Peak District landmark guide
Thor’s Cave and the Manifold Way from Hamps Hall and Barn
The Peak District’s most famous cave sits about 4 miles up the Manifold Way from your door. Here is how to get there on foot, by bike or by car.
About 4 miles from the hall · Flat, surfaced Manifold Way · Free parking at Weag’s Bridge · OS map OL24 White Peak
Between Wetton and Grindon
What is Thor’s Cave?
Thor’s Cave is a huge natural cavern in a limestone crag high above the River Manifold, with its entrance about 265 metres above sea level. From inside, the arch frames one of the best views in the White Peak, straight down the wooded Manifold Valley.
The cave has been used by people since prehistoric times, and finds from it are now held in museum collections. Today it is a favourite short climb for walkers, families and photographers, and a must for any group staying at Hamps Hall and Barn, just down the valley in Waterhouses.
The cave and its access are privately owned and are not managed by the National Park, so there is no visitor centre or staff on site. Plan ahead using the tips below.
Getting there
Four ways to reach Thor’s Cave
Walk straight from the house, take the short route from Wetton, or hire bikes for the day.
Route 1
From the front door
About 4 miles each wayFlat then a steep climbHalf a dayModerate
Pick up the Manifold Way in Waterhouses and follow the old railway line north through the Hamps and Manifold valleys. It is flat and surfaced all the way to the footbridge below the cave, where a steep, stepped path climbs up to the entrance. Allow about four hours for the round trip with time at the top.
Route 2
The short route from Wetton
Under a mile each wayField pathsAbout 1 hourEasy to moderate
Drive about 15 minutes to Wetton village and park in the public car park, which has toilets. A signposted track and footpath lead west across the fields to the top of the crag. It is the quickest way in, and good for younger walkers.
Route 3
Park at Weag’s Bridge
About 1.5 miles each wayFlat valley floorAbout 2 hoursModerate
There is free parking at Weag’s Bridge in the Manifold Valley. From here it is a flat walk north along the Manifold Way to the footbridge, then the steep climb to the cave. You can carry on to the café at Wetton Mill afterwards.
Route 4
Cycle the Manifold Way
8 miles to Hulme EndFlat and surfacedBike hire in WaterhousesEasy
Hire bikes at Brown End Farm in Waterhouses and ride the whole Manifold Way to Hulme End and back. Lock up below Thor’s Cave and walk up to the entrance. It is one of the easiest group bike rides in the Peak District, and suits all ages.
The Manifold Way
A railway line turned walking trail
The Manifold Way follows the route of the Leek and Manifold Light Railway, a narrow-gauge line that opened in 1904 and closed in 1934. The old trackbed was later surfaced as a path, and today it runs for about 8 miles from Waterhouses to Hulme End.
The route follows the Hamps and Manifold rivers through steep wooded limestone valleys. In dry summers both rivers can disappear underground and run through the rock beneath your feet. It is flat the whole way, so it suits pushchairs, wheelchairs and bikes. It starts in Waterhouses, so you can join it on foot from the house.
Make a day of it
Wetton Mill Café
Light snacks and ice cream beside the river, a short walk north of the cave. Check opening times before you go.
Pubs nearby
Finish with a pint in Wetton, Grindon or back in Waterhouses. See our guide to local pubs.
Dovedale
Dovedale’s famous stepping stones are a short drive away, for a second day of walking.
Back at the house
Fire up the barbecue or the hot tubs when you get back. There is room for all 40 of you round one table.
Before you go
Visiting Thor’s Cave safely
- Wear proper boots. The path up is steep and the rock at the cave entrance is polished smooth and slippery, especially when wet.
- Don’t climb the rocks around or above the cave. Stick to the waymarked paths.
- Mobile signal is patchy in the valley, so agree a meeting point and download the OS map (OL24) before you set off.
- No cars on Thor’s Lane. It is a permissive footpath only. Use the car parks at Wetton or Weag’s Bridge.
- Toilets are at the Wetton village car park. There are none at the cave.
- Keep dogs on leads near livestock on the field paths.
Thor’s Cave FAQs
How far is Thor’s Cave from Hamps Hall and Barn?
About 4 miles along the Manifold Way from Waterhouses, then a short, steep climb to the entrance. By car it is about 15 minutes to Wetton or Weag’s Bridge, with a much shorter walk from there.
Where do you park for Thor’s Cave?
The closest parking is the public car park in Wetton village, which has toilets. There is also free parking at Weag’s Bridge in the Manifold Valley, and at Wetton Mill for café customers. There is no parking on Thor’s Lane.
How long is the Manifold Way?
About 8 miles, from Waterhouses to Hulme End. It is flat and surfaced throughout, so you can walk or cycle as much or as little as you like.
Can you cycle to Thor’s Cave?
Yes. Bikes can be hired at Brown End Farm in Waterhouses. Ride the Manifold Way to the footbridge below the cave, then walk the last steep section.
Is Thor’s Cave suitable for children?
Yes, with care. The path is steep and the cave floor is slippery, so children need good footwear and close supervision. The Wetton route is the shortest option for little legs.
Is there a café near Thor’s Cave?
Wetton Mill, a short walk north along the valley, has a café serving light snacks and ice cream. Check its opening times before you go.
Stay 4 miles from Thor’s Cave
Hamps Hall and Barn sleeps 40. Check dates and prices online, or call us on 01273 271 332.