Above: The River Dane flows under one of the packhorse bridges at Three Shires Head.
A detailed, step-by-step description and map of this walk are available to download for just £2.50. A walking app GPX file is also available at £1.50. Save on both for just £3.50. All proceeds help cover the hosting costs of this website.
Length: 5.1mls | Av. time: 2.20hrs
Start: Clough House car park
Walk description, map & GPX | Download
Although this walk isn’t in the Goyt Valley, I’ve included it as it’s one of my favourites in this part of the Peak District. It’s also the most popular walk on this website.
Where to start
It is possible to reach it from Derbyshire Bridge car park, close to the source of the River Goyt (see green dashes on the map). But I prefer to start from the car park beside Clough House Farm.
Where three counties meet
As the name suggests, Three Shires Head lies at the junction of three counties; Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire. It had a reputation for lawlessness, with thieves and brigands able to evade capture by simply stepping over a county boundary.
Today it’s a popular spot during summer holidays and weekends for families to enjoy picnics and let their children play safely in the shallow pools.
*Note: Until recently, the start crossed the farmyard to a small footbridge at 2 (see orange dashes). The bridge has been closed for repair but it may be open when you read this, so it’s worth checking as it avoids the road.
Route photos
Stages 1-6 of the route. Click any to enlarge and scroll through.
Relive video
Click to play and use the expand option to view in full-screen. More Goyt Valley Relives.
