Three Shires Head
Where Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire meet! Discover stunning waterfalls, historic bridges, and enjoy wild swimming in the heart of the Peak D...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lovely for waterfall hikes
Three Shires Head
Best Time
Lovely for waterfall hikes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Where Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire meet! Discover stunning waterfalls, historic bridges, and enjoy wild swimming in the heart of the Peak District.
"A hidden gem with amazing views and landscapes, well worth visiting for a dip or a hike!"
Pack for the Weather
Waterproofs are a must, even on sunny days. Be ready for boggy ground! :umbrella:
Offline Maps Essential
Mobile signal is unreliable. Download maps beforehand to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Confluence
Where Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire meet
Witness the unique meeting point of three English counties at this picturesque spot.
Waterfalls and Pools
River Dane and its tributaries
Enjoy the scenic beauty of cascading waterfalls and inviting pools, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Stone Packhorse Bridge
Over the River Dane
A charming, historic stone bridge adds to the idyllic scenery, a perfect photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Navigation & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Weather
Waterproofs are a must, even on sunny days. Be ready for boggy ground! :umbrella:
Offline Maps Essential
Mobile signal is unreliable. Download maps beforehand to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
Swimsuit for a Dip!
If the weather's warm, take a swimsuit for a wild swim in the pools. :woman_swimming:
Dog-Friendly Trails
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead due to sheep and potential motorbike users. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Weather
Waterproofs are a must, even on sunny days. Be ready for boggy ground! :umbrella:
Offline Maps Essential
Mobile signal is unreliable. Download maps beforehand to avoid getting lost. :iphone:
Swimsuit for a Dip!
If the weather's warm, take a swimsuit for a wild swim in the pools. :woman_swimming:
Dog-Friendly Trails
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead due to sheep and potential motorbike users. :dog:
Consider Parking
Parking can be tricky. The New Inn in Flash offers a good starting point for circular routes. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Three Shires Head is lauded as a hidden gem with stunning landscapes and picturesque waterfalls, offering a unique experience of three county borders meeting. Visitors enjoy the opportunity for wild swimming and scenic hikes. However, some find navigation challenging due to poor signal and parking can be limited, with occasional issues from motorbike users on trails.
"One of the hidden gems, and what such amazing place it is! Well worth visiting, good views, amazing landscapes. Easy to take a wrong turn if your not careful, if going on hot day take a swimsuit! Easy loop around, tho with smaller ones can be tricky and take a lot longer. But the kids and adults will enjoy the dip/swim in the shires."
Jamie Blackwell
"A while back, we went for a lovely, crisp morning walk to the Three Shires! We parked at The New Inn, in the closest village of Flash. They were happy for us to park there and we completed a circular route to the gorgeous waterfalls. We set off early and returned for a home-cooked breakfast. It was delicious, reasonably priced and the staff were very friendly☺️ 🥾 SK17 0SW for the village parking!"
Jessica Williams
"After 3 attempts and poor directions on Google maps we found a lay by on the A34 off Macclesfield road and walked downhill towards the river Dane. We followed the river down and after around 30 mins we came to Three Shires head. The walk is a but rocky and was wet when we walked as we'd had a huge downpour the day before. There are sheep en route so we kept the dogs on leads.
Three shires is very picturesque.
I imagine it gets really busy in high season (if people find it).
After a break from walking and a quick paddle we made our way up the opposite way to that we had come by and have to say the motorbikes using the paths to scramble is a bit of a pain. We had the same issue coming back down to Three Shires with groups of men on motorbikes doing a circular route round.
Apart from that it's a lovely place and worth a visit to tick off."
Paula P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Three Shires Head is accessible by car, but parking can be limited. Many visitors park at The New Inn in Flash village (SK17 0SW) and follow a circular route. Some also find lay-bys on the A54. Be aware that Google Maps navigation can be unreliable due to network issues.
The New Inn in Flash village is a popular and recommended starting point for a circular walk. Other options include lay-bys on the A54, but these can be less obvious.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Three Shires Head directly. It's best accessed by car.
While some off-roading and greenlaning is possible, the trails can be rough and rocky, making them more suitable for mountain bikes or experienced cyclists.
Three Shires Head is approximately an hour to 1.5 hours drive from Manchester, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Three Shires Head is a natural beauty spot and there is no entrance fee. It's free to visit and explore.
Three Shires Head is an outdoor natural attraction and is open 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime.
There are no specific restrictions, but visitors are advised to be mindful of the environment, stick to paths where possible, and be aware of other users like motorbikes.
Absolutely! Three Shires Head makes for a fantastic day trip, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for hiking and swimming. +1
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, admire the waterfalls, go wild swimming in the pools, and take photos of the unique county border.
Yes, it's a popular hiking destination with various routes, including circular walks of around 4.5 to 8 miles.
Yes, wild swimming is popular here, especially in warmer months. The pools can be cool, and water depth varies. +1
It can get very busy, especially on sunny weekends and during peak season. Visiting on weekdays or early mornings can offer a more peaceful experience.
The terrain is mixed, including rocky paths, potentially boggy areas after rain, and some steeper sections. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The New Inn in Flash village offers food and is a good place to start or end your walk. Otherwise, pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenery.
Yes, packing a picnic is a great idea to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Remember to take all your litter with you.
There are no cafes directly at Three Shires Head. The nearest amenities are typically in nearby villages like Flash.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls, the stone packhorse bridge, the meeting point of the three counties, and the surrounding Peak District landscapes offer excellent photo opportunities.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light. Overcast days can also enhance the dramatic feel of the waterfalls.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the landscape and waterfalls. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections in the water.
Exploring the riverbanks and the area around the bridge offers various perspectives. Be mindful of slippery rocks when seeking unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing snacks and drinks is highly recommended, as amenities are scarce.
🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
+1 The landscape provides varied terrain, from boggy sections after rain to rocky paths, offering a good challenge. It's essential for hikers to be well-prepared with appropriate footwear, waterproof clothing, and reliable navigation tools, as signal can be poor.
📸 Photographers
+1 The best light for capturing the scene is often during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, though overcast days can also create dramatic shots of the waterfalls. Be prepared to explore the riverbanks for unique angles, but exercise caution on slippery rocks. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a polarizing filter to manage reflections in the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geography of Three Shires Head
The area is characterized by its rugged beauty, with rolling hills and valleys typical of the Peak District National Park. The presence of a historic stone packhorse bridge further enhances the charm of the location, offering a glimpse into the past.
It's important to note that while the county borders are a key feature, the primary draw for many visitors is the natural beauty of the waterfalls and the opportunity for outdoor activities.
Wild Swimming and Water Activities
+1 Visitors often describe the water as 'cool' or 'cold,' adding to the invigorating experience. While the main waterfall area is a focal point, some visitors have noted that the water depth can vary significantly, and finding a suitable spot for swimming might require a short walk upstream or downstream.
Beyond swimming, the area's natural features, like the waterfalls and riverbanks, provide a beautiful backdrop for photography and simply enjoying the sounds of flowing water.
+1 Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the natural environment when engaging in water activities. Navigating and Parking Challenges
Parking is another common concern. While some lay-bys exist along the A54, they can be small and easily missed.
Despite these challenges, most visitors find that with a bit of preparation, the journey to Three Shires Head is well worth the effort for the stunning scenery and unique experience it offers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit