Three Shire Heads
River Dane and packhorse bridge at Three Shire Heads
Three Shire Heads Location within Staffordshire
OS grid reference	SK009685
District	Staffordshire Moorlands
Shire county	Staffordshire
Region	West Midlands
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
List of places UK England Staffordshire 53°12′47″N 1°59′13″W / 53.213°N 1.987°W / 53.213; -1.987

Three Shire Heads (also known as Three Shires Head) is the point on Axe Edge Moor where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet, at UK grid reference SK009685, or 53°12′47″N 1°59′13″W / 53.213°N 1.987°W / 53.213; -1.987.

It is on the River Dane, which marks the Cheshire border in this area. On the east of the river, the border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire runs north-east for about a mile to Cheeks Hill, on the higher regions of Axe Edge Moor. From Cheeks Hill the border runs south then east to the head of the River Dove.^[1]

The main landmark is a packhorse bridge. The bridge is Grade II-listed, and was probably constructed in the late 18th century.^[2]

Access

The landmark is not directly accessible by 3 or 4 wheeled motor vehicles, with a permanent traffic regulation order in force along the access roads. Access to Three Shire Heads is shared by motorcyclists, cyclists, riders on horseback and pedestrians. The route is often narrow and rocky with steep drop-offs and specially adapted motorcycles for greenlaning access the route regularly. There is no nearby parking provision.

Significance

In modern times, Three Shire Heads is a landmark on various walking routes in this part of the moorlands.^[3][4][5][6]

The packhorse bridge and the waterfalls as the River Dane flows southwards are very picturesque,^[7] and frequently feature on calendars.^[8]

A report shows that this moorland area is of interest for its population of moths and butterflies.^[9]

The presence of the packhorse bridge shows the importance of this route for traders from nearby Flash and Hollinsclough to Macclesfield. Silk was produced at Hollinsclough, and sent to the mills at Macclesfield.^[10] Coal was mined from about 1600 on Axe Edge.^[11]

Swimming

Three Shire Heads is well known for its free swimming, although the pools are cold.^[12] The depth varies depending on the time of year: the main pool can be up to 7 feet (2.1 m) deep.^{[citation needed]}