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There are a number of excellent walks within an area of the Peak centred on Quarnford, near Buxton. Free parking for all of these can be found outside Leach Green Farm, reached by leaving the A53 from Buxton at the right turn just before the Knotbury sign, and taking the second turn on your right. Park on the verge just in front of the farmhouse before the fork in the road, after which the road becomes restricted access for vehicles. From here you can walk to Drystone Edge and/or Three Shires Head. Some photos from a circular walk from this location are shown below. There are however quite a number of alternative routes to visit these three attractions starting from this point. Under the pictures you will find a guide to the circular walk illustrated. My bird-watching companion tells me that this is a particularly good walk to see the Twite, Hen Harrier, Redstart, Wheatear, Common Buzzard, and Short Eared Owl flying low over the moors.
Three Shires Head
From Three Shires Head towards Drystone Edge
Drystone Edge towards the abandoned pit chimney
Bottom of Drystone Edge from the Stepping Stones
Drystone Edge Viewed from the base of the Chimney
The circular walk illustrated was done by taking the road back away from the parking spot, and turning right back at the road. Follow the road until the right turn, then follow the signs from there to Three Shires head. At Three Shires Head, take the path uphill shown on the photo, and once you are past the sharp uphill, take any rightwards path, (or just go right and uphill with no path fording the river if so inclined). Behind the stone wall you will find a path, take it leftwards to get to Drystone edge. Go past the edge, and downhill along the path, which will take you over the stepping stones, and uphill to the base of the chimney. From here we went more or less straight down and back up to the path, using a second set of stepping stones over the river. Follow the path, which will take you up the hill, past a deep gorge called Black Clough, and to a point where you can see concreted wheel tracks through a field. Walk to these tracks, and when shortly afterwards you will see a road. Walk to the road. Take the left/uphill turn, and at shortly afterwards the path cutting the corner off a bend in the road. At the top is a gate, pass through onto the road which will lead you directly back downhill to your car.
Walk time 2-3 h at a leisurely pace.
Walk 1 - Quarnford-Three Shires Head-Drystone Edge-Black Clough
bravenet.com