Shining Cliff – Ambergate

We start our 2025/6 Winter programme with a delightful and varied circular walk from Ambergate. The distance will be approximately 9.5 miles. The switch from BST to GMT means an hour more sleep and darker nights. Please don’t forget to turn the clocks back the previous evening!

       The walk begins at Ambergate, named after the toll gates that used to stand here when the road was a turnpike. After crossing Halfpenny Bridge over the River Derwent, we plunge straight into the woods above the Derwent Valley, climbing gently towards Beggarswell Wood. After a brief respite at a beautiful pond below Shining Cliff, we follow the Peatpits Brook through Shining Cliff Woods to Fishpond Farm. A brief field path sees us join a pretty lane past Coldaston to the intriguingly named Knob Lane. Here, we begin a partial circumnavigation of the imposing Alport Height, towering above us to our left.

Just beyond Knob Lane, a wonderful panorama of the Ecclesbourne Valley opens out before us as we turn south to Hillside Farm. Passing Lane End Farm, we traverse a familiar path to Top Lane and Lawn Farm. Passing through Shottle Lodge Farm we proceed through very pretty countryside past the northern edge of the tiny village of Shottle, mentioned as Sothille in the Domesday Book.

Yet another footpath with excellent views takes us past Handley Farm and across Wilder Brook. A brief climb gives us more panoramic views, before we descend to Belper Lane End. A pretty footpath past Wyver Farm takes us back to the banks of the River Derwent. We then turn north along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way back to Halfpenny Bridge and the A6 highway at Ambergate.

Unfortunately, the Hurt Arms is still closed pending major refurbishment, so we can only dream of alcoholic beverages whilst awaiting our coach for the short journey home. A departure time of 4pm is planned – from the bus stop on the A6 just south of Halfpenny Bridge.

As usual we welcome  new walkers. If you come and along for the first time you don’t have to pay the £14 coach fare.

Coach Departure

                  The coach picks up at the following points.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).