Where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet, on the River Dane in the Peak District

Three Shires Head

Waterside landscape

Source image

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours for a visit from a nearby start

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

RiversideHillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersFamiliesDogs

Why it's Wildland

7.0

At the meeting point of three counties, the River Dane runs beneath a historic packhorse bridge and over a sequence of small waterfalls and pools.

The appeal is in the combination: a remote-feeling moorland setting, a river crossing marked by an old packhorse bridge, and waterfalls carved into the Dane. It is a landscape to walk to and spend time in, rather than a roadside stop.

Wild · Atmospheric · Peaceful

Find your way

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Where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet, on the River Dane in the Peak District

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The experience

Walk in across rough moorland tracks, spend time around the River Dane’s bridge and falls, then return by your chosen route. The longer circular walk adds open moorland scenery and a more substantial outing.

Things to do

See the packhorse bridge

Visit the historic river crossing where the counties of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet.

Walk the Dovehead circular route

Follow the sourced circular walk across Axe Head Moor to Three Shires Head and back. The route is described as moderate and can be wet or boggy.

2.5–3 hours

Look along the River Dane for waterfalls and pools

Observe the river as it drops downstream from the bridge, forming the falls and pools that give the place its distinctive character.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours, plus the walk in and out

Quick visit to the river crossing

01
Choose a suitable nearby starting point and confirm parking and route conditions before setting off.
02
Follow the moorland track or public footpath towards Three Shires Head.
03
Spend time at the packhorse bridge and look along the river for the falls and pools.
04
Return by your arrival route.

Half day · Around 2.5–3 hours for the sourced circular route; allow additional time for stops

Make a half day of the moorland walk

01
Start from the Dovehead and Three Shires Head circular route’s mapped trailhead; confirm the start and parking arrangements before travelling.
02
Walk the circular route across Axe Head Moor to the River Dane and Three Shires Head.
03
Pause at the bridge and waterfalls, then complete the circuit.
04
Wear suitable walking boots and allow for wet or boggy ground.

Verified history

The supplied research describes the bridge at Three Shires Head as a Grade II listed packhorse bridge that probably dates from the late 18th century. It served as a crossing on historic packhorse routes. The precise construction date is not confirmed by the supplied sources.

Hidden details

Three county boundaries meet here — The site is notable not only for its bridge and river scenery: it marks the meeting point of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · No specific time of day is established by the supplied research.

The source row identifies May to September as the milder period. Autumn can be wetter and paths muddier; winter visits may involve icy paths and reduced accessibility.

Moorland paths can be wet or boggy, and winter conditions may bring ice. Check the forecast and route conditions; wear suitable walking boots.

The route

ascent: 965 ft
surface: Moorland tracks; can be wet or boggy
distance: 5.2 miles
duration: 2.5–3 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Circular
start point: Dovehead and Three Shires Head circular route trailhead; confirm the precise start before setting out.
parking start: The supplied route source gives trailhead coordinates but does not establish parking arrangements. Check before travelling.

Crossing Axe Head Moor
The meeting point of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire
The packhorse bridge over the River Dane
Waterfalls and pools

What to look for

The packhorse bridge over the River Dane, the county meeting point, and the successive falls and pools downstream.

The story

Historic packhorse crossing; the bridge is described by the supplied research as Grade II listed and probably late 18th century.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn for generally milder walking conditions; autumn can be wet, and winter paths may be icy.

Late spring to early autumn is reported as the milder period. After rain, expect wetter or boggier ground; take extra care in winter when paths may be icy.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for a visit from a nearby start; allow half a day for a circular walk

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Families · Dogs

Practical information

Opening & access

Reach the site on foot via moorland tracks and public footpaths from nearby starting points. There is little or no parking at the site itself; check current parking and route conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

No substantial parking at the site. Limited parking is reported at nearby roadside laybys; verify the chosen starting point and local restrictions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No toilets at the site; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No café at the site; check nearby village options before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are reported as welcome; check current local guidance and keep dogs under control around livestock and water.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Uneven moorland paths are reported; not suitable for wheelchair access. Check conditions before visiting.