Shining Cliff Wood

Heritage Site in Derbyshire Amber Valley

England

Shining Cliff Wood

North end of Ambergate Station
North end of Ambergate Station Credit: Peter Moore

Shining Cliff Wood, located in Derbyshire, England, is a picturesque heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. Spanning over 200 acres, this enchanting woodland is nestled within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, showcasing the industrial heritage of the region.

The wood is characterized by its diverse range of flora and fauna, offering a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Ancient oak and beech trees dominate the landscape, creating a dense canopy that filters sunlight and provides a tranquil atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells in the springtime, painting the woodland with vibrant hues.

Aside from its natural splendor, Shining Cliff Wood has a fascinating historical significance. The wood was once a hub of industrial activity during the 18th and 19th centuries, with a plethora of lead mines and quarrying operations. Remnants of this industrial past can still be found, including old mine shafts, quarries, and derelict buildings.

Today, the wood is managed by the National Trust, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for visitors. It offers several walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the woodland's hidden treasures. The winding Shining Cliff River meanders through the wood, adding to its scenic allure.

Shining Cliff Wood is a haven for wildlife, with various species of birds, mammals, and insects calling it home. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls, among others. Badgers, foxes, and deer are also known to roam the woodland.

Overall, Shining Cliff Wood is a captivating heritage site that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich industrial past, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Shining Cliff Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.07/-1.5 or Grid Reference SK3352. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North end of Ambergate Station
North end of Ambergate Station
Derby bound service arriving at Whatstandwell Station
Derby bound service arriving at Whatstandwell Station
The Great British Car Journey A car museum that opened in May 2021. The museum's exhibits consist of over 130 cars that illustrate the history of British car design and production between 1922 and the present day. The museum occupies a 4-acre site of a former wire works.
The Great British Car Journey
A car museum that opened in May 2021. The museum's exhibits consist of over 130 cars that illustrate the history of British car design and production between 1922 and the present day. The museum occupies a 4-acre site of a former wire works.
The Great British Car Journey - entrance A car museum that opened in May 2021. The museum's exhibits consist of over 130 cars that illustrate the history of British car design and production between 1922 and the present day. The museum occupies a 4-acre site of a former wire works.
The Great British Car Journey - entrance
A car museum that opened in May 2021. The museum's exhibits consist of over 130 cars that illustrate the history of British car design and production between 1922 and the present day. The museum occupies a 4-acre site of a former wire works.
Whatstandwell railway station A class 170 Turbostar diesel multiple unit operated by East Midlands Railway is departing for Matlock.
Whatstandwell railway station
A class 170 Turbostar diesel multiple unit operated by East Midlands Railway is departing for Matlock.
EMR Class 170 to Matlock at Whatstandwell 170531 but it's not clear on this picture, or the next 2, but is on the one after as it goes under the bridge. Engine vibration?
EMR Class 170 to Matlock at Whatstandwell
170531 but it's not clear on this picture, or the next 2, but is on the one after as it goes under the bridge. Engine vibration?
End of Cromford Canal Before the construction of various works at this location, the canal ran through a short tunnel and then crossed both the main Derby to Sheffield railway line and the A610 road via a long and interesting aqueduct which has now been demolished. Nowadays, this waterway terminates here and is crossed by a diversionary footpath with a run off sluice.
End of Cromford Canal
Before the construction of various works at this location, the canal ran through a short tunnel and then crossed both the main Derby to Sheffield railway line and the A610 road via a long and interesting aqueduct which has now been demolished. Nowadays, this waterway terminates here and is crossed by a diversionary footpath with a run off sluice.
Woodland Footpath A small footbridge over the stream in Peat Pits Wood.
Woodland Footpath
A small footbridge over the stream in Peat Pits Wood.
Coloured stones There appear to be green algae on some of the stones in the stream.
Coloured stones
There appear to be green algae on some of the stones in the stream.
Downstream Looking downstream on Peat Pits Brook.
Downstream
Looking downstream on Peat Pits Brook.
Upstream Looking upstream on Peat Pits Brook.
Upstream
Looking upstream on Peat Pits Brook.
Peat Pits Woodland Looking Northwest on the track in Peat Pits Wood.
Peat Pits Woodland
Looking Northwest on the track in Peat Pits Wood.
Peat Pits Woodland 2 Looking southeast on the woodland path.
Peat Pits Woodland 2
Looking southeast on the woodland path.
Peat Pits Woodland 3 Going deeper into Peat Pits Woodland in an eastern direction.
Peat Pits Woodland 3
Going deeper into Peat Pits Woodland in an eastern direction.
Tree stump A recently felled Larch tree stump.
Tree stump
A recently felled Larch tree stump.
Spindly Tree A very thin and spindly tree dropping over the path.
Spindly Tree
A very thin and spindly tree dropping over the path.
Woodland Clearing Trees have been felled several years ago, with bracken and other woodland plant growing amongst  the scrub trees.
Woodland Clearing
Trees have been felled several years ago, with bracken and other woodland plant growing amongst the scrub trees.
Woodland Flowers A collection of wild flowers, blue bells, buttercups, ladysmock and pink campion.
Woodland Flowers
A collection of wild flowers, blue bells, buttercups, ladysmock and pink campion.
Show me another place!

Shining Cliff Wood is located at Grid Ref: SK3352 (Lat: 53.07, Lng: -1.5)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: Amber Valley

Police Authority: Derbyshire

What 3 Words

///crockery.betraying.tweaked. Near Heage, Derbyshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.07,-1.5
Description: Amber Valley information board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 53.0736201/-1.4960181
Note: Whatever there is here, it's not a fire station
Lat/Long: 53.0687754/-1.4951079
Bench
Lat/Long: 53.066589/-1.5028826
Grith Pioneers Information
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 53.0666421/-1.5010131
Noticeboard
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 53.0655881/-1.5013537
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 53.0656299/-1.5014503
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 53.0727677/-1.4992336
Shining Cliff Hostel
Addr City: Belper
Addr Postcode: DE56 2HG
Addr Street: Jackass Lane
Addr Village: Alderwasley
Contact Website: https://shiningcliffhostel.co.uk/
Fhrs Id: 1655063
Tourism: hostel
Lat/Long: 53.06687/-1.5014389
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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