Shining Cliff Hostel
Shining Cliff Hostel, Jackass Lane, Alderwasley, Derbyshire. DE56 2RE
Call Kate Tuck on 07794 268059
Group accommodation in a peaceful, woodland setting
The entrance porch, with space for hanging coats and boots, leads into the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. The well-equipped kitchen has an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and water boiler. The dining area comfortably seats 20 people whilst the lounge provides seating and space to relax. 5 bedrooms sleep up to 20 people in bunk beds. All bedding is provided. Three bathrooms each have a shower cubicle and composting toilet.
There is a stunning hostel fire pit area that nestles against Shining Cliff crags where you can spend evenings around the campfire.
It is a ten minute walk, down a woodland footpath, from the hostel parking area. Footpaths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins' walk) which has a food shop, pubs, buses and trains to Derby.
The hostel also has a separate Beech Hut with fire pit and composting toilet available for day hire, please see the website for more information.
Sole use bookings only at weekend. Room bookings are welcome mid-week.
Shining Cliff Hostel is an accredited Learning Outside the Classroom quality badge holder, demonstrating that we have robust policies, procedures and risk assessments in place and provide quality outdoor learning experiences, making us ideal for residential groups looking for a base away from everyday distractions, in a phenomenal woodland setting.
Access is half a mile from the nearest parking area along a woodland footpath. Paths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins’ walk) which has a food shop, pub, buses and trains to Derby. The hostel is ideal for a wide range of groups wishing to enjoy time away in a peaceful woodland setting.
The entrance porch, with space for hanging coats and boots, leads into the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. The well-equipped kitchen has an induction hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and water boiler. The dining area comfortably seats 20 people whilst the lounge provides seating and space to relax. 5 bedrooms sleep up to 20 people in bunk beds. All bedding is provided. Three bathrooms each have a shower cubicle and composting toilet.
There is a stunning hostel fire pit area that nestles against Shining Cliff crags where you can spend evenings around the campfire.
It is a ten minute walk, down a woodland footpath, from the hostel parking area. Footpaths lead through the woods to the A6 at Ambergate (20 mins' walk) which has a food shop, pubs, buses and trains to Derby.
The hostel also has a separate Beech Hut with fire pit and composting toilet available for day hire, please see the website for more information.
Sole use bookings only at weekend. Room bookings are welcome mid-week.
Shining Cliff Hostel is an accredited Learning Outside the Classroom quality badge holder, demonstrating that we have robust policies, procedures and risk assessments in place and provide quality outdoor learning experiences, making us ideal for residential groups looking for a base away from everyday distractions, in a phenomenal woodland setting.
This accommodation is featured on our map of the Peak District and here is its own website.
Availability
Details
Beds & Rooms:
20: 1x4, 2x6, 2x2Open:
All year.Price per night:
Sole use: £320 Fri/Sat (min 2 nights). £185-£250 Sun-Thur. Room bookings: £20 per adult, £15 per child (Sun-Thurs only).Booking:
Book online, by phone or email. Advance bookings only.Directions:
Directions are provided when you book. Sat Navs NOT recommended.Public Transport :
Ambergate rail station (1 mile). Transpeak bus on A6 (1 mile)Walks :
Long Distance Walks The Pennine Bridleway White Peak Loop
University Groups Eco Hostels Dog Friendly Individuals welcome Youth Hostels Hostels with firepits and campfires School Groups Retreats Hammocking IHUK Community Discount for Sustainable Travel
This accommodation is available at the following peak times
Available for Christmas 2025Facilities
Map
News & Offers from Shining Cliff Hostel
Late February Half Term Availability!
February 3rd 2025
Due to a cancellation, Shining Cliff hostel is available to hire from Friday 14th – Thursday 20th February! Available for sole use OR individual room bookings.
Sole use rates are:
1-6 people £185 per night
7-12 people £225 per night
13-20 people £250 per night
No minimum night stay.
Individual room bookings: £20 per adult and £15 per child per night for your own room with shared communal facilities.
Shining Cliff hostel is located in the heart of an ancient woodland in Derbyshire. The adventure starts on arrival, as you need to walk along woodland footpaths to reach this magical, off-road woodland hostel. The private woodland car park is half a mile from the hostel, and if arriving by foot, then the hostel is a 40 minute walk from the train and bus services at Ambergate.
There are hundreds of acres of the stunning Shining Cliff woodland to explore, with crags, streams and a reservoir; a magical place for children and families and individuals to explore and discover. The hostel has a fire pit area for gathering around the campfire, nestled at the base of the Shining Cliff crags near the hostel.
If you want to go further afield, the hostel is located in the beautiful World Heritage Derwent Valley, with Matlock Bath and Cromford to explore. We are also on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with stunning places to explore, as well as wonderful walking routes straight from our door!

Shining Cliff Hostel, deep in the woods, provides a sustainable travel discount.
January 19th 2025
Shining Cliff hostel provides a 5% discount for guests arriving solely by foot, bike or public transport. The 10 minute walk through the woods from the nearest car park does not cut the mustard. To earn this discount you need to show true adventure. Luckily Ambergate rail station is only a mile away and the rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales makes for excellent walking.

Latest Blog about Shining Cliff Hostel
A Weekend in the Woods at Shining Cliff Hostel
March 9th 2013
Rather unseasonable for this year the first Saturday in March was a glorious warm cloud free day. The ancient woodlands where we spent the weekend gloried in the signs of spring already showing a hint of the Bluebells that will cover the understory in six weeks or so.
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