Miles: 5.5 Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 2.5- 3 hr
Thor's Cave is a super popular place to visit in the Peak District and by that we mean super packed! In search of a quieter walking route we opted to hike to Grindon and take the slightly longer circular path back to Wetton, where we stopped off at the pub for a swift pint before heading home.
Kickoff- From the car park, go past the toilets and follow the sign's to Thor's Cave.Walk down the road, as the road splits take the right-hand fork down a track, signposted ‘Concession Path to Thor’s Cave’.
Step 1- Go over the stone stile and continue down the track until you reach another stone stile that takes you into a field, keep to the left-hand side of the field and walk towards the hill in the distance (this is where Thor’s Cave is located).
Step 2- Walk down the narrow footpath across the field until you reach a small wooden gate, go through here then follow the path down to the entrance of Thor’s Cave. The entrance to the cave is sloped, so take your time as you enter, then you can pop on your head torch and explore further towards the back.
Step 3- Once you’ve finished exploring, leave Thor’s Cave in the same way but taking more care as the slippy rocks make it more like a slide and even more so if it’s been raining. Turn right and follow the steps descending from the cave, after a few hundred metres the path splits, take the left-hand path which is a steeper descent but takes you down to the river bed through the trees.
Step 4- Cross the bridge and head straight over the path to a gate that runs uphill. Take the stairs and you will be lead to a field, which serves as great place to have lunch!
Step 5- On the left hand side of the field you will see a gate, go through and follow the path, take care to walk carefully as the path is quite narrow. You will eventually exit into another field that has a small brook running down hill continue to walk straight through the field until you come to a set of signs.
Step 6- At the sign post you will notice there is a stone stile that goes over the water, you will need to slightly climb up this one and you will enter another field this will lead you to Grindon. You will cross another bridge that will lead you directly to another gate after a few yards. There will be a row of terraced house to your right.
Step 7- Once you have passed the gate walk through the quiet village staying on the road, take some care as cars will pass but it's a quaint village with not much traffic. Continue along the road ignoring the first public walking path sign.
Step 8- You'll now be venturing downhill on a windy road, after a half mile you will walk past a car park with a picturesque bridge that runs over the riverbed. Cross the bridge and continue to follow the road.
Step 9- As you follow the road you will see a public walking sign on your left that bares up hill through a narrow passing. Take this route as it will cut out a large section of the road. At the end of this path there is a gate that leads you back to the road.
Step 10- Follow the road as it leads you on a slight incline, after several yards you will see a cattle grate with a stile on your left, climb over and follow the sign that goes through a field (this is probably the hardest part as it's quite the incline!). Use this as an opportunity to stop and have a look at the views, you'll see the church that you passed in grindon, which is quite satisfying to see the distance you've covered.
Final Steps- At the top of the field you'll pass through another gate and will follow the road as it takes you back to Wetton. If you have time stop off at The Royal Oak for a well deserved drink!