Autumn Walk in Shining Cliff and a Sunday Roast
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Join Ade on this easy and popular annual walk through the ancient woodland of Shining Cliff Wood, with a pub stop to enjoy one of the best Sunday roast carvaries in Derbyshire (if not the world!)
Shining Cliff is an ancient woodland which was part of the royal hunting forest of Duffield Frith and is now designated a site of special scientific interest. The history and intrigue of the area is deep and wide including the Story of the Betty Kenny tree, supposedly the origin of the childhood lullaby “Rock-a-by-baby on the Tree Top.” With its own crags, streams, lakes, over 100-acres of mature woodland and even a haunted old mansion house, Shining Cliff has almost everything on its doorstep.
We will be taking a leisurely walk through this wood, then out into the village of Alderwasley before reaching our lunchtime destination of The Bear Inn. At this cosy pub, which dates back to 16th century, we will be stopping to experience its famous Sunday carvery (the best I've ever had!). Afterwards we will be walking it all off with a walk up to Alport height with its extensive views of the Derwent and Ecclesbourne valleys before heading back into Shining Cliff wood.
For more information about the menu and the pub visit The Bear Inn http://www.bear-hotel.co.uk
What to bring
WALKING KIT
It will be autumn and the weather will be unpredictable. Please ensure you have adequate layers to keep warm and waterproofs to keep you dry in case of rain.
Some of the paths are across open fields, which can be quite muddy underfoot, especially after rain, so you'll want decent boots and preferably gaiters too.
Note that the kit list below is only a broad general guide for all conditions and you will need to consider the weather forecast and specific conditions when deciding what to wear closer to the time.
Please contact Ade if you're unsure about any of the items in the kit list.
Boots: Hiking boots are the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. You should make sure that your boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support.
Socks: Good walking socks are essential to keep the feet warm and dry, and to prevent the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking may become waterlogged, or damaged, which will in turn blister your feet.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers for the cooler months should be windproof and made of a rip stop material that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. Ideally, they should also be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans should be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. You should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable to avoid sweating too much.
Walking Shorts: In warmer months shorts are more practical and comfortable - there are a range of options of shorts designed specifically for walking.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic / tech fabric, although a cotton t-shirt would suffice.
Mid Layer: A mid-layer goes on top of the base layer and ideally should be made from a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby jersey style thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers quickly to adapt to changes in the weather, as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and you should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth. Depending on the time of year (and conditions) this outer layer could be a waterproof jacket.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will need when hiking. You should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable - although not cheap, a good quality Gore-tex jacket is a sensible investment.
Water: Even in winter, you can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up, especially in the summer, you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A "hydration bladder" (Camelbak etc.) is easier to use and more accessible than bottled water.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water (or a flask!) for the walk - and money to pay for your dinner!