Thor's Cave

Climbing the limestone ridge above Hulme End, you'll spot this dramatic cave entrance long before you reach it - a gaping mouth in the white rock face that's visible for miles across the Manifold Valley. Thor's Cave sits about 250 feet up the hillside, and the walk from the valley floor is properly steep but mercifully short.

Once you've caught your breath at the entrance, the cave itself is surprisingly spacious - a single large chamber that stretches back into the hillside. Archaeological digs have turned up Bronze Age remains here, though there's nothing to see of that now. What you come for is the view back across the valley, which is absolutely cracking on a clear day.

Keen walkers will love this spot as part of a longer Manifold Trail hike, but families with younger children might find the climb a bit much. The path can be slippery when wet, and there are no barriers around the cave entrance - not one for toddlers. Allow an hour return from the valley car park, longer if you're stopping for photos.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Hulme End puts you right on the doorstep - Bank House Farm Campsite and Hartington Hills are both within easy driving distance. It's free to visit and always open, making it a brilliant backup plan when the weather's too good to waste indoors.