Walk 24: Manifold Valley, via Thor’s Cave

Walk Essentials

Start Point & Parking

Free parking is available at the car park on Carr Lane, Wetton, DE6 2AF.

Weather

Route Map

Guidance

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Safety First

Please don't rely solely on this guide to navigate the hike. Always carry a paper map of the area, compass, and know how to use them. Download the accompanying GPX file for use with a GPS app to help keep you on track. While hiking is generally safe, risks exist — plan ahead, use common sense, and make informed decisions.

Directions

1. Head left out of the car park, back into Wetton village.
2. Upon reaching High Withes Lane, turn left and walk 250m through the village, passing the Ye Olde Royal Oak on your left.
3. As the road bends left, continue straight on the track heading north out of the village.
4. Follow the footpath for 700m towards Wetton Hill.
5. Close to the foot of Wetton Hill, go through the gate and cross the stone stile immediately to your left. Continue round the hill with the wall on your right. Eventually you will see a Manor House in the distance.
6. Upon reaching the stream opposite the Manor House, turn right through a gate, passing the Manor House and cottage.
7. Climb the road for about 600m to reach a gate on the right with an Ecton Copper Mine information sign and accompanying finger post.
8. Head through the gate and continue past old lead mines, heading for the trig point at the top pf Ecton Hill.
9. At the trig, follow the path as it bends right downhill towards the Ecton Copper Mine engine house.
10. Pass the engine house and go through the gate in the wall, descending towards Ecton.
11. Upon reaching Castle House, continue through the gate passing the house, then turn right down the lane to Ecton Road.
12. At Ecton Road, turn right, then left through the gate onto the Manifold Trail. Follow it for 1km until you meet Ecton Road again.
13. Turn left for 150m, then go through the gate on the right onto a track.
14. Follow this track for 2km to Dale Farm; turn right through it and descend to Wetton Mill.
15. After visiting Wetton Mill, cross the bridge, turn left and continue along the road for 550m.
16. At the junction, rejoin the trail for 700m to the foot of Thor’s Cave.
17. Cross the river and climb the path to Thor’s Cave (note the right turn after ~130m).
18. After visiting the cave, continue along the path to the lane back into Wetton.
19. Turn right down to School Lane, then left to return to the car park.

Gallery/Video

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