Everything you need to know about the Thor’s Cave Walk
The Thor’s Cave walk is in the Manifold Valley, just outside Wetton in the Staffordshire Peak District National Park. The Thor’s Cave walk has become very popular due to its Instagram fame and can be extremely busy if you do not pick the right time to go. What’s great is that you can go inside Thor’s Cave and see spectacular views over the Manifold Valley from the 60ft cave entrance. You can see the opening from below, and the natural cavern is something special; remember to take care around the cave, as there are some steep drops! It is known to be one of the most incredible caves in the Peak District and the UK.
The Thor’s Cave walk route we have suggested begins in Wetton car park, then climbing to the top of Thor’s Cave, descending towards Ladyside Wood, Grindon, along the Manifold Trail to Wetton Hill and back to Wetton village. It is one of the most popular circular routes, but we have also included a shorter alternative. As always, when you go make sure you are respectful, stay on the paths and take all litter home with you. Leave no trace and keep it beautiful.
Thor’s Cave Walk Distance: 9.2km (5.7miles)
Thor’s Cave Walk Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 304m
Thor’s Cave Walking Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: roads, paths, hills and steps (the mud can make this challenging).
Wetton Car Park Postcode: DE6 2AF
Thor’s Cave walk grid reference: SK 17247
Facilities: Car Park, Toilets
Crowd Levels: High
Background and History of Thor’s Cave Walk
Thor’s Cave has formed over thousands of years, and the name is said to come from either ‘tors’, meaning hills, or from Thor, the Norse god of thunder. We like to think the latter, a cave so mighty that it is named after Thor himself.
The Manifold Valley below Thor’s Cave has been famous for a long time because it used to be the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway route. There was once a train station at Thor’s Cave, which attracted tourists to the area.
An interesting fact about Thor’s Cave is that past excavations have found stone tools, pottery and human remains, dating back around 11,000 years ago.
Thor’s Cave Walk – Directions to the start
The best way to get to the start of the Thor’s Cave walk is by car. However, it is good to know that the nearest train station is Stoke on Trent, which is 20 miles away. There is a bus service which is number 405, serving Leek to Wetton (Monday- Friday) and number 443 (Ashbourne to Wetton) on Thursdays and Saturdays.
It would be best if you took the A515 between Buxton and Ashbourne to reach Wetton car park.
Thor’s Cave Parking: Wetton Car Park, Carr Lane, Wetton, Ashbourne, DE6 2AF
The car park is open 8-6 pm Monday to Saturday, and the maximum stay is 10 hours. There is no limit on Sundays and Bank Holidays. There is minimal parking, so you should arrive as early as possible if you want to park here, and this is the best place to park for the suggested walk.
Alternatively, there is parking on Leek Road near Wetton Hill, found here. Also, near Weak Bridge on Larkstone Lane, found here. Finally, you can park near the Wetton Mill Car Park on the roadside, but you will have to adapt your walk.
Grid reference to start the Thor’s Cave Walk: SK 10899 5514
When is a good time to go on the Thor’s Cave Walk?
The Thor’s Cave walk is a year-round track. Although, it is helpful to know that this area can get very muddy, and the limestone rock can be slippery, especially when it’s wet. After visiting a few times, it is safe to say that you should avoid visiting Thor’s Cave during the wetter months and visit in spring/ summer for a better experience.
It is also an extremely popular walk, which means that you have three options unless you want to be surrounded by crowds.
- Go very early in the morning
- Go mid-week and avoid the weekends
- Go in the evenings (this is also the best time to take pictures)!
Good to know – Useful Tips for Thor’s Cave Walk
1. There are toilets available in the car park.
2. Please keep your dogs on a lead to protect the wildlife.
3. Take litter home with you.
4. Check the weather forecast before you go.
5. Take water with you; you will not fill up your bottle on route.
6. Wear appropriate footwear and clothes. Those white trainers may not be white anymore after the Thor’s Cave walk.
7. Take care inside the cave, the limestone is slippery, and we have seen many people fall.
8. Take a head torch to explore the inside of Thor’s Cave.
9. Walk on the rocky tor above Thor’s Cave for fantastic views over the valley.
10. There are limited signposts for this walk. You will need to be prepared or risk getting lost. There is also a little phone signal, so do not rely on it.
11. Download or buy a physical map to take with you, the Ordnance Survey Map of the area is OL24 Peak District, and the Thor’s Cave walk is in the White Peak area. You can download the OS map here.
The Thor’s Cave Map
The Thor’s Cave Walk Circular Route – What to Expect in 9 Steps
- From the car park, turn right past the toilets where you will see a sign for Wetton Mill. Turn right following the road between the stone walls in the direction of Wetton Mill.
- Turn left at the end of the road, leave the village of Wetton behind you and take the concession path to Thor’s Cave on your left. Walk along the way until you reach a gate and go over the sty. After, take the track right through the field. You will now be able to see the top of the hill above Thor’s Cave in front of you.
- The rocks can be slippery in this area, so be careful. Take the path down and up in the direction of the little gate. You can go up the hill at the gate and explore the valley from above or continue right around the hillside until you reach the spectacular Thor’s Cave (we recommend going up if it is not too muddy – it is very steep, though).
- From Thor’s Cave, take the steps heading down towards the Manifold Trail on the Manifold Way. Turn left and go down and cross the small bridge over the Manifold River. Cross the path directly in front of you and go through the small gate. Follow the National Trust Ladyside sign and head up the path through Ladyside woods. Turn around, and you will have spectacular views of Thor’s Cave behind you.
- Follow the steps up, go through the gate into a field, and go straight up the hill towards the signpost. At the signpost, turn left through a small gate, following the path to Grindon (follow the Church spire).
- Keep right and go up the path following the sign for Wetton Mill and go over the sty. Keep left and follow the green arrow up the field towards the gate and go over the sty.
- Turn left and head towards the church, where you will find an adjacent path that leads down with the direction of Ossom Farm. Before you reach the farm, turn left and go down Ossoms Hill, and you will find a small stream. Cross the stream and take a right, and follow the path to Wetton Mill.
- When you reach Wetton Mill (you can stop here and use the facilities, toilets and grab a drink or a bite to eat), cross the bridge that goes over the River Manifold and follows the sign through the farm and up the back of the Mill. It will take you to a hidden valley below Wetton Mill. Go left on the path between Wetton Hill (on your right) and Sugarloaf (on your left).
- Next, you can turn right at the tarmac lane and follow the path up behind Wetton Hill, with the stone wall on your right. Do not climb the hill. Instead, the grassy track will take you back to Wetton Village via a small gate, along and down a gravelly path. Go right and follow the P sign for the car park. The way back to the car park should be obvious!
Walk completed!
Alternative Thor’s Cave Walk Circular Shorter Route
If you are short on time, you can make the route faster by following the instructions below after visiting Thor’s Cave. There is also the option to return from Thor’s Cave to Wetton car park directly.
1. From Thor’s Cave, go down the steps and turn right. Follow the path towards Leek road and go over the sty over the road.
2. You will see the National Trust sign for Wetton Hills. Follow the path around the left of the hills and continue around the hill.
3. Follow the path up the hill until you reach a sty. Go over it and turn right through the field and over another sty.
4. Keep going through the field and exit through a small gate and fence that brings you back into Wetton on a gravelly tarmac road.
5. Follow the path down the hill that takes you into Wetton Village. From here, keep going down and then turn right at the car park sign.
6. Follow the road, and you will have reached the end!
Thor’s Cave Walk Checklist – What to Bring
- Water
- Food and snacks
- Camera
- Suitable footwear
- Raincoat
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thor’s Cave walk dog friendly?
Yes, the Thor’s Cave walk is dog friendly, but please make sure you put your dog on a lead, mainly when livestock grazes. The Royal Inn is dog friendly too!
How long does it take to walk to Thor’s Cave?
It will take about 2-3 hours to complete the circular Thor’s Cave walk. The time will depend on how much time you want to stop to take pictures and how fast you want to walk.
Are there any places to eat near Thor’s Cave?
Yes, there are the National Trust’s tea rooms in Wetton Mill and the popular Royal Oak Inn. In 1974 four drinkers invented toe wrestling who wanted to create a sport and hold a world event!
Are there any other exciting walks in the Peak District?
Yes, we have several valuable guides to inspire Peak District walks. These include:
- The Mam Tor Walk – with 3 Options
- Padley Gorge Walk – A Magical Woodland walk
- Ladybower Reservoir Circular Walk
- Dovestones Reservoir Walks
- Pots and Pans – 3 Routes (near Dovestones)
- Kinder Scout Walk – The Highest Point in the Peaks
- Bamford Edge – The best views in the Peaks
- Three Shires Head – A Wonderful Bridge
- Lud’s Church Walk – A woodland walk to an enchanting chasm.
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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Photo Credits: Averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
Such an adventure filled place! Thank you so much for sharing the details!