Three Shires Head Walk – Where Three Counties Meet

I’ve been wanting to visit the charming Three Shires Head in the Peak District National Park for a long time. There’s just something about waterfalls, no matter how small or big, that puts a smile on my face. Since they make me happy I chase as many as possible. This picturesque waterfall is located at the meeting point of three counties in the north of England: Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

If you’d like to see our walk then make sure to watch our YouTube video linked below.

Introducing the Three Shires Head

Along the River Dane, at the meeting point of three counties (Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire) is a charming set of waterfalls called Three Shires Head. As you can probably guess, the name comes from the three counties: Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. 

The iconic 18th century twin packhorse bridges crossing over the waterfalls makes the scene even more perfect. Seeing the Grade II listed bridges indicates that this area used to be an essential route for traders. The silk which was produced at Hollinsclough was sent to Macclesfield via this route. In addition, the coal which was mined nearby was also transported through Three Shires Head. It was therefore an ideal resting and watering spot for the horses. 

During summer, having a dip in the pools where the waterfalls cascade is a popular way of cooling down. Therefore, as you can imagine, this area gets incredibly busy during the warmer months. However, we visited in October and whilst we didn’t see a single soul on the trail and managed to have the waterfalls to ourselves for about 10 minutes, soon the area filled up with other walkers and dirt bikers. Plus, even the crisp, windy October weather didn’t stop some brave souls from jumping into the pools. 

Fun Fact – Since this spot is at the border of three counties, it used to be popular amongst thieves and brigands trying to escape capture by jumping between the counties. 

How to get to Three Shires Head?

By Car – Three Shires Head is located approximately 8 km to the southwest of Buxton and 16 km to the southeast of Macclesfield. Since we only did a shorter version of the route, we just parked at the lay-bys along the A54. However if you wish to do a slightly longer route you can either park at Clough House Car Park (Postcode: SK11 0BD) or across from the Cat and Fiddle Inn (Postcode: SK11 0AR).

If you don’t have your own car but would like to enjoy the freedom of a private vehicle, then you can always hire a car to get to Three Shires Head.

By Bus – There’s a bus stop at the Cat and Fiddle Inn with regular services running between Macclesfield and Buxton. If you come from further afield, I recommend arriving into either of these places, then catching Bus 58 to the Inn. Make sure to plan your journey with Trainline which also provides information on bus fares.

Useful to Know Before you Set Off

Length of the Route

The route we did was only about 4 km (2.5 miles) long, mainly because it was incredibly windy and cold that day. Depending on your speed and how long you are spending at the waterfalls, this route could take at least 1.5 – 2 hours. 

However, you can definitely make the walk a lot longer by parking a bit further to the north-west, at Clough House Car Park. Similarly, you can start your walk from the Cat and Fiddle Inn and do a similar circular route. (The locations of the places mentioned here are indicated on the map above). 

Level of Difficulty

I think this route is relatively easy and you can complete it with a basic level of fitness. However, the terrain is made up of rocky tracks, and muddy/boggy ground after rain. So definitely wear suitable footwear. 

Facilities Around Three Shires Head

Cafes and picnic spots: This walk is slightly limited in terms of facilities. The closest place to grab something to eat or drink is at the Cat and the Fiddle Inn to the north of Three Shires Head. Therefore, I highly recommend packing your own lunch, water and hot drinks. If the weather is lovely you can stop for a picnic at the waterfalls. 

Toilet Facilities: Please note that there are no public toilets available along the route we did. However, the Cat and Fiddle Inn will have customer toilets.

What to Wear and Bring with you?

You are in the north of England so weather conditions can change quickly. I highly recommend wearing proper walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you set off and have a few layers with you. Even on a sunny day it can be windy. 

Some people like to have a dip in the pool, so if you’re planning on doing that then pack your swimsuit and towels!

Pack some snacks and have plenty of water with you. The area around the waterfalls is a cute little picnic spot.

The Trail to the Three Shires Head

1. The Way to the Waterfalls

If you do the same route as we did, you will do the route in an anticlockwise direction. For the first 5-10 minutes you’ll have to walk along the A54, so I would be extra cautious there. It’s a pretty busy road with a 50 mph speed limit so be careful. 

After walking in a southwestern direction for about 500 m you’ll reach a junction with an unnamed road on the left. You have to carry on along this road. Be aware that this road is also used by vehicles! You have to follow this road for about 600 m before you reach a farmhouse on your right. There will be a public footpath sign on your right but you have to ignore this and just walk a bit further ahead. You’ll probably see that the route splits into two. One is the asphalt road and one is a dirt path with a wooden gate in front of it. You have to go left here.

After walking through that wooden gate you will need to follow that path which takes a northeastern direction. The path basically follows River Dane and will eventually lead you to Three Shires Head which will be on your right. On your right you’ll have some pretty beautiful views so just stop for a moment and take it all in.

Make sure you take your time when reaching the falls. It’s such a quaint little area, it would be a shame not to appreciate its beauty and historical significance. Take some fun photos, have a picnic if the weather is lovely and you can also have a dip in the pools if you dare. You can try and stand with one foot in Cheshire, one in Derbyshire and with a hand in Staffordshire. Have fun trying!

2. The Way Back from the Waterfalls

Once you are ready to go then just carry on along the trail with River Dane still on your right. You’ll reach a fork in the road, where the footpath sign indicates for you to climb over the stile on your right. You have to ignore that and just walk through the farm gate ahead of you. Make your way across the fields and and you’ll see the main road in the distance. Whilst you’re walking through the fields you will be able to see Danebower  and Reeve Edge Quarries on your right. The impressive Danebower Colliery ventilation chimney is also visible from there. It is a scheduled monument since it’s one of only nine surviving chimneys in England.

There will be a stile for you to climb up and then you can cross the road and get back to your car. As I said before, safety first, so make sure you have a good look around before crossing. 

Additional Things to Do in the Peak District

There are many amazing places and trails located near Three Shires Head. So, if you’d like to see more of the Peak District then make sure to check out the 10 best hikes in the Peak District or browse for more hiking trails in the UK and around the world in my Hiking Adventures Series.

For now, here are some of my ultimate favourite hikes in the Peak District located close to Three Shires Head:

The Goyt Valley – A 9 km circular walk where you can can explore the remains of the Errwood Estate, walk around Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs and reach Shining Tor trig point.

The Roaches and Lud’s Church – A 10 km circular route filled with stunning views, history and legends..

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill – A 10 km circular route with a good mixture of trails, fields and ridges with some magnificent views of the surrounding area and beyond.

Macclesfield Forest –  A 10 km circular route filled with unique features from dense pine forestation to an abandoned farmhouse, and even a miniature Matterhorn.

Monsal Dale and Wye Valley Walk – A 10 km circular route in Monsal Dale and the Wye Valley along the River Wye and Deep Dale, stopping at Monsal Head and Ashford-in-the-Water.

Other waterfalls you should see in the UK

If you’re like me and love waterfalls then make sure you check out some of my other waterfall related blog posts:

• Four Waterfall Walk Trail in Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales.
• Henrhyd Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in South Wales located in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
• Chasing waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in England.

Have you ever visited the Three Shires Head waterfalls or the Peak District National Park? If so, which route did you take to get there? Let me know in the comments below.