Forest bathing at Shining Cliff Woods

Shining Cliff is an ancient wood on the west bank of the River Derwent, beside the A6 between Ambergate and Whatstandwell. It was once part of the royal hunting forest of Duffield Frith and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, looked after by Forestry England. Parts are a mix of sweet chestnut, oak and sycamore around a century old, with pine further up. The remains of the Betty Kenny tree, linked to a family who lived and worked in the wood in the late 1700s, are marked by white posts.

There is no car park, which keeps it quiet. Most people walk in from Ambergate station or the village, or come down from Alderwasley; a circular waymarked trail loops through the wood. The slopes are steep in places and there are old quarry edges to keep away from. Spring brings bluebells and woodland birds. Forestry England is currently felling diseased trees, so follow any diversion signs.