Walk 24: Manifold Valley, via Thor’s Cave

An interesting journey which tells a story of dramatic caves – both man-made and natural, to the backdrop of the beautiful Manifold Valley.

From Wetton, you head north past Wetton Hill and on to Ecton – a good opportunity to see the old Copper Mine shafts and remaining buildings. From Ecton, you join the River Manifold and follow it south to Wetton Mill. The final stretch involves a visit to the mighty Thor’s Cave.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 11.3 km (7 mi)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 3 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 10905 55155
  • W3W: outline.gambles.only
  • Elevation Gain: 360m (1181ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

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

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Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Directions

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Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

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Download Route File (.gpx)
  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.
  • Farm equipment
  • Mine shaft
  • Powered House, Ecton
  • Ecton
  • Flower - Manifold Valley
  • Swainsley Tunnel
  • Unusual rock formation
  • Wetton Mill Cafe
  • River Manifold
  • Cave entrance
  • Steps to Thor's Cave
  • Thor's Cave

Created: 18/08/20. Updated: 28/01/26

Places Visited and Nearby

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

2 Comments

  1. Ffi7th May 2022

    Loved this walk 🙂 took us about 5 hours with a stop for lunch and then a coffee at the tea rooms – would recommend!! very rewarding with Thor’s cave just near the end

    Reply
    1. Walk In Derbyshire31st May 2022

      Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment.

      Reply

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