Ambergate - Whatstandwell - Alderwasley - Shining Cliff Woods - Ambergate

Ray Gillett

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Starting from the station at Ambergate, the walk turns away from the busy road to walk along the serene and scenic (now disused) southern part of the Cromford Canal, until the intriguing Whatstandwell Village is reached. At the Derwent river-bridge refreshments can be had at the Derwent Hotel. Crossing the bridge, the path then goes uphill with many fine views over to Crich Tower and the Tram Museum quarry below it. Enjoy high-level views over the Derwent Valley towards Crich War Memorial before walking through Shining Cliff Woods via the youth hostel. A small, pretty lake is passed with usually a couple or so ducks to complement the scene. Then as the path is traversed (if walked at the end of April) an abundance of bluebells will be seen among the trees. Vacating the woods, a small stretch of the busy A6 is walked along, before returning to Ambergate Station.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Nature Trail, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife

6/3/2021 - Walkingworld Admin

Following Steve Jansky's comment below Walkingworld has rejigged this route to start at Ambergate Station. Any other corrections, updates or new photos are always welcome. We would particularly welcome a new photo for the new first waymark. (In the meantime thanks go to Google for a temporary borrowed image.)

5/31/2021 - Steve Jansky

The small parking area at the start of the walk is now unusable. The farmer has built a mound of earth before the gate to prevent parking from blocking his access. I parked at Ambergate Station and completed the walk from there.

9/1/2019 - Val Greenwood

The Derwent Hotel is no more! It is now a very popular tea room and restaurant called the 'Family Tree'.

11/25/2012 - Mark Palmer

Great walk. Fantastic views. Walked 25/11/2012. Very wet under foot at times paths were small streams. Took the dog and managed about 90% of the walk off the lead

7/17/2011 - Adrian Fieldhouse

Walked on 16 July 2011. I think it has been a while since this walk was posted, couple of things to add. In general, a number of the waypoints now look different as much of the vegetation has grown significantly since the photos were taken. Waypoint 10 - this is now a couple of posts and chain rather than the log barracade photographed here. Waypoint 16 - the Derwent Hotel has recently changed hands and at the time of writing, had been open a week. They are dog friendly so you can have a meal and take your dog inside and the food we had (a simple snadwich) was very good.

10/16/2006 - karl noon

Parking at the start of this walk a bit scarce, Only enough room for three or four cars. Nice start with a walk through the woods and then onto the canal. But beware when crossing the A6 (before and after the canal) as this road is mega busy. Nice end to walk across quiet fields.