Three Shires Head

This quiet spot in a narrow green valley is the point where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. A small stone packhorse bridge arches over the River Dane, with small waterfalls and clear pools below it, including the named pool beside the crossing. Visitors consistently single out the bridge, the falling water and the sense of standing in three counties at once.

• The old packhorse bridge and the packhorse routes that converge here
• A series of low waterfalls, rock ledges and pools on the River Dane
• Open valley, field and moorland scenery on the approach, with autumn colour and changing light making the walk in especially photogenic

The walking is rocky and uneven in places, with mud, loose stone and stream-side rock that gets slippery when wet. Proper walking shoes or boots are worth it, and the route is not suited to wheels or step-free travel. Take care on the wet rock around the falls and near the water's edge.

The pools look inviting, but entering open water here is not offered as an activity. National park guidance is that open-country water should only be entered as part of a supervised, organised event, that there are no lifeguards or patrols in the countryside, and that river swimming and similar activities are not permitted unless on-site signage marks a designated area. The water is cold and conditions change, so treat this as a place to look, sit and photograph rather than to swim.

Come self-sufficient: bring your own water, snacks and a layer for the weather, and plan any facilities stop before you set out, as none are confirmed at the site. Phone signal can be unreliable in the valley, so download your route in advance and take your litter home with you.