Exploring Kirkby Lonsdale: Ruskins View – Devils Bridge

From the Sun Inn, walk down the side of the Sun Inn and through the gates into St Mary’s Churchyard. Follow the path across the front of the Church to the far side of the churchyard and an area known as The Brow. You will pass the Gazebo, an 18th century folly, on your left hand side as you walk towards the brow. Take a few minutes here to enjoy the breath taking view of the Lune Valley and across to the Yorkshire Dales, known as Ruskins View.

Retrace your steps towards the St Mary’s Church but this time take the path forking to the left and walk behind the 12th century Norman Church. Continue straight along this path, not taking the right turn down the side of the church but arriving at the far corner of the churchyard and sneaking down a small path that bends between the houses.

You will come out in the Swine Market with original 13th century market cross in front of you. Turn left out of the Swine Market and head down the hill passing a beautiful cottage on your left hand side. At the bottom of the hill you will reach the broad bank of the River Lune.

Turn right and walk alongside the river, the path narrows and at one point there is a chain across the path but you are able to walk round the right hand post of this. Beyond this the area to you right opens out into a large field used for many sports and town activities.

Continue along the river path until you come to Devils Bridge dating back to the 13th century. At the bridge you can admire the river and on a warm summers day watch the swimming in the River Lune. This point of the river is also used by scuba divers to practise drift dives. Across the other side of the bridge is Jubilee Field, ideal for picnics and days out at the river. There is a tea/coffee can and an ice cream van at Devils Bridge.

Once you are ready to set off again head right from your original path, up the hill and parking area towards the main road. Half way up there is a footpath off the right, signposted ‘town centre’. Take the path and follow it until you pass under a foot bridge and reach a left turn. The left turn takes you to the Market Square but alternatively continue straight on to meander pass the snickets and old buildings of Kirkby Lonsdale, amazing how so much can be squeezed into a small town. Continuing straight on this path will bring you back to the Swine Market where you can turn left and come out just 50 yards from the Sun Inn.