Dunkery Beacon Walk and Route Map

Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor’s highest point and one of its best-loved walks. You can choose the shorter 2.5-mile route from Dunkery Hill car park for a steady climb straight to the summit, or the longer 4.5-mile circular from Webbers Post, which mixes woodland, valleys, and moorland before reaching the Beacon. Both reward you with stunning panoramic views over Exmoor, the Bristol Channel, and even South Wales on a clear day.

Here is a route map for the Thor’s Cave Walk on the Staffordshire Walks App. Let the app guide you around the route and show your location as you walk.

Download the app to get walks like Thor’s Cave, as well as 150 more walks in Staffordshire.

thor's cave walk route map — © OpenStreetMap contributors
Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2021

Thor's Cave Walk — Photo © Peter McDermott (cc-by-sa/2.0)

About Dunkery Beacon walks

Dunkery Beacon and Dunkery Hill walk
2.5 miles

A nice walk up Dunkery Hill to Dunkery Beacon. It's a moderate climb to the top but once you are there, the views at the summit are well worth the walk as it looks over the majority of Exmoor National Park. There is also space for a picnic. If you would like a longer walk to Dunkery Beacon, take a look at Webbers Post walk 2.

Dunkery Beacon and Webbers Post walk
4.5 miles

The Dunkery Beacon and Webbers Post Walk is located in Exmoor National Park. The walk offers a stunning circular route with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This walk takes you through diverse terrain, combining woodland, open moorland, and scenic valleys. Webbers Post, a popular view point, offers panoramic views across Horner Wood and Dunkery Beacon, the route continues towards Hollow Combe, a peaceful and secluded valley with streams, ferns, and ancient trees lining the path. The trail also leads to Easter Hill, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the moorland and down into the surrounding valleys. This elevated point gives you a broad perspective of Exmoor’s rolling hills and expansive landscapes.

This longer walk then takes you up to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point, which stands at 1,705 feet. The area is steeped in history, with ancient Bronze Age barrows scattered throughout the landscape. While the ascent is an uphill climb, the reward is well worth it, offering breathtaking panoramic views across Exmoor National Park, the Bristol Channel, and, on especially clear days, even reaching as far as South Wales.

Points of Interest

Thor’s Cave
This dramatic limestone cavern sits in a craggy cliff face in the Manifold Valley near Wetton, Staffordshire. Its wide, arched mouth is around 7.5 m across and 10 m high, and it's visible from the valley floor. You can head inside—or just soak up the epic views from the entrance.
Steep Trails & Sweeping Views
There are two main walking routes: the standard “Wetton Mill & Thor’s Cave walk 2,” which loops around Wetton Hill and takes you past Thor’s Cave and a more intense “Wetton Mill & Thor’s Cave walk 3” that climbs right over Wetton Hill for panoramic views.
Manifold Valley & the Manifold Way
The route includes a serene stretch along the old Leek & Manifold Light Railway, now a gentle trail alongside the River Manifold—perfect for a bit of relaxed strolling or cycling.
History in the Stones
The cave isn’t just pretty—it’s ancient. Archaeologists found evidence of human activity ranging from the end of the Stone Age through to the Iron Age and Roman times, including burials and artefacts.

FAQ’s

Q: Where do I start—or park?

A: The Staffordshire Walks App will take you to the parking and starting location of Thor’s Cave walk, which is at grid reference: 53.10201,-1.860228. You can also park in Wetton village.

Q: How long is the walk?

A: The “Wetton Mill and Thor’s Cave walk 2” is around 4 miles and gives you a good mix of terrain.

If you want something slightly longer, the “Wetton Mill and Thor’s Cave walk 3” is 4.75 miles and includes a climb over Wetton Hill. Strenuous—but the views are well worth it.

Q: Is the path to Thor's Cave steep?

A: Yes — steep, slippery sections are involved, especially near the cave entrance. Conditions can be tricky in wet weather. Good walking boots and caution are a must.

Q: Any refreshments on the way?

A: Yes, there's a pub in Wetton called The Royal Oak and you can also stop at Wetton Mill café. Lovely for a cake or cuppa.

Q: Can I explore inside the cave?

A: Sure—but carefully. The entrance is accessed via a steep path, It's best enjoyed from the threshold or just outside.