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 Meeting Circle area with circular gritstone seating and a barbecue, that nestles against Shining Cliff crags where you can gather together.
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.
There is a separate original 1940s wooden hut, called the Beech Hut, available for day hire. This is a great base for exploring the woodland for the day, with access to drinking water, a composting toilet, and a stunning outdoor Meeting Circle area with larch bench seating, a table created by our wonderful volunteers, a mud kitchen for kids to play with and a barbecue.
Sole use bookings only at the weekend. Individual room bookings are welcome mid-week with shared use of the communal facilities. .
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 Meeting Circle area with circular gritstone seating and a barbecue, that nestles against Shining Cliff crags where you can gather together.
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.
There is a separate original 1940s wooden hut, called the Beech Hut, available for day hire. This is a great base for exploring the woodland for the day, with access to drinking water, a composting toilet, and a stunning outdoor Meeting Circle area with larch bench seating, a table created by our wonderful volunteers, a mud kitchen for kids to play with and a barbecue.
Sole use bookings only at the weekend. Individual room bookings are welcome mid-week with shared use of the communal facilities. .
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: £350 Fri/Sat (min 2 nights). £200-300 Sun-Thur depending upon group size. Room bookings: £25 per adult, £15 per child (Sun-Thurs only). £10/dog (sole use only).Booking:
Book online, by phone or email. Advance bookings only.Directions:
Directions are provided when you book. Sat Navs NOT recommended as they take you to the wrong part of the woodland.Public Transport :
Ambergate rail station (1 mile). Transpeak bus on A6 (1 mile)Walks :
Long Distance Walks The Pennine Bridleway White Peak Loop
Long Distance WalksIdeal for Scouts Dog Friendly Hostels with firepits and campfires University Groups School Residentials Eco Hostels Individuals welcome Youth Hostels Charitable Off Grid Retreats Hammocking Discount for Sustainable Travel IHUK Community
This accommodation is available at the following peak times
Available February Half Term 2027 Available August Bank Holiday 2027Facilities
Map
News & Offers from Shining Cliff Hostel
Looking for a Scout Adventure?
September 30th 2026
Shining Cliff Hostel, in the heart of an ancient woodland in Derbyshire, is a fabulous base for walking, woodland adventures and exploring the Peak District.
Many of our regular Scout groups arrive by train at Ambergate and then walk up through the woods to the hostel as a great way to start their adventure.
There are many great options for activities, from helping out with woodland conservation, practicing campfire skills in our stunning fire pit surrounded by the Shining Cliff crags and woodland, a huge range of walking options from the doorstep, or exploring further afield with the High Peak trail, Carsington Water, the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site and Matlock Bath in easy reach.
The hostel sleeps up to 20 people in 5 bedrooms all with bunk beds, a well equipped self catering kitchen, open plan lounge and dining area, 3 bathrooms with showers and modern composting toilets.
The hostel is situated in the heart of a stunning ancient woodland, the car park is half a mile from the hostel, so wheelbarrows are provided to porter all your belongings along the woodland footpath to the hostel.
There is the option to add camping to your booking, as the landowner has a wild camp area located between the hostel and the car park, and there is also the option of pitching a tent in the hostel grounds.
Hire of the hostel includes use of an outdoor Gathering Circle, with gritstone circular seating around a fire pit, nestled at the base of the crag.
Thinking Ahead? Space to Gather, Rest & Reconnect
December 30th 2025
Between now and early spring, many people start planning trips, group getaways and wellbeing-focused time away.
Shining Cliff Hostel offers affordable group accommodation in ancient woodland, ideal for friends, families, walking groups, schools and small teams who want something simple and grounded.
Groups can add a Woodland Connections session to their stay — relaxed, inclusive sessions rooted in nature, including guided walks and gentle woodland skills suitable for all ages.
For smaller gatherings or quieter days, our Beech Hut provides a peaceful woodland space for reflection, planning or staff wellbeing days.
Everything here is shaped around care, connection and the belief that time in nature really matters.
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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