DOVEDALE - MERRELL'S 7 WONDERS OF THE UK

Nestled near the Southern reaches of the 1400km Peak District National Park and within easy reach of both Stoke on Trent and Derby, lies this absolute gem of a trail. A circular route beginning and ending from the tiny village of Grindon, this route encompasses quintessential Staffordshire and Derbyshire landscapes; rolling meadows, single track trail through farmland and picturesque villages. And that’s not including the geological marvel that is Thor’s Cave, found a mile and half in (depending on which way round you tackle this loop). A natural cavern buried within a steep limestone crag, a huge arch marks the entrance to this jaw dropping feature in the landscape. Easily accessible from the valley floor, the going can get very slippery following wet weather, so take good care when exploring the steep sided interior. The views out over the dale are spectacular and if you’re as lucky as we were you might find a climber tackling the infamously difficult climbing route (an 8a if you were thinking of giving it a go) which spans the arch of the cave. Exiting via either a miniature slot canyon (followed by a ridiculously steep ascent above the cave) or the more traditional route, the trail continues to gently descend and ascend throughout until reaching the Wetton Mill Tea Rooms, whereby you cross the River Manifold before closing the loop through orchards and farm land.