Saturday 22 May 2021

22/05/21 - Three Shires Head

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 10

Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, Spring 2021, Walk 27


Here we have a classic Peak District walk that really deserved better conditions.  May 2021 just keeps on delivering.  Despite a weather forecast promising dryness, we sit in the car at Clough House Car Park for 10 minutes, listening to the rain bounce off the roof of the car.  Motivation to get on our boots is possibly at an all time low.  Nothing to do with an Afternoon drinking in Manchester, the day before.

Still, we are here and we need to get on.

Instantly, we are out into the Peak wilds, climbing along Cumberland Brook to its waterfall.

Cumberland Brook
Loving the Peak District Signage
Cumberland Waterfall
Cumberland Brook Waterfall

The highlight of the walk is Three Shires Head.  Located on the River Dane - its a couple of pack horse bridges and waterfalls, famous for being where Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire all meet.  Even on a poor weather day, I couldn't get a photo without muggles dicking around in the water.

Three Shires Head
Better Photos on the Internet

Some stunning views on the Dane Valley Way (another LDP to google) and the chance of refreshments at Gradbach Mill.  There is a little coffee shop but as its only doing takeaways, we decide to defer refreshment until we get back to the pub at Wildboarclough.  As you read this, I'm sure you will be shaking your head going "that was a mistake".

Peak Views
Today's Playground - The Dane Valley Way
Grandbach Mill
Gradmach Mill

A small section of a very impressive looking Geocache Trail provides distraction on the way back.  Looking for tubs in rocks on wild moorland does a wonderful job of taking Mrs M's mind off the fact she could be wrapped up under the purple throw on a Premier Inn Hypnos Mattress.

Geocaching
One of us is Happy

Shutlingsloe Ahead
Views to Shutlingsloe on the Return

I'd completed my research on the Crag Inn in Wildboarclough - the Google Maps Opening Hours were a slight concern, but this was a Saturday Afternoon and we felt blessed.

Nothing had prepared me for the two large vans emblazoned with "Demolition Services" on the side.  We still went closer but couldn't shout over the noise from the digger hacking away at the frontage to tell if this was a temporary closure or something more sinister.

For once, the Internet cannot help.  Their last FB post is simply the Peak District in the Snow.  Last December.

Things can only improve when we get to Buxton!

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