Best waterfalls around Horton are found in a region characterized by its diverse natural features, including rivers and historical sites. The landscape offers a mix of intermediate and challenging terrain, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a range of natural monuments and viewpoints, often featuring significant geological formations. The area provides opportunities for circular walks and discovering hidden natural gems.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Overgrown tracks - suggests walking boots and long trousers
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Very popular spot for hikers and wild swimmers. All routes away go up!
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Absolutely incredible waterfall outside Heaton, typically with few crowds as well.
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This gets very busy, especially in the summer months with people wanting a dip. Get there early if you want the place to yourself!
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Quite a landmark, the Three Shire Heads is found at the point on Axe Edge Moor where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet. The packhorse bridge and small waterfall make for a photogenic setting and very popular wild swimming (or at least, a wild dip!) spot.
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An old quarry with a beautiful cascade probably only when raining. From Franklin’s Farm just follow the byway road and it’s located on the hillside on your left
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The waterfalls around Horton are appreciated for their diverse natural features, including historical sites and geological formations. Visitors particularly enjoy spots like Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls, which marks the intersection of three counties and offers clear plunge pools for wild swimming. The area is also known for less crowded cascades and waterfalls found in old quarries.
Beyond the popular Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls, you should also consider Waterfall Near Heaton for an incredible experience, often with few crowds. Another interesting spot is the Waterfall at Old Quarry, which features a beautiful cascade, especially impressive after rainfall.
Yes, Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls is a notable historical site. It features a Grade II listed stream bridge that marks the intersection of three counties: Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire, making it a significant landmark in the region.
The area around Horton offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, such as those found in the Hiking around Horton guide. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are also several routes, including challenging ones, detailed in the MTB Trails around Horton guide.
While many trails around the waterfalls are intermediate or challenging, there are also easier options for families. For instance, the Easy hikes around Horton guide provides routes like the Rudyard Lake loop, which are suitable for a more relaxed outing. Always check the specific trail details for suitability with children.
Given that some tracks can be overgrown, especially to places like Waterfall Near Heaton, it's advisable to wear walking boots and long trousers. The terrain can also be rocky in places, so sturdy footwear is essential. If you plan on wild swimming at Three Shires Head, bring appropriate swimwear and a towel.
Waterfalls like the Waterfall at Old Quarry are particularly impressive after rainfall, as the cascades are fuller. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, while summer allows for wild swimming in spots like Three Shires Head. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.
Yes, Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls is known as one of the best picnic spots in the area and offers clear plunge pools in the River Dane, perfect for wild swimming.
The trails to the waterfalls around Horton vary in difficulty. Many are classified as intermediate, but some sections, particularly around Three Shires Head and Waterfall Near Heaton, can be challenging due to rocky or overgrown tracks. Always check specific route details before heading out.
Yes, Waterfall Near Heaton is often noted for being an incredible waterfall experience with typically few crowds. The Waterfall at Old Quarry is also accessible via a byway road, which might lead to fewer visitors compared to more popular spots.
Visitors frequently highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. They particularly enjoy the clear plunge pools for wild swimming at Three Shires Head, the sense of discovery at less crowded spots like Waterfall Near Heaton, and the impressive cascades after rain at the Waterfall at Old Quarry. The opportunity for scenic walks and picnics is also a big draw.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Horton: