A Visit to Flash
Visit Flash in Staffordshire, the highest village in England, perched on the southern slopes of Axe Edge Moor and surrounded by wild, open countryside. This scenic village is the source of the Rivers Dove and Manifold and lies close to the picturesque Three Shire Heads where Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire meet. Once a lawless outpost known for counterfeiting and prize fighting, where counterfeit money was famously called “Flash money”, today it’s a peaceful, charming destination with pretty longhouse-style farmhouses, the highest pub in England (the New Inn), and the highest shop in England (Flash Bar Stores). Perfect for walkers seeking stunning moorland views.
The little Peak District village of Flash in Staffordshire has the distinction of being the highest village in England, and anyone who has ever visited on a snowy or windy day will be able to confirm that wholeheartedly!
The village is surrounded by wild, open countryside on the southern slopes of Axe Edge Moor, south west of Buxton. Flash Head, just east of the village, is the source of the Rivers Dove and Manifold, which flow into beautiful Dovedale and the Manifold Valley respectively.
In the other direction the River Dane rises to the north west of the village and runs down to the popular beauty spot of Three Shire Heads, where Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire meet at a collection of picturesque pools, waterfalls and stone bridges.
This little village has an interesting history. Although an entirely respectable community now, its isolated location led to its reputation as being something of a lawless place in olden days, frequented by rough characters. Flash was known for illegal activities such as cock-fighting, prize fighting and counterfeiting, and for many years counterfeit money was known as ‘Flash money’. According to some sources the counterfeit money manufactured in the village was exchanged at Three Shire Heads; when the police from one county closed in, the ring was simply moved a little way into the next county.
The village today is a peaceful, scenic place to visit, with pretty houses on quiet lanes, surrounded by stunning scenery. Many of the old farmhouses were built in the longhouse style, with the living accommodation at one end and the space for livestock at the other. The village pub, the New Inn, lays claim to the title of the highest village pub in England, and just outside the village you’ll find Flash Bar Stores, the highest shop in England.
Combine your visit with a walk into the wonderful surrounding countryside and you won’t be disappointed!
How Do I Get to Flash?
Flash is located just off the A53 between Buxton and Leek. The postcode for Flash Bar Stores is SK17 0TF.
Find out more
To find out more, click on the button below:
If the wild open countryside and the distinction of being England’s highest village have piqued your interest in Flash, there’s much more to explore in this remote corner. The nearby village of Longnor offers a similar sense of elevated isolation with its ancient cobbled market square. The Dragon’s Back Walk is within easy reach, providing spectacular ridge walking, while The Roaches offers stunning gritstone ridge walking with views over three counties. The mystical Lud’s Church lies hidden in Back Forest, a deep green chasm that feels like another world entirely. For more village ideas, visit our Dovedale & White Peak Villages Guide.
