A winter weekend exploring the White Peak. Discover the beautiful Manifold Valley and Thor’s Cave, Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale. We’ll climb Ecton, Wetton and Baley Hill – lesser-known gems offering commanding views across deep gorge valleys. On both days, we’ll pass cosy cafés with toilets, and both walks are close to the market town of Ashbourne. A great winter warmer weekend! Book one or both days.
Price range: £45.00 through £85.00
Manifold Valley & Dovedale – A Winter Weekend with Hills & Gorges
Saturday – Manifold Valley, Wetton & Ecton Hills, Thors Cave
The Route: A route that contours high above the Manifold Valley on wild quiet hills, climbing to a magnificent limestone cave too!
The Manifold Valley, steeped in Peak District history, has ancient roots. Thor’s Cave provided shelter for Stone Age and Roman inhabitants, while nearby Ecton Hill became a major centre for copper and lead mining from the 17th century. In 1904, the narrow-gauge Leek & Manifold Valley Light Railway opened, carrying dairy produce and passengers before closing in 1934. Its former track is now the popular Manifold Track, enjoyed by walkers and cyclists.
Our walk begins in the peaceful village of Wetton, climbing Wetton Hill (371m / 1,217ft), a superb standalone viewpoint. We then cross moorland pastures to Ecton Hill (369m / 1,211ft), with far-reaching views across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. The hill’s quiet summit overlooks a landscape shaped by centuries of copper mining.
We descend through Waterslacks, a short Dale with a tumbling stream, and reach Wetton Mill. This is a charming riverside stop in the Manifold Valley – with a tea room and loos! The return route includes a short detour and climb to Thor’s Cave, where a huge symmetrical limestone archway and archaeological discoveries reveal its importance as an ancient shelter.
Sunday – Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud and Baley Hill
The Route: One of the Peak District’s finest gorge valleys – visiting the quiet pastures and summits on its flanks is a treat with some striking, quiet viewpoints along the way
Close to the market town of Ashbourne, Dovedale is a limestone gorge forged through erosion by water and ice. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Dovedale became a famous beauty spot for visitors, poets, and artists. It is now protected as part of the Peak District National Park, preserving its landscapes and wildlife.
From Dovedale, we ascend steeply to the summit of Thorpe Cloud for a wonderful viewpoint of the valley and surrounding hills. Our descent takes us down to the River Dove’s famous Stepping Stones, before walking up the gorge along the banks of the River Dove, reaching the Dove Holes — natural caves and openings in the limestone cliffs beside the river. From here, we ascend Baley Hill, a quiet summit with a striking ridge. We then drop down to the hamlet of Milldale — an ideal picnic stop with a cuppa and loos nearby!
The second part of the walk ascends and descends the west side of the Dale before skirting the slopes of Bunster Hill — a fine viewpoint to end our day.
| The Walk | A winter weekend exploring the White Peak. Discover the beautiful Manifold Valley and Thor’s Cave, Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale. We’ll climb Ecton, Wetton and Baley Hill – lesser-known gems offering commanding views across deep gorge valleys. On both days, we’ll pass cosy cafés with toilets, and both walks are close to the market town of Ashbourne. A great winter warmer weekend! Book one or both days. |
|---|---|
| Walk Date | Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 November 2026 – £85, Saturday 14 November 2026 Only – £45, Sunday 15 November 15 2026 Only – £45 |
Here’s an Essential Kit Kist for all our walks >
Saturday – Manifold Valley, Wetton & Ecton Hills, Thors Cave
We meet by the Public Toilets in Wetton Car Park, Carr, Lane, Wetton, DE6 2AF. If there is no space, please find car parking a long the road.
Please look at the Google Map showing the precise location of the car park and toilets here >.
The car park is free.
Sunday – Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud and Baley Hill
We meet by the Public Toilets and Refreshment Kiosk in the main National Trust Car Park, Dove Dale Lane, Dovedale – nearest postcode DE6 2AY.
Please look at the Google Map showing the precise location of the National Trust Car Park on Dovedale Lane here > .
Parking (currently) costs £8 for the day. Please bring coins in case the ticket machine isn’t working for cards. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Coming by Bus or Train?
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re arriving reasonably nearby we’ll give you a free lift. Just ask us when you book.
Saturday – Manifold Valley, Wetton & Ecton Hills, Thors Cave
There are Public Toilets at the Car Park where we meet. Wetton has a pub – the Royal Oak >.
Sunday – Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud and Baley Hill
There are Public Toilets and a Refreshment Kiosk at the Car Park where we meet.
Ashbourne
The nearest town with shops, restaurants, pubs and accommodation is Ashbourne.
This is a Harder Walk at a Moderate Pace. Here is our walk difficulty guide >
We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >
Peak Walking Adventures owners, Richard and Sian, have a self-contained Airbnb close to Ashbourne, 20–30 minutes’ drive from the walks. If you are coming by car, we can give you free return lifts to each walk. If you are coming by train, we may be able to pick you up from a local station too (Belper or Cromford).
Check availability and booking here >
Other options:
We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. Following The Countryside Code really helps…