A pleasant Peak District walk in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The route uses a mixture of paths, tracks and quiet country lanes to explore the area. For many, the highlight will be Three Shires Head with its packhorse bridge and waterfalls.
(S/E)The start is a small parking area beside the A54 near Danebower Hollow on the A54 Congleton to Buxton Road at grid ref SK008699. After parking, descend down either a path beside the wall or a steeper path closer to the old chimney. At the bottom you turn left along the Dane Valley Way (the main valley path). This leads through the spoil heaps of Danebower Quarries. Follow the clear path as it drops down to cross a stream. The path then climbs and weaves its way through Reeve-edge Quarries. The track contours across the western flank of the hillside continuing above Blackclough. Stay on the main track as it enters a side valley and continues towards Orchard Farm.
(1)Leave the track before the farm following the Dane Valley Way as it descends to a minor road (grid ref. SK019687). Turn left along the road and bear right almost immediately along a rough track which leads to another lane (SK020686). Bear right along this lane to the next junction by Readyleech Green. Turn left here along Drystone Edge. Continue northeast to where a track leads east (grid ref. SK026690). Follow this track which soon heads south and becomes a lane. Reaching a junction with a road (grid ref. SK029683), go right and continue to a junction. Turn right and just past Oxenstitch take the signed footpath on the left (grid ref. SK026681). Follow this path to reach the road at Flash (grid ref. SK024671).
(2)Turn right down the lane and take the first footpath on your right. This leads across a field to join the access track to Axe Edge Green Farm. The public right of way veers half left from the farm drive and continues down towards a valley. Continue ahead at a path junction to reach the buildings at Wicken Falls (grid ref. SK0146710). Turn right before the buildings and ascend to a tarmac lane. Turn left and continue past cottages (grid ref. SK011673) to join a rough track.
(3)Stay on what is now a rough track and continue to Three Shires Head. Cross the River Dane on the pretty packhorse bridge and immediately turn right. You are now on the Dane Valley Way. This will lead you up the valley and soon you will see the familiar sight of the chimney passed in the early stages of the walk. After passing a derelict office building, turn left up to the road back to where you parked.
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 455 m - Start: Danebower Hollow parking area
1 : km 2.22 - alt. 452 m - Leave track and descend to minor road
2 : km 5.84 - alt. 471 m - Turn right down lane
3 : km 7.68 - alt. 382 m - Follow track to Three Shires Head
S/E : km 10.33 - alt. 454 m - Finish: Danebower Hollow parking area
Useful Information
The route uses sections of once-important packhorse routes as well as other paths and quiet country lanes. Route finding is generally good although a 1:25000 map is an asset as there are many paths (some ill-defined) that can cause confusion.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 12/07/20 Clarity of route description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average Walk interest : N/A
Unfortunately we couldn't find the start point so abandoned the walk before we even stated it. Instead we went blind on another walk and actually enjoyed a walk in spectacular scenery with lots of flowing water and a few waterfalls.
Phrom
Overall rating :
4 / 5
Date of walk : 03/07/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Unfortunately had to abort the walk after 1/2km as the 'stream' near the Danebower Quarries was running fast very wide and high. The stones to walk on were both unstable and more than boot deep under the water there was no alternative crossing to be found. Decided the risk and wet feet so early in the walk was not worth taking as it was also pelting with rain.
Flobbiegrunt
Overall rating :
3.3 / 5
Date of walk : 08/12/19 Clarity of route description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
I'm sure it would have been lovely but we couldn't cross the stream after about 1/2 mile, before we were anywhere near point 1, so we had to go back to the car. We have had loads of rain recently but I just assumed it would be OK as there was no mention of it anywhere. Will have to wait till summer I think.
TeeJay
Overall rating :
3 / 5
Date of walk : 12/11/19 Clarity of route description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
A straightforward walk with some lovely views from fairly bleak moorland to green valleys to the Three Shires Head near the end of the route. Be aware that the route description at point 1 is not clear. The path doesn’t quite lead down to a minor road. It enters a field from which there is no signposting. Although you can see the road there is no indication as to how and at what point you can join it.
