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After seeing some lovely photos of Thor’s Cave and a good friend recommending it, I thought let’s do this. My friend who recommended it was happy to go again with me 👍
Total Distance: 5 Miles Highest Point: 1056 Feet Total Realistic Time: ~4 Hours
Thor’s Cave (also known as Thor’s House Cavern and Thyrsis’s Cave) is a natural cavern located at SK09865496 in the Manifold Valley of the White Peak in Staffordshire, England. It is classified as a karst cave. Located in a steep limestone crag, the cave entrance, a symmetrical arch 7.5 metres wide and 10 metres high, is prominently visible from the valley bottom, around 80 metres (260 feet) below. Reached by an easy stepped path from the Manifold Way, the cave is a popular tourist spot, with views over the Manifold Valley. The second entrance is known as the “West Window”, below which is a second cave, Thor’s Fissure Cavern.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor’s_Cave
The drive to Grindon from Manchester was beautiful, it was a very scenic route going through Poynton. It was a hot, sunny day for it, we were very happy about that.
Just a warning, there are no toilets and amenities in the small village of Grindon where we started from.
The route from Grindon to Thor’s Cave
Head towards Ladyside.
Just a note that there is a sign near the forest area, looks to me you follow it down but I got it wrong so we had to come back up out of the forest area. It was steep going down there, with a lot of loose leaves which made it difficult. It was a good workout and looked full of life in there, a little adventure.
Instead of going into the forest there is a gate further left away from the forest that you head for. From there, there is a path all the way to the start of the steps to Thor’s Cave. You can see the cave from the path.
We met an elderly couple with their two dogs, they come every year to go up to Thor’s cave together, it was very sweet. My friend took some photos for them including their dog (he would not stay still for the photo unless saying “squirrel” which seems to get his attention) that made their day.
We started making our way to the cave, up many steps after going over a small bridge. It was so hot, we took our time 🥵
We were very lucky as it was not busy up in the cave, apparently it can get very busy. Apart from a couple of people who were making their way out of the cave when we arrived, we had the cave to ourselves for a bit.
There are a few stones to scramble up to get into the cave, once you are in, the views from there are amazing.
It was nice and cool in there, we had a snack and took in the surroundings.
We had to stick around a bit longer as we wanted a photo of us together with the view. We had to wait for a couple who just sat at the viewpoint and eating their lunch 🤨
We then made our way back out the cave, the stone is very slippy on the way out, we both slid down the stone, quickest way.
We headed on the path going further up, towards the top of the cave.
At the top of the cave, we sat and took in the views for a while before we headed back down.
From the bottom we headed back to Grindon following the River Manifold. There is a path all the way around, some small roads along the way. Head towards Weag’s barn.
It was a lovely day out, with beautiful views whilst driving as well as on foot of the quiet scenic landscape. We stopped off at a pub called Three Horseshoes Country Inn on the way back, got ourselves a refreshing coke with ice and sat outside… Ahhhhh well deserved…
Some parts of the walk can be a bit challenging, just take it slow and steady, it is worth every bit for the views. I hope you enjoy.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro (for taking photos/videos and mapping using OS Maps)
- Comfy walking shoes (most important)
- Waterproofs (to keep warm and dry)
- Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
- ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
- Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)
Amble Around 