On the east of the river, the border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire runs north-east for about a mile to Cheeks Hill, on the higher regions of Axe Edge Moor.

From Cheeks Hill the border runs south then east to the head of the River Dove.

[2] Access to Three Shire Heads is shared by motorcyclists, cyclists, riders on horseback and pedestrians.

[3][4][5][6] The packhorse bridge and the waterfalls as the River Dane flows southwards are very picturesque,[7] and frequently feature on calendars.

[9] The presence of the packhorse bridge shows the importance of this route for traders from nearby Flash and Hollinsclough to Macclesfield.