Peak District waterfall walk with a pub at the end an hour from Bolton

Add waterfalls, wild moorland and one of the Peak District’s most unusual landmarks, and you’ve got the perfect weekend escape from Greater Manchester.

Just under an hour’s drive from Manchester, tucked away high on Axe Edge Moor near Buxton, lies Three Shires Head, a beauty spot where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire all meet.

(Image: Google Maps)

It’s one of those places that feels like you’ve stumbled across a secret.

Water tumbles over gritstone rocks into a series of clear plunge pools, a centuries-old stone packhorse bridge spans the River Dane, and on warm days you’ll find walkers cooling their feet while dogs splash happily through the shallows.

Better still, after you’ve finished exploring, one of Britain’s most famous country pubs is only a short drive away.

The most popular route starts from Gradbach Car Park (SK17 0SU), where a free circular walk of around 3.8 miles takes you through peaceful countryside, across open moorland and down into the picturesque valley.

(Image: Google Maps)

The route is classed as easy to moderate, with around 600ft of climbing, making it ideal for most walkers looking for a relaxed couple of hours outdoors.

Good footwear is recommended, particularly after wet weather when sections of the path can become muddy.

As you crest the hillside, the landscape suddenly opens up to reveal the bridge, waterfalls and pools below – one of the Peak District’s most photographed hidden gems.

On sunny weekends it’s the perfect place to stop for a picnic, paddle in the river or simply sit and enjoy the sound of the water rushing over the rocks.

Three Shires Head gets its name from the point where three historic county boundaries meet.

(Image: Google Maps)

Stand on the old packhorse bridge and you can quite literally be in Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire all at the same time.

The Grade II-listed bridge dates back to the late 1700s, when packhorses transported goods across the remote moorland.

But the location also earned a more colourful reputation.

Because law officers once had authority only within their own county, criminals are said to have used the bridge to dodge arrest by simply stepping across the county line.

The Village of Flash (Image: Google Maps)

The nearby village of Flash became notorious for producing counterfeit coins, giving rise to the phrase “Flash money”.

No Peak District walk is complete without a rewarding pub, and this one comes with a record of its own.

Just a few minutes away is The New Inn in Flash, officially England’s highest village at 1,518ft above sea level.

(Image: Google Maps)

The historic stone pub has been serving walkers for more than 250 years and is known for its local ales, hearty home-cooked food and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

Dogs are welcome, and the beer garden is a perfect place to unwind after a morning on the hills.