Wednesday 24 September 2025

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Wednesday 24 September 2025

Exploring Shining Cliff Woods

Small car park on Holly Lane, Ambergate, Belper DE56 2HG. Grid Ref 346 514. There is also parking (charge) at Ambergate Railway station, which is half a mile away.

9.30am. Finish: 2pm.

5.5 miles

Moderate/strenuous

10+ stiles

Join Ben to discover the secrets of the woods near Ambergate and Alderwasley. Visit hidden pools, crumbling buildings and tranquil woodland trails. Travel through scenic parkland and enjoy great views of the Derwent valley. Learn about the history of the area, including industrial heritage, the Grith Pioneers and Betty Kenny – the woman who raised a family in the woods. (10 + stiles). Bring a packed lunch as we will stop for lunch.

Booking essential for all walks via our online booking form. If you need any assistance, please call Marion Farrell on 07801 122 494.

Accessible by bus

Accessible by train

Children welcome

Dogs allowed

Free parking

No dogs allowed

No parking

Not suitable for children

Parking fee

Pushchair accessible

Take a packed lunch

Toilet available en route

Wheelchair accessible

Grades are provided as a general guide only - if you have any doubt about your fitness for a particular walk please contact the organiser or leader in advance. You should also bear in mind the distance of the walk, regional differences in terrain and the possibility of bad weather, which can make a walk more difficult than planned. If you’re unsure of your fitness level, try a short and easy walk first: it’s much better to find a walk a little too slow and easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted. Leaders may refuse to accept participants who in their opinion are inadequately equipped or unfit.

Walks are graded for difficulty as follows:

Easy access: Walks for everyone, including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn. Assistance may be needed to push wheelchairs on some sections, please enquire.

Easy: Walks for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem or is seriously unfit. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.

Moderate: Walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Strenuous: Walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the organiser or leader in advance.

Exploring Shining Cliff Woods

What does each symbol mean?

Walks grading