Sunday Walk Around Wetton

Today we were leading the walk for our local walking group.  About 11.5 miles in total and so not to hard. First part was flat and with small hills later on.

Inside Thor Cave

We started at a place called Hulme End, which is south west of Hartington in the Peak District.  We walked south along the Manifold Valley path, which is an old railway line route with steep sides. Onto Wetton Mill and soon you can see Thor cave high up on the hillside.  By now the morning mist is clearing for us. The path leads off to Wetton with a small path that leads up to Thor cave.  A nice pull up to get the heart beating.  You had to be careful with the path due to the wet mud and leaves.  

Soon we reached the top and the entrance is busy with people going into the cave.  Once inside it’s a vast chamber, but under foot is like walking on ice. Coming back out is even harder to get a good grip.

Thor Cave

Getting Inside Thor Cave

So we retrace our steps and back down on the trail. From here we head a few miles to a small hamlet of Hopedale.  Where we found a lovely pub The Wattts Russell Arms. Serves good food and real ales. Two hand pumps on from Thornbridge today. We all enjoyed a nice pint in the sunshine.

From here it was to head north again follow mix of paths and tracks across farmland to Ecton Hill twig point.  High point of the day with 360 fine views we had. Cracking views with last of the sun. Then it was down hill to pick the manifold path back to Hulme End.