🗺️ The route
Free to viewThor’s cave is one of the most popular Peak District spots for a reason. With its huge opening, amazing views and framing down onto the Manifold Valley, this is a must see when in the area. The Wetton caves are just a short walk down the Manifold trail from here making this a beautiful and rewarding 4 mile walk.
What to expect
Starting the walk in the the small Staffordshire village of Wetton, you can expect good hard paths along most of this route, the only field path is heading up Wetton hill at the end to return you to the village and car and even this is pretty good in winter and after heavy rainfall.
Remember to take a head torch with you if you want to explore the back of the cave and be careful getting in and out as the rock has become so shiny and slippery with constant visitor traffic, which is not the easiest for people and dogs getting in. Due to the popularity of this spot, timing your visit is important if you want it quiet.
Getting there & parking
Wetton village car park – DE6 2AF. There is a small FREE village car park with toilets but this does fill up quickly at busy periods. Usually an overfill car park is opened opposite this car park and parking is £5 a day.
Good to know
Yes, at the start of the walk.
On lead only.
Expect tarmac trail, woodland & field paths underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 4 Miles
- 2-3 Hours
- Moderate
From Wetton you’ll head through the village before heading down a country lane leading you straight to the base of Thor’s Cave, You can explore inside with a torch and head back out and on top to see the breathtaking view from above the cave and down into the Manifold valley. Upon leaving the cave, the path will take you through woodland before you’ll turn right to walk along the Manifold trail. A short walk along here you’ll get to Wetton tea rooms where you can stop for refreshments before heading to the caves right behind it, then over the hill and back up the valley towards Wetton Hill.
- Thor's Cave
- Wetton Caves
Step-by-step
- Turn right out of the car park and follow the road round to the right.
- On the corner, turn left and you'll see a farm track road signposted Thor's Cave.
- Follow this down and through the gates, you'll see the cave in front of you.
- Explore the cave if you wish and then head down the steep steps.
- Turn right onto the Manifold trail.
- Follow this until you reach Wetton Mill, head through the yard, behind the mill and to the left.
- Here you'll find the Wetton Mill Caves.
- Head back to the main footpath behind the mill and go over the hill into the near valley.
- Go through the gate and turn left.
- Continue until you see a house on your left, with a car gate and wall seperating the fields here.
- Head right up this hill, look out for an in built wall stile near the top, you'll cross it here.
- Go up the hill and follow the footpath back into Wetton.
- Was through the village, past the pub and turn right to get back to your car.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Be careful entering Thor’s cave as it can be really slippery and difficult for people and dogs to get into and out of. Remember to take cash for the car park and money for any refreshments you might want on the route.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Grip on rock We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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When the weather turns Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for water & snacks Char usesDeuter Speed Lite 23
Lightweight, low-bulk pack for fast, lighter days.
