Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Waterfalls
United Kingdom
England
North West England

Macclesfield

Top 7 Waterfalls around Macclesfield

Best waterfalls around Macclesfield are found within a landscape featuring Macclesfield Forest and the Peak District foothills. This area is characterized by diverse natural features, including rivers, cloughs, and woodlands. The region offers various walking routes that lead to these natural attractions. Waterfalls here often combine natural beauty with historical elements, such as old mill structures.

Best waterfalls around Macclesfield

  • The most popular waterfalls is Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls, a waterfall that marks the intersection of three counties. It features a Grade II listed stone bridge and a series of clear plunge pools along the River Dane.
  • Another must-see spot is Ingersley Vale Waterfall (Waulkmill Waterfall), a waterfall on the River Dean. This small but impressive waterfall is set in a beautiful location and shows signs of historical human influence from a 19th-century mill.
  • Visitors also love Cumberland Clough Waterfall, a stream with many smaller waterfalls leading to a main fall. It is best visited after rainfall for its full effect.
  • Macclesfield is known for its plunge pools, cascades, and historical mill waterfalls. The area offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, from those in deep cloughs to those with historical significance.
  • The waterfalls around Macclesfield are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 410 upvotes and more than 390 photos shared.

Last updated: June 21, 2026

Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls

Highlight • Viewpoint

Three Shires Head is the Grade II listed stream bridge (or waterfall, accounts differ) which marks the intersection of three counties; Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.

The run around cut-thorn hill to here is an entertaining blast, too; not too techy but lots of fun, and it finishes here - one of the best picnic spots for miles.

Enjoy this place for a wild swim, with clear plunge pools and waterfalls here in the River Dane.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

This is a small but impressive waterfall on the River Dean. It is in a beautiful setting at the lower end of Clough Pool. It has a certain amount of man-made influence, as the top of it appears to be built on to a natural waterfall to create the mill pond above it. It was used by Ingersley Clough Mill back in the nineteenth century. This is simply a delightful scenic spot.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Waterfall Wood Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

This is a beautiful hidden waterfall situated on the edge of Alderley Edge in Waterfall Wood. Water flows off the edge of a rock face into a pretty pool of water below creating the perfect forest vista as your passing through.

Tip by

Save

Waterfall Near Heaton

Highlight • Viewpoint

Absolutely incredible waterfall outside Heaton, typically with few crowds as well.

Tip by

Save

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Macclesfield

Cheshire Ring — A waterside hike along six historic canals

Ride the Cheshire Cycleway – A lush adventure through rural Britain

Family friendly UK trails for little explorers

Hiking around Macclesfield

Road Cycling Routes around Macclesfield

Cycling around Macclesfield

Running Trails around Macclesfield

MTB Trails around Macclesfield

Gravel biking around Macclesfield

Other adventures around Macclesfield

Cheshire Ring — A waterside hike along six historic canals

Hiking Collection by

Dan Hobson

Tips from the Community

David Howells
September 3, 2024, Ingersley Vale Waterfall (Waulkmill Waterfall)

This is a small but impressive waterfall on the River Dean. It is in a beautiful setting at the lower end of Clough Pool. It has a certain amount of man-made influence, as the top of it appears to be built on to a natural waterfall to create the mill pond above it. It was used by Ingersley Clough Mill back in the nineteenth century. This is simply a delightful scenic spot.

2

0

Overgrown tracks - suggests walking boots and long trousers

0

0

Very popular spot for hikers and wild swimmers. All routes away go up!

1

0

Absolutely incredible waterfall outside Heaton, typically with few crowds as well.

0

0

This is a beautiful hidden waterfall situated on the edge of Alderley Edge in Waterfall Wood. Water flows off the edge of a rock face into a pretty pool of water below creating the perfect forest vista as your passing through.

3

0

This gets very busy, especially in the summer months with people wanting a dip. Get there early if you want the place to yourself!

1

0

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.

1

1

If you can get there early you'll appreciate the solitude as later in the day it can get very busy

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls a unique spot to visit?

This iconic location marks the intersection of three counties: Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire. It features a Grade II listed stone bridge and a series of clear plunge pools along the River Dane, making it a popular spot for wild swimming and picnics. You can find more details about this highlight here: Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls.

Are there any waterfalls around Macclesfield with historical significance?

Yes, the Ingersley Vale Waterfall (Waulkmill Waterfall) on the River Dean has a degree of human influence. Its top appears to have been built upon a natural waterfall to create a mill pond, which historically served Ingersley Clough Mill in the 19th century.

Which waterfalls are best to visit after heavy rainfall?

For their full effect, Cumberland Clough Waterfall and Deep Clough Waterfall are particularly recommended after rainfall. The streams in these cloughs become lively, leading to more impressive cascades, whereas they can be reduced to a trickle during drier periods.

Are there opportunities for wild swimming near Macclesfield's waterfalls?

Yes, Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls is highly regarded as one of the best picnic spots in the region and is popular for wild swimming in its clear plunge pools.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls around Macclesfield?

The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy hikes like the Tegg’s Nose Country Park Trail. For mountain biking, there are routes such as the Bollington Labyrinth loop. Road cycling options also exist, like the Macclesfield to Congleton loop. Explore more routes here: MTB Trails around Macclesfield, Easy hikes around Macclesfield, and Road Cycling Routes around Macclesfield.

Are there any hidden or less-known waterfalls worth discovering?

Yes, Waterfall Wood Waterfall is a beautiful, hidden gem tucked away on the edge of Alderley Edge. It features water flowing off a rock face into a pretty pool, creating a quintessential forest vista.

What is the terrain like for reaching these waterfalls?

The terrain varies. For instance, the paths leading to Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls are described as very rough and rocky. Access to Ingersley Vale Waterfall (Waulkmill Waterfall) involves walking from Bollington, as there is no direct parking. Generally, the area is characterized by diverse natural features, including cloughs and woodlands, often requiring walks on varied paths.

What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Macclesfield?

Visitors appreciate the natural beauty, serene settings, and opportunities for walking and picnicking. Highlights like Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls are loved for wild swimming and being excellent picnic spots. The area's combination of natural beauty and historical elements, such as old mill structures, also adds to its appeal.

Are there family-friendly options among the waterfalls?

While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't listed for all, the general appeal of picnicking and walking in scenic areas like Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls makes them suitable for families. Always consider the specific trail difficulty and terrain when planning a visit with children.

Is public transport available to reach the waterfalls or surrounding areas?

While direct public transport to all waterfall locations might be limited, areas like Macclesfield Forest are accessible. For Ingersley Vale Waterfall (Waulkmill Waterfall), access involves walking from Bollington, which can be reached by public transport. For more information on public transport options to the wider Macclesfield Forest area, you might check local transport guides.

Where can I find more information about the Macclesfield Forest area?

For additional information about Macclesfield Forest and its offerings, you can visit the official tourism website: Visit Cheshire - Macclesfield Forest.

Are there any specific tips for mountain biking near the waterfalls?

Yes, for mountain biking, the run around Cut-Thorn Hill to Three Shires Head Stone Bridge and Waterfalls is described as an entertaining and fun experience. Be aware that paths can be rocky in places, and some climbs might be challenging. Always give way to walkers.

Most popular routes around Macclesfield

Hiking around Macclesfield

Most popular attractions around Macclesfield

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

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

CumbriaGreater ManchesterLancashireDisleyPoynton-With-WorthLyme HandleyRainowRochdaleSuttonGawsworthMacclesfield Forest And WildboarcloughHigher HurdsfieldCheshire EastPott ShrigleyAdlingtonOldhamBosleyWincleKettleshulme

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Higher Hurdsfield

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy