs for around 2km, and you can return the same way.
Inkies Smokehouse in the car park serves food and drin from mid-morning to late afternoon. They provide a free car park but ask that anyone using it purchase from the restaurant.
See my full guide to Golitha Falls here.
Other attractions in the area
- Cheesewring
- Rough Tor and Brown Willy
- Siblyback Lake
Day 3: North and Mid Cornwall
Drive south towards Luxulyan Valley, about 1 hour away. This wooded valley was part of Cornwall’s 19th-century mining infrastructure and now forms part of a World Heritage Site.
Park near Ponts Mill or the Luxulyan village side and take the circular walk past the Treffry Viaduct, a granite structure that once carried both water and wagons.
Below the viaduct, the River Par tumbles over weirs and boulders, forming smaller falls throughout the wooded gorge.
It’s not a single-drop waterfall, but the sound of water and the remnants of leats and aqueducts make it worthy of a spot in this list!
The area is usually quiet, even in summer, with a few local dog walkers but few tourists. If you’d prefer a short walk, just visit the viaduct from the Luxulyan side and return the same way.
Then, head to St Nectan’s Glen, located in a steep, wooded valley near Trethevy – just inland from Tintagel.
From the small car park, it’s a 20-minute riverside walk to reach the ticket office and tearoom, then a short climb to the waterfall itself.
The main fall drops around 20 metres through a natural rock arch into a shallow plunge pool.
Waterfalls here are slow-flowing in dry seasons but still atmospheric, surrounded by thick moss and ribbons of hanging ivy. Visitors often leave coins, trinkets and ribbons around the site—this is considered a place of spiritual significance to many.
Paths are uneven and sometimes muddy, so bring suitable footwear.
Got the capacity for one more waterfall?
Head to Rocky Valley on the coast. This waterfall is on the South West Coast Path, but you can drive to around half a mile/ 0.8 km from the path, park and follow this walking route to reach it.
Other attractions in the area
- Tintagel Castle
- Boscastle
- Port Isaac
Day 4: Exmoor and North Devon
Leave Cornwall behind and head north towards the Devon border.
Your first stop is the Hartland Peninsula and walk to Speke’s Mill Mouth, one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the south west. From the car park at Hartland Quay, it’s a 20–30 minute walk along a clifftop trail to reach the waterfall.
It drops around 50 feet straight onto the rocks at the back of a remote beach, surrounded by folded cliffs and wild coastal scenery. Paths can be muddy and steep in places, so caution is needed—but the views are worth it, especially at low tide when the beach is partially exposed.
Time permitting, take a brief stop in Clovelly, where a small waterfall trickles over the cliffs just beyond the harbour wall. Entry to the village is paid and vehicle access is limited, so I’d only really recommend stopping here if you wanted to see the village anyway! Take a look at my Clovelly guide here.
In the afternoon, head to Watersmeet, just outside Lynmouth.
From the National Trust car park, take the well-marked riverside trail upstream to the junction of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water.
Waterfalls appear regularly along the trail – some tumbling over stone ledges, others flowing fast through narrow rocky sections.
The old fishing lodge, now a National Trust café, makes a convenient break point. You can return the same way or form a longer circular route through the woods and back via the Two Moors Way.
Other attractions in the area
- Lynton Cliff Funicular
- Woolacombe Beach
- Ilfracombe Harbour
