River

Three Shires Head

5.0 (8 reviews)

Reviews

5.0

(8 reviews)

Helly Welly Jelly

3y ago

Beautiful spot, lovely refreshing cold water. Was definitely tricky to find. Sign posts would have been super helpful.

Beautiful spot with areas of shade if needs be (today was very hot so this was much appreciated!). More of a dip than a swim but absolutely lovely spot with beautiful scenery.

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About

A short trek though beautiful moorlands brings you to Three Shires Head where the shires of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire meet. Three small waterfalls in the River Dane rumble into a collection of pools. Two pools are deep enough for a swim. The pools are easy to access but some of the stones are slippery so take care entering the water. This is a picturesque location and a small but invigorating swim.

Location

Getting there

We parked at Flash near horse riding trekking centre and walked to three shires head via the hawks nest. For Beginners this was a challenging walk so I would recommend parking closer but we came through. Great beers at the new inns after

Accessibility

Very accessible nearly broke my neck getting in as the rocks were slippy but really loved it

What swimmers say

Facilities

Pubs

Activities

Dogs Swimming

Landscape

Rocky ground Waterfalls Bridges Pools Quiet location Easy to walk to

Help verify this spot

Plan your swim

Before you go

Check recent rainfall. Rivers rise fast after heavy rain.
Never swim in fast-flowing or flooded water
Test entry/exit before you commit. River banks can be undercut.
Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
Watch for submerged obstacles like branches, weirs, and rocks

Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.

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Share conditions, tips, or hazards to help other swimmers plan their visit to Three Shires Head.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this river safe for swimming?

Check the Conditions tab for current flow rate and recent rainfall. Rivers can become dangerous after heavy rain. Review community reports for hazards like weirs, strong currents, or access issues.

How cold is the water?

Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. River temperatures respond quickly to weather changes. In the UK, expect 5-10°C in winter and 15-20°C in summer at most locations.

What should I bring?

A tow float, shoes with grip for slippery banks, and warm layers for after. Water shoes protect against rocks and debris on the riverbed.