I think I have found the perfect walk. I am a huge fan of the Peak District, but often it’s hard to find information about parking, toilets and nearby facilities on your chosen scenic route. Not that I would want the countryside to be paved over with parking spaces for cars – but it just makes life a little easier if you know you’re going to be able to get around without much hassle.
This is particularly true if you have small people in tow. We need predictability when out and about, with no hidden surprises which leave you stranded on a windswept hillside at dusk.
A trip to Thor’s Cave ticks all the boxes for the perfect family trip out. The natural cavern is set in a limestone crag, and evidence of human occupation has been found from the Stone Age, around 11,000 years ago, so it’s a must for all history fans. A scramble up an admittedly quite slippery and muddy entrance is rewarded with stunning views across the Manifold Valley just on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border.
The best way to get to the cave is from the nearby village of Wetton. There is a car park with well-maintained, free of charge toilets. From the car park, follow the signposts past a farm, through some fields and onto a footpath and you’ll reach the cave in about 20 minutes.
On the day we visited, the paths were fairly busy with people and there was a steady stream of people scrambling in and out of the cave, including some children much smaller than my own. A word of warning, the cave looks easy to get into but getting out is another story. I ended up half sliding out and covered in mud – the sheer drop after the path at the entrance doesn’t help those of a nervous disposition (or with children who approach life rather too exuberantly). You will definitely need to dig out your sturdy hiking boots for this one.
Thor’s Cave
(Image: Matt Jackson/StokeonTrentLive)
Once you’ve explored the cave, you can head down into the valley for a walk along the Manifold Way to Wetton Mill along what was once a railway line – a steady path for those on bikes or with pushchairs.
Back in the village you’re well catered for. The Old School Tea Room is rated five stars on TripAdvisor, with 197 reviews. People say the ‘beautiful’ spot serves delicious tea and the cakes are ‘to die for’. Just round the corner is The Royal Oak pub, which has 4 stars with 629 reviews. Punters highlight the real coal fire and say you can warm up over homemade food served by friendly staff. The sticky toffee pudding appears to be a particular favourite among reviewers.
I do love a trek into the wilderness and I am all for getting the map and compass out, but sometimes you need your creature comforts close to hand – and this walk perfectly fits the bill.