Nearest train station: Buxton
Situated on the River Dane in the western half of the Peak District National Park where the counties of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire convene, the Three Shires Head is a spectacular wild swimming spot featuring an array of pools and waterfalls.
The area can’t be reached by car, so take the opportunity to enjoy a long walk around the stunning Peak District countryside, starting at either the nearby settlements of Gradbach or Wildboarclough. Make sure you’re well-equipped with decent hiking boots as the uphill walk can take well over an hour depending on where you set off, though the reward of a dip in purest Peak District water is well worth the effort!
The pools themselves are relatively small and shallow (around 1m) so are more suited to plunging than actual swimming, though the waters are crystal clear and the views are stunning.
How to Get to the Three Shires Head
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to the Three Shires Head wild swimming spot by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information on the area and the nearby vicinity.
By car
There are a few ways to walk up to the Three Shires Head swimming spot (check out this guide on walking routes around the area), however if you’re coming up via Gradbach, arrive at the Roaches car park by entering the the postcode SK17 0SU into your sat nav.
By public transport
Nestled deep within the western Peak District, there is no way to reach the Three Shire Head by public transport.
The nearest train station is the town of Buxton in neighbouring Derbyshire. You can continue on bus (number 16) that will take you to the Knights Table pub (formerly the Travellers Rest) nearby the village of Flash. You can make this pub part of your walking trip as the swimming area is a 2.5 mile walk away – so why not relax with a cold drink on your out!
By bike
The Peak District does offer plenty off-road and off-trail cycle routes for you to work up a sweat if you want to combine a ride with a swim at the Three Shires Head.
Paths will be rocky and rough and make sure you give way to walkers, but there are plenty of cycle routes around the area.
What else is nearby the Three Shires Head?
You’re in the beautiful Peak District, so the world is really your oyster in terms of finding spots for walks, picnics and general escapism.
If you’re looking to continue your wild swimming journey, then we can say no fairer than the Slippery Stones, which are located in the north section of the national park in between Manchester and Sheffield. Keep your eyes peeled on our blog and other wild swimming locations for more wild swimming spots in the Peak District!