Manifold Valley

Thors cave stands proud
Watching over the valley deep
Trains of steam and coal once meandered
Along this forest gorge
Now families frolic
Venturing toes into babbling brooks
With trousers rolled to knees
Berefoot caution in the freezing shallows
Observed by ancient envious eyes
I recall the stepping stones
Those timeless treasures
Childhood and the River Dove

This poem has been published in 'Still Waters' 2011 poetry collection
ISBN 978-0-9557086-8-8

Information

Thor's Cave (also known as Thor's House Cavern and Thyrsis's Cave) is a natural cavern located at SK09865496 in the Manifold Valley of the White Peak in Staffordshire, England. It is classified as a Karst cave. Located in a steep limestone crag, the cave entrance, a symmetrical arch 7.5 metres wide and 10 metres high, is prominently visible from the valley bottom, around 80 metres (260 feet) below. Reached by an easy stepped path from the Manifold Way, the cave is a popular tourist spot, affording excellent views over the Manifold Valley.

The origin of the name is uncertain, possibly from the word "tor". Links with the Norse god Thor have been suggested but evidence is lacking.

Excavations in 1864–1865 and 1927–1935 found human and animal remains, stone tools, pottery, amber beads, and bronze items within Thor's Cave and the adjacent Thor's Fissure Cavern. The caves are estimated to have contained the burial sites of at least seven people

The Manifold valley has fantastic memories from my childhood and in particular the stepping stones across the river Dove.