Shining Cliff Wood

Visitor information

Opening hours

Shining Cliff Wood offers 24 hour access, 365 days a year.

How to find us

Shining Cliff Wood lies on the western bank of the River Derwent adjacent to the A6 between Ambergate and Whatstandwell. Access to the wood is by public footpaths Alderwasley and Ambergate.

Shining Cliff Woods, Belper

Sat Nav Postcode: DE56 2SR

OS Grid Ref

SK337524

Get directions

53.072872680017, -1.501102134805

Parking and prices

Access to the wood is by public footpaths from Alderwasley, Ambergate or through Peak Pits wood. There are no dedicated parking facilities.

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4340

E-Mail Address

central.district@forestryengland.uk

Shining Cliff Wood

Discover the rich history of Shining Cliff Wood, see stunning bluebell displays and look out for a diverse array of birds

Located near Cromford, Shining Cliff is ancient woodland which was part of the royal hunting forest of Duffield Frith and is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The wood supports a diverse bird community including warblers, flycatchers and bramblings. In the spring, coppiced sycamore trees provide a canopy for a carpet of bluebells, something that can't be missed.

There is a circular waymarked trail for visitors which pass by the remains of the Betty Kenny Tree which is said to be 2000 years old!

Please be aware that mountain biking and trail building is not allowed in the wood. It’s status as a SSSI makes this a criminal offence.

At a glance

1 walking trail
Bluebell displays
Betty Kenny Tree

Things to do

Walking at Shining Cliff Wood

Follow the white trail to discover the Betty Kenny Tree.

During the late 1700’s, Betty Kenny lived in a large Yew tree said to be 2000 years old and the remains are still visible in the woods today. The house was formed within the tree and local legend has it that a bough of the tree was hollowed out to act as a cradle for her children. It is also thought that this was the origin of the nursery rhyme ‘rock a bye baby’.

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Nearby forests

Black Rocks

The wood takes it's name from a sizable gritstone outcrop called Black Rocks and forms part of a larger woodland called Cromford Moor. The area is managed in partnership with Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service.

The wood is situated on a hill with splendid views of the Derwent Valley and contains remains of quarries and other workings.

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Matlock Moors

Comprising of seven coniferous woodlands, Matlock Moors is not short of great walking and horse riding opportunities.

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Silverhill Wood

Formally two colliery sites, Silverhill Wood has been transformed into a beautiful woodland through a process of coal washing, engineering, landscaping, fertilising and planting. Its mixture of rich broadleaf and conifer trees, open meadows and ponds make it a woodland not to be missed!

Why not explore the woodland on the orienteering course, speed through the trees on two wheels or stop by the dog selfie area!

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Thieves Wood

Thieves Wood provides the scenery for an exciting day out with a walking trail that starts from the car park, offering easy access into the wood.

The Robin Hood Way, a long distance trail that runs through Nottinhamshire exploring the legend of Robin Hood, also passes through the wood.

There is also a refreshment cabin in the car park where you can stock up on snacks in preparation for your adventure!

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