First,we visited the amazing Thor's Cave in the Manifold Valley close to the little village of Wetton.This is one of the most impressive caves we have visited and has to be seen to be believed and has been inhabited through millenia,with the cave actually been occupied on and off since the Paleolithic period with remains of at least 7 burials found during archeological digs on the site,with it being used mainly during the Iron Age and Roman times.
The woodland around this area was of typical limestone areas,rich in wildflowers and birds,with highlights including 2 singing male Redstart,Spotted Flycatcher,Welsh Poppy,Dog's Mercury,Yellow Archangel,Blue Bell's and the lovely smelling Ramson's.
After visiting this superb area,we then travelled the short distance over to Ilam Park and walked over to the stepping stones in Dovedale and climbed the very high(Well my old legs certainly thought so)Thorpe Cloud.The views from this mini mountain were breathtaking and certainly worth it,with views around Dovedale and back across to Ilam Park.
The wildlife was pretty interesting also in the area with 2 more singing male Redstart,Grey Wagtail,Common Buzzrds,Common-blue Butterflies,Brown Argus,Small Heath and wildflowers including Wild Thyme and Common Rock Rose.
The following are a selection of photos from our day in this beautiful area of the peak District.
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| Entrance To Manifold Valley. |
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| The Entrance To Thor's Cave. |
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| A View Of The Manifold Valley From The Entrance To Thor's Cave. |
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| Cave Scenery. |
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| Looking Out From Inside The Cave,This View Probably Hasn't Changed In Thousands Of Years. |
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| A Photo Showing The Scale Of The Cave With Mrs R For Comparison. |
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| The Valley Below The Cave,You Can Just see It Top Left. |
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| Wetton. |
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| Ilam Park,With Thorpe Cloud Middle Right. |
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| The River Manifold,Ilam Park. |
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| Ilam Park. |
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| My Partner in Crime. |
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| Bunster Hill. |
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| Dove Dale. |
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| Common-rock Rose. |
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| Views From The Climb Up Thorpe Cloud. |
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| One Of The Locals With An Itch. |
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| Church Of The Holy Cross,Ilam Park. |
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| Church Of The Holy Cross,Ilam Park. |
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