We’re lucky here in Manchester that we’re just a stone’s throw away from the Peak District and the amazing landscape it has to offer. This national park is full of charming villages, challenging walks and stunning waterfalls.
It’s also home to some incredible caves: some are deep underground and even boast impressive subterranean lakes, while others are carved into the side of cliff faces. These mysterious places are full of intrigue and when you come across one you can’t help but take a peek inside.
Thor’s Cave is perhaps one of the Peak District’s most striking and it’s definitely an Insta-worthy location. The cave sits in a steep limestone crag which overlooks Manifold Valley.
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It’s located around a mile away from the village of Wetton and you can reach the cave via the Manifold Way. You’ll be able to spot the dramatic 10m-high entrance to the cave rising above the trees.
You can reach the cave via a stepped path from the Manifold Way, a traffic-free trail which stretches for eight miles through the Staffordshire Peak District and follows the course of the River Manifold. The Manifold Way is wheelchair and pram-friendly, although access to the cave itself is limited.
During past excavations stone tools, amber beads and bronze items have been found at Thor’s Cave. It’s also been used by rock climbers since the 1950s.
You can explore the inside of the cave but it can be slippery so take care - it’s advised that you only visit during dry weather. While you’re there you can enjoy the impressive views framed by the cave’s entrance.
There is a free car park at Milldale, which is just under three miles’ walk away from Thor’s Cave. There is also limited free parking available on Carr Lane in Wetton for a shorter walk. Wetton is around an hour and a half’s drive from Manchester.
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