July 2, 2023
9:00 am
TBC
Hike & Wild Swim – Peak District – Three Shires Head
Price
Members: £5
Non Members: £20
Concessionary: £5
For information on the benefits and how to become a member please go to Membership – Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)
To understand if you are eligible for concessionary tickets please go to Do I Qualify for Concessions? – Women Outdoors
Fast Route Facts
Length:Â 4.5miles
Elevation:Â 768ft
Time: 5 Hours
Route Type:Â Footpaths
Technical Difficulty:Â Easy
Parking Costs:Â Free
Finish Point:  Parking · Apple Maps
There are 68 county tripoints in England, but few are as beautiful as our wild swim spot ‘Three Shires Head’ which is a picturesque location along the River Dane, and the spot where Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire all converge in a remote Peak District valley. It has a unique 18th Century packhorse bridge and two waterfalls that cascade over rocks and into icy alpine pools.
Three Shires Head is a short hike from our starting point, after taking a refreshing dip and swim we will stop to for a hot beverage, tranquil picnic and soak up the rays of the summer sun taking in the breath taking scenery of Axe Head Moor.
Once we have finished our picnic and swim we will then continue our hike around Cut-Thorn Hill and then back towards the car park where we will then say goodbye.
Route Description
We will leave the car park heading right for a short way along the road until we join a footpath which will take us in a north easterly direction. We will continue our journey north east on a gentle uphill gradient until we reach a cross roads to turn left. Following the footpath around in a northerly direction alongside Turn Edge we will walk through the woods before arriving at Three Shires Head where at this point we will stop for an optional wild swim.
We will then continue heading south west along the footpath around Cut Thorn Hill and continue along the footpath on an uphill gradient in a south west direction until we reach the top of Robins Clough. After Robins Clough we will make our way south along the footpath towards Bennetshitch and walking along the road for a short while until we reach the footpath going south. We will turn right and follow the road around until we arrive back onto the footpath where we started taking us back towards the road and the car park where we will finish our walk.
What do I need to bring with me?
Walking boots:Â waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Socks:Â proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and prevent blisters
Water:Â Bring at least 1 litre of water
Medication:Â if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor aliments etc
Day Rucksack:Â something comfortable to wear, 20 litres+
Waterproof bags:Â keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using ziploc type food bags or outdoor activity waterproof bags.
Comfortable clothing:Â bring layers to let you adapt quickly to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (t-shirt) and a mid layer (micro fleece) and outer layer (jacket)
Trousers:Â no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. On a warm day shorts are ok.
Waterproof jacket:Â essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Snacks:Â bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example. Put them in an easy reach area.
Packed lunch:Â bring a pack lunch unless otherwise stated
Hat or cap:Â stay warm in the winter and shaded in the summer
Gloves:Â weather dependant
Sunscreen:Â can be useful even on cloudy days
Reef Shoes:Â these are optional but may help getting into the water over the stones
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are more than welcome, there may be livestock around so they may need to stay on the leads for parts of it.
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a trip or event with us you are agreeing to the Women Outdoors Terms and Conditions Terms & Conditions – Women Outdoors (womenoutdoorsuk.com)