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Starting from Gradbach Car Park, close to the YHA Hostel, this walk will take you to the rarely visited Quarnford area before visiting Lud's Church. You can also visit Three Shires Head with its important packhorse bridge, widened to take the extra traffic of the pony trains. This extension adds 1.5 miles (2.5 km) to the route and another 300 feet (90 m.) of ascent. From the car park entrance (Grid ref SJ998662) exit left. Then cross over the river via the footbridge and the meadows to the road ahead. Turn right at the road then left at the building. The path climbs straight up the fields following the wall on your left to cross a footpath to reach a bridleway (Grid ref 009675). By walking left on this bridleway you can visit Three Shires Head. It is a lovely quiet spot. The 'Y' shape of the three rivers forms the boundary of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Local folklore recounts of a man named Harry who used to make counterfeit money, selling it to travellers. When the police got wind of him he would cross over the river into the another County and so avoid arrest. He lived in nearby Flash, hence the name 'Flash Harry'. If you want to miss out Three Shires Head turn right along the bridleway ignoring the first wide path to turn right down a narrow path just prior to Hawk's Nest (Grid ref 016674). This path drops down to the river which can be a problem to cross if the river is in flood. Assuming you are safely across, climb up to the path ahead to pass Far Brook Farm on your left. On reaching the road go right. Turn left at the next footpath. This passes a farm onto the moor with few footpath signs. Proceed in a southerly direction over the stiles and through wall gaps until you reach a barn, within sight of a road (Grid ref 016663). Turn right at this building to contour the hill then drop down to the road on your left (Grid ref 013663) following footpaths marked on maps. Cross over the road to take the stile ahead and down the steep hill to the river. Climb up the gully ahead joining a well defined path that takes you in front of a farmhouse to Green Gutter Head. Turn left through the mushroom farm and its buildings to the reach road. Turn right along the road, going straight on at the cross roads (Grid ref 012650) to join the farm road to Goldstitch House. Turn right at the house following and follow the path alongside the river through the valley. The path is well defined and crosses over the river prior to climbing up through the bracken to the gap near Bearstone Rock and Roach End. There used to be several Wallabies in this area, originally escapees from a nearby private zoo, but they have not been seen for many years. However this might be your lucky day! Proceed up to the top of the path (Grid ref 995645) and turn right through the wall gap to follow the path along the ridge with excellent views over the Cheshire plains. Eventually the path drops down at the end of the ridge and you should turn right at this point and follow the good path descending to a group of large rocks. Here there is a finger post sign to Lud's Church. A dramatic deep cleft in the forest rocks 50 feet deep, steps lead into the chasm and it's well worth the visit. Historic details are quoted in Walk No 1178. Return to the rocks and follow the path that descends through the trees to a bridge over Black Brook. Staying on this path follow the River Dane through the grounds of the Youth Hostel and up its drive to reach lane. Turn left to reach the start. Contributors Website or Email - Click for more Information Suggested Maps It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.
Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps. Roseleigh Hotel, Buxton - Derbyshire 3, New Houses, Cressbrook - Derbyshire Cotterill Farm Cottages, Hartington - Derbyshire Hargate Hall, Wormhill near Buxton - Derbyshire Saffi House, Chapel en le Frith - Derbyshire Hey Cottage, Hayfield - Derbyshire Hallishaw Cote, New Mills, High Peak - Derbyshire Spring bank Cottages, Hayfield - Derbyshire Overdale Cottage, Youlgrave, Bakewell - Derbyshire Darwin Forest Country Park, Matlock - Derbyshire Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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