Sadly, not the cave of Marvel God Thor, nor will you find a magic hammer to control the weather, but what you will find at this Thor’s Cave is a fantastic hike in the beautiful Peak District.
Thor’s Cave is nestled in the Staffordshire area of the Peak District, just outside the village of Wetton.
You can reach Thor’s Cave by car via the M62, M6, A54 and then a short trip on the A523, overall an hour and 45-minute trip.
Funnily enough, the cave does have links to the God of thunder Thor, sadly not Chris Hemsworth himself.
Alongside, there are theories that the cavern was originally named Tor, meaning tall hill.
The circular hike itself is around 9km long and takes you up and over the peak, then round to see inside the cavern.
TripAdvisor comments say that the hike takes a three-hour round trip.
I am unsure if we skipped most of the hike or if they were extremely slow, but it only took around an hour and a half from the car park to the cave and back.
The entrance to the cave is a little difficult, you must climb on the limestone which can be very muddy and slippy, especially if it has rained recently.
However, the scramble makes the view even more worthwhile.
Climbers have been exploring the cave for over 50 years, and it is understandable why.
Once in the cave, the view of the woods, the hills and the sky is framed perfectly by the giant oval structure.
With the air crisp in the cave, the hike feels like a breath of fresh air.
Perfect for a Sunday morning walk, as the hike up to the cave is not too tumultuous.
A nice easy bumble across, with multiple routes over.
It can get quite busy, as it is a social media hotspot, the oval-shaped frame is popular for the perfect selfie.
Jess Walker, 21, a foundation teacher from Rotherham commented on the hike: “I had to buy some hiking boots just for this [walk] and I’m so glad I did because if not I’d be on my bottom.
Jess continued: “I’d make sure to go when it’s definitely not been raining… because if not you would not be able to get up the cave as it’s really slippy.
“You definitely deserve a pint after walking up there,” Jess explains.
Hiking boots would be the safest option to wear as ankle support is needed for the scramble in, but you would not be alone trekking in trainers.
Food-wise, there is a lovely pub, the Royal Oak, near the car park that serves your classic pub grub.
Nothing feels better than rewarding yourself with a pub burger and a pint after a hike in the Peaks.
Nonetheless, if you do take packed lunches and snacks there is an abundance of gorgeous spots to sit and have a nice leisurely picnic.
There are car parks in the area, a smaller one near the entrance of Wetton Village and then a big field that has been converted to an open car park, which charges £3 a day.
We loved Thor’s Cave and will definitely be returning throughout the summer.
Other favourite hikes in the Peak District include Mam Tor, Stanage Edge and Padley Gorge.
Let us know what you think of the hike on Twitter with #MNLnews!
All images were taken by Georgia Chapman
