Introduction
Three Shires Head Waterfall is one of the Peak District’s most unusual waterfall spots, combining waterfalls, natural pools, historic stone bridges and a pretty special location. As the name suggests, this is where three counties meet: Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
Tucked away in the valley of the River Dane on Axe Edge Moor, Three Shires Head feels surprisingly remote once you reach the waterfalls. With the surrounding moorland stretching out around you, it is a beautiful place to escape for a few hours and enjoy some of the Peak District’s most scenic countryside.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to get to Three Shires Head Waterfall, what to expect from the walk and what I thought of my visit.
Quick Verdict of Three Shires Head Waterfall
Three Shires Head is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy waterfalls and beautiful countryside. The walk is straightforward, the setting is incredibly scenic and there is something quite special about reaching a place where three counties meet.
What really makes it stand out for me is the combination of the waterfalls, pools and historic bridge tucked away in the valley. It feels peaceful and secluded, particularly if you visit at a quieter time, and the surrounding moorland makes the whole setting feel much more dramatic than you might expect.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: No official height recorded
- Waterfall Type: Series of cascades
- Starting Point: Lane next to free parking detailed below
- Parking: Limited free parking on A54 | what3words tweed.position.shoppers
- Public Transport: Bus available to Flash – 2.5 miles from the waterfall
- Walk: 2 miles /3.2 km return
- Time: 20 minutes to the waterfall. Allow 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Toilets: No
Where to Park for Three Shires Head Waterfall
There is space for around four cars on a small section of tarmac just off the A54, right next to the starting point for the walk. Alternatively, continue along the A54 for approximately 0.4 miles, where you will find a layby on the left. From here, you can park and walk back along the A54 to the start of the route. Take care when walking along the road, as the A54 can be busy.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Three Shires Head Waterfall Walk
From the A54, take the small road next to the tarmacked parking area. Stay on this road without turning off for approximately 0.4 miles, until you reach a house on the right. Just before the house, you will see a path to the left of the road.
Take this path and continue for approximately 0.6 miles towards the waterfall. The route follows a rocky path with red sand underfoot, with beautiful countryside views opening up as you make your way along the trail. The route to the waterfall is mostly a steady downhill walk, although there are a couple of steeper sections along the way.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this route is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Three Shires Head Waterfall
Three Shires Head is a beautiful and unusual spot in the Peak District, where the boundaries of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. The River Dane flows through the area, creating waterfalls and pools beneath the historic stone packhorse bridges. The site sits on Axe Edge Moor and is surrounded by open moorland and rolling countryside.
The walk to Three Shires Head is relatively straightforward, but the scenery makes it a really enjoyable route. As the path continues, the countryside opens up around you, with beautiful views across the surrounding hills and moorland. When I visited, I particularly loved the colours across the landscape, with shades of green, brown and golden grasses stretching across the hills.
As you approach Three Shires Head, the waterfalls come into view down in the valley, surrounded by the open moorland landscape. The waterfalls and pools are tucked away in a small, picturesque gorge on the River Dane, which gives the area a wonderfully secluded feel. Standing down in the valley, surrounded by the hills and open countryside, it felt incredibly peaceful and almost as though I was right out on the moors.
The waterfalls at Three Shires Head are found around Panniers Pool and the historic packhorse bridge, with the River Dane cascading over the rocks into the pools below. There are several waterfalls and smaller cascades around the area rather than just one single fall, making it a lovely place to explore. The Grade II listed Panniers Pool Bridge is thought to date from the late 18th century and was once part of an important packhorse route through the area.
I visited early on a weekday and only saw a handful of people along the route. When I reached Three Shires Head, I had the waterfalls completely to myself, which made the experience even more enjoyable. With nobody else around, I could take my time exploring the area, listening to the sound of the water and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
There is something really special about standing at Three Shires Head and knowing that three counties meet here, while waterfalls, pools and an old stone bridge sit together in the valley below the surrounding moorland. It is a beautiful and atmospheric part of the Peak District and somewhere that feels much more remote and secluded once you reach the waterfalls.
Swimming at Three Shires Head Waterfall
Three Shires Head is a popular wild swimming spot, with several natural pools beneath the waterfalls. Cross the bridge and follow the path round and it is easy to see how you can make your way down to the water.
The larger pool is deep enough for swimming and getting fully into the water, although the depth will vary depending on water levels.
If you do swim here, take care around the rocks as they can be very slippery, and never jump or dive into the pools as it can be difficult to judge the depth and there are rocks beneath the water. Take extra care after heavy rainfall when water levels and currents can be stronger.
The water can also be very cold, even during warmer weather, so make sure you are prepared for the temperature before getting in.
If you’re considering swimming here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
One of the most interesting things about Three Shires Head is how it got its name. It marks the meeting point of three historic county boundaries: Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The area is also home to the old Panniers Pool Bridge, a historic packhorse bridge which adds plenty of character to the waterfalls and pools below.
The River Dane runs through the valley, creating a number of waterfalls, cascades and pools along its route. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Peak District’s open moorland, with the secluded valley providing a lovely contrast to the wider countryside.
I was also lucky enough to have some wildlife company during my visit! Some sheep were wandering around in the valley and a few very cute ducks were enjoying the water around the waterfall and, rather amusingly, followed me for part of the walk back.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
There are no toilets, cafés or other facilities at Three Shires Head itself, so make sure you have everything you need before setting off. There are also no facilities along the route.
If you want to explore more of this beautiful part of the Peak District, Lud’s Church and The Roaches are both nearby and make great additions to a day out in the area. You could also visit Flash, one of England’s highest villages, which is another interesting place to explore nearby.
There are pubs and places to eat in the surrounding villages, so you can always find somewhere to stop for a drink or something to eat after your walk.
Best Time to Visit Three Shires Head Waterfall
Three Shires Head is beautiful throughout the year, but the best time to visit will depend on what you want from your trip. Spring and autumn are particularly lovely, when the surrounding moorland takes on different colours and the landscape can look especially scenic. Summer brings longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, although this is also likely to be a busier time to visit.
I visited in March and really enjoyed it. The countryside was starting to show the first signs of spring, while there was still plenty of colour across the surrounding landscape. Visiting early on a weekday also meant that it was very quiet, and I had the waterfalls to myself.
If you want to enjoy Three Shires Head without the busiest crowds, I would recommend visiting early in the day and, if possible, choosing a weekday. Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly on the exposed moorland, and recent heavy rain can make the river and paths much wetter and more challenging.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
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Found something that’s changed?
I do my best to keep every waterfall guide up to date, but things can change. Car parks close, paths get diverted, access arrangements change and facilities sometimes disappear.
If you’ve recently visited this waterfall and spotted any changes, please let me know. Whether it’s updated parking information, a damaged footpath, new access restrictions or anything else that could help future visitors, I’d love to hear from you.
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