Three Shires Head

Easter is upon us once again and what better way to spend Good Friday than to get out for a decent walk so I at least ensure that the gluttonous evening meal is somewhat offset! My mate Jim and I made our way up to Three Shires Head which is the point on Axe Edge Moor where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet (GPS coords: 53.213°N 1.987°W).

The main landmark at the head is a packhorse bridge. This is right at the tip of the map above before we headed back to Gradbach. The bridge is Grade II-listed, and was probably constructed in the late 18th century. I don't actually have a photograph of this due the large amount of bystanders spoiling the view! Of course they've every much right as us to be there; I'll just have to come back early in the morning when it's not quite so busy. Nonetheless I managed to get a nice one of a smaller bridge off to the side of the main bridge.

Since there was some nice white water at the head I wanted to try and freeze it solid. I'm starting to lean away from the long shutter speed smooth water look at the moment. Bit overdone.

After a bit of lunch (roast chicken butties... NICE) heading south back to Gradbach on the east side of the Dane, I came across my inanimate nemsis. This is just an overly fancy way of saying that a gate attacked me. Long story and expletives aside, basically the large metal gate had a broken top hinge and I fell over into the gate and bashed my knee somewhat. Limped home, but it could have been much worse due to having my camera in-hand! But it came out unscathed thankfully. Hence, I'm now sitting writing this with a hot waterbottle on my knee feeling sorry for myself. There's nothing better to solidify the importance of insurance than a near miss!

More photos from the walk can be found here for those interested.

Some say I need a haircut...