Shining Cliff Woodland Bathing and Bonding
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Join us for a relaxing summer weekend at Shining Cliff in Derbyshire where we will be eating, drinking and being merry around an open fire, discovering and bathing in the tranquility of remote woodlands. The hostel is so remote, you have to wheelbarrow your stuff some 800m from the carpark, over a bumpy track, to get there!
We will all muck in to build a fire, those who wish to can help skin and prepare rabbits to make a stew (the cooking will be in the kitchen, not over the fire! - animal-free food options also available), learn about the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, and experience a night walk 'bathing' in the woods as we go. Tree hugging and holding hands is optional.
On Saturday there is the choice of a longer walk or shorter walk to include a tour of the White Peak Distillery. On Sunday we will walk to The Bear Inn at Alderwasley for lunch to round off the weekend.
Shining Cliff hostel was opened by the YHA in 1947 as a collection of wooden huts built by young unemployed men who were learning woodcraft skills and living off the land: the Grith Pioneers (known as Grith Fyrd when established in the 1930's).
In 1976 the wooden hostel completely burnt down and was rebuilt in stone. The YHA gave up the hostel in 2007 and, after years of abandonment, the lease was taken over by Shining Cliff Centre CIC in 2019 with the aim of keeping this iconic hostel open for people to experience this magical place.
Dogs are welcome but owners must ensure they are kept under control at all times.
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Image Credits: All images taken by the event leader with permission for OutdoorLads to use.
What to bring
Suitable walking footwear, socks and a comfortable backpack for the day walks
Layers of clothing for changing temperature and weather conditions
Hat or cap, Sunglasses, and Sun block for sunshine
Waterproofs for rain
Head torch or torch for the night walk
Walking sticks optional
Essential medicine
Towel, wash kit and toothbrush
Optional Earplugs and eye mask for a good night's sleep
Electrical charging bricks because there are few plug sockets throughout the hostel
Insect repellent is useful, as are long sleeved lightweight tops and lightweight trousers
Bring as much fire wood as you can carry for the fire pits. We CANNOT use any wood from Shining Cliff
Please note: all bed linen, duvets and pillows are provided for the weekend.
Food & drink
Friday evening buffet. Please bring food and drink for your evening meal on Friday. Aim to bring enough for two, and be imaginative to ensure a variety of food between us.
Saturday breakfast. Cereals, toast, porridge, fruit.
Saturday lunch. Bring a packed lunch to eat during your walk on Saturday.
Saturday dinner. One of our leaders will demonstrate how to skin and prepare a couple of fresh rabbits that will be used to make a stew for the evening meal. Vegetarian or vegan options will be available for those who require them. Please specify any special dietary requirements. Bring anything you would like to toast later on at the firepit.
Sunday breakfast. Cereals, toast, porridge, fruit.
Sunday lunch. There is an option to eat lunch at The Bear Inn, Alderwasley.
Coffee, tea and fruit squash will be available throughout the weekend.