Trail Running > Routes > Peak District Routes > Manifold Valley & Thor’s Cave
A scenic 16 km trail run in the Manifold Valley, featuring limestone crags, quiet dales and a classic climb to Thor’s Cave.
Why run this trail?
This scenic and challenging Peak District trail run explores both sides of the lower Manifold Valley, with a midway tour of the impressive National Trust estate at Ilam.
Located on the southern edge of the Peak District in Staffordshire, this route showcases classic White Peak terrain – towering limestone rock formations rising from a patchwork of vivid green fields and dry stone walls.
The run has a bit of everything: steep, winding trails across quiet farmland, dramatic views from high crags, and peaceful riverside sections along the River Manifold. It finishes with a stiff climb to Thor’s Cave – a striking natural cavern scored into the hillside high above the valley.
A much quieter alternative to nearby Dovedale, this Manifold Valley trail run offers a rewarding mix of sweeping viewpoints and iconic Peak District landmarks.
Wetton to Castern Hall
The run starts from the small car park and public toilets in the village of Wetton. Many visitors park here for Thor’s Cave – it’s a popular spot – but you’ll quickly leave the crowds behind by ignoring the cave signposts and heading downhill towards the village centre.
Just before the T-junction, take the footpath on the right across a small field and through a squeeze stile in the wall. The route is clearly marked by a fingerpost.
Follow the track across four fields, bearing left where it splits by an old farm building. Skirting the wall on your right, cross a stile onto Larkstone Lane to rejoin the track opposite.
The valley now opens ahead, and the terrain becomes more undulating, with a couple of small cloughs to navigate. The ground drops steeply to your right, revealing expansive views over the River Manifold and the southern sweep of the valley.
This section passes through the site of the former Bincliff Mines, a 19th-century lead mining operation. Subtle remnants of this industrial past remain – steep grassy knolls softened over time by vegetation and grazing sheep.
The trail then descends steadily for a couple of kilometres to meet a small access road at Castern Hall.
Castern Hall to Ilam Park
Castern Hall is an imposing 18th-century grange set high on the valley side, with a distinctly Brontë-esque character. Though privately owned, a public right of way skirts the estate, crossing several access tracks.
Beyond the hall, the trail continues downhill across open fields to reach the lane at Rushley Bridge. This section can be extremely muddy and slippery in wet conditions.
Turn right over the bridge and follow the lane uphill for around 150 metres, crossing a cattle grid. A footpath to Ilam branches left through a wooden gate just before some farm buildings.
Cross the field diagonally to stay on the path, then pass through several small fields with stiles and broken walls. A gate leads onto a footbridge over the river, marking your entry into Ilam Park.
Ilam Park Loop
After crossing the footbridge, head straight up the steep grassy bank opposite, dotted with trees and grazing sheep. The path is faint at first but becomes clearer as you crest onto open parkland.
From here, there are excellent views of Thorpe Cloud – the distinctive, pyramid-shaped hill marking the southern end of Dovedale.
The undulating ground underfoot is the preserved remains of medieval ridge-and-furrow agriculture, now a swathe of pasture for sheep and deer.
Continue across the park to a stile, emerging onto the road opposite Ilam School. Turn right and follow the road downhill, skirting the triangular green before bearing right, then left, to pass the main entrance and gatehouse into Ilam Park.
You are now on Paradise Walk, a historic riverside path leading towards the church. After passing the church, take the path left towards the river.
At the stone footbridge and weirs, turn right (ignoring the bridge) and follow the riverside trail back towards your original entry point into the estate.
Ilam Park to Throwley Old Hall
Retrace your steps to Rushley and cross the fields back to the lane. Turn left past the farm and follow the road as it bends sharply right, climbing steadily out of the valley for around 1.75 km on a rough tarmac lane.
This is quiet, working farmland, where you’re more likely to encounter a shepherd on a quad bike than a car.
As you climb, views of the valley open out, offering a new perspective on the eastern side of the route you covered earlier.
At the crest of the rise, the gothic ruins of Throwley Old Hall appear on the skyline, creating a striking and atmospheric silhouette. If you’re running with earbuds, a nice blast of ‘Bela Lugosi’s Dead’ by Bauhaus would set the tone perfectly for this section of the run!
Throwley Old Hall to Beeston Tor
Pass through the farmyard at Throwley Hall Farm, where the lane turns sharply left by a large stone water tank. Immediately after, follow the fingerpost right through a wooden gate by a small stand of trees.
The path descends quickly on a wide, stony track across fields, passing an old stone barn with expansive views down the valley.
As you reach the valley floor, the River Manifold reappears and the towering limestone cliffs of Beeston Tor come into view.
Beeston Tor to Thor’s Cave
At the base of the valley, the route joins the Manifold Way, a traffic-free trail following the line of the former Leek and Manifold Light Railway.
This accessible stretch is popular with walkers and cyclists and offers easy running alongside the river.
The trail passes through a small caravan site at Beeston Tor Farm in the shadow of the limestone cliffs above. There’s a real ‘True Detective’ vibe about it. Some mouldy green vans and not a soul in sight in late March when I ran it. Did a curtain twitch or was I imagining it?
Passing Beeston Tor Farm, the landscape feels increasingly vertiginous, with limestone cliffs rising steeply above. The distinctive wedge of Thor’s Cave dominates the skyline ahead.
A stone footbridge crosses the river and brings you to the base of the climb. It’s a steep, paved 400 m grind up to cave mouth, so it’s worth exploring the cave once you’ve made the effort. The cavern entrance is huge and frames a superb view of the Manifold Valley. You’re unlikely to have the cave to yourself during peak times and getting in and out of it requires some careful manoeuvres on the wet limestone, but don’t leave it out!
Thor’s Cave to Wetton
Once you’ve slithered out of the cave, a short, steep climb leads to a natural viewpoint above it – the most panoramic of the entire route and a fitting close to the run.
From here, the return to Wetton is straightforward. Turn right on descending and follow the clearly marked path for around 1.5 km back to the village.
Refresh Yourself
Wetton has two options for refreshments: The Royal Oak pub and Wetton Tea Rooms (limited opening hours).
If neither is open, Ilam Park makes an excellent alternative start/finish point. It has a National Trust café and good post-run facilities.
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Disclaimer
All routes and GPX files are provided as a guide only. Conditions, rights of way, and landmarks may change. Always carry an up‑to‑date map and use your own judgement. See the Trail Run Disclaimer page for details.