Staffordshire Walks
Cheeks Hill sits on Axe Edge Moor, on the western edge of the Peak District National Park, and is the county top of Staffordshire. The summit is open, featureless moorland rather than a distinct peak, but the surrounding landscape of small streams, old packhorse crossings and wide skies makes for rewarding walking. There are three circular routes from the same start, ranging from a very short stroll to a near five-mile circuit onto the hill itself.
The two longer walks both visit Three Shire Heads, a well-loved spot where Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire meet beside Pannierspool Bridge and Panniers Pool. The pool is named after the packhorses that once used the bridges. Every route also passes the Danebower Colliery ventilation chimney, a stark landmark close to the young River Dane.
The shortest walk is a quick loop around the chimney and the river, the middle route follows the Dane to Three Shire Heads, and the longest climbs onto Cheeks Hill. For more walks like this, take a look at the Staffordshire Walks app.
Download the Staffordshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Staffordshire Walks app.
Cheeks Hill walk 01
A very short moorland loop on Axe Edge Moor that takes in the old Danebower Colliery ventilation chimney and the River Dane close to its source. It suits anyone wanting a quick stroll and a look at the open Peak District landscape, with only a short, steady rise to deal with.
Cheeks Hill walk 02
A circular walk of just under three miles beside the young River Dane to Three Shire Heads, the meeting point of three counties. You cross the packhorse bridge by Panniers Pool, then return past the Danebower Colliery chimney on Axe Edge Moor. Expect a moderate climb and open moorland.
Cheeks Hill walk 03
A near five-mile circuit on Axe Edge Moor that visits Cheeks Hill, the highest ground in Staffordshire. It also calls at Three Shire Heads and Panniers Pool, then returns past the old Danebower Colliery chimney. There are two climbs, the second one long and sustained, across open moorland.
Navigate the walks
It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.
Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.
The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Staffordshire Walks app.
Explore the area
3.75-6 miles
3.75-6 miles
2.75-4.75 miles
1.25-4.5 miles
1.25 miles
4.5 miles
2.5-8.25 miles
2.5-5.5 miles
0.5-9.5 miles
1.5 miles
2.5-4.75 miles
4-4.75 miles
0.75-3.25 miles
1.75-6.5 miles
0.25 miles
Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
Search Staffordshire walks