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Kirkby Lonsdale

England · Cumbria · 1.2 miles (round trip)

Explore historic Kirkby Lonsdale, admire the stunning Ruskin’s View, then cool off with a swim and a jump into the river at Devil’s Bridge.

Photo: Jonny Gios

Photo: Jonny Gios

This gentle 2km loop begins at the iconic Devil’s Bridge, where you can find free parking in the large laybys on either side of the river. The smooth, well-kept paths lead you away from the bridge and along the banks of the River Lune, eventually bringing you into the heart of the town. Your first stop should be the Milking Parlour in Jingling Court to pick up a "cow-to-cone" artisan ice cream made with fresh local milk.

From there, wander the charming cobbled streets to find "Chocolat," home to the Enchanted Chocolate Mine. Visitors can head downstairs into the magical cellar—hard hats included—to see where fairies "mine" delicious treats. After exploring the shop, follow the path through St. Mary’s churchyard to Ruskin’s View. This stunning panorama of the Lune Valley was famously described by artist John Ruskin as one of the loveliest views in England.

To finish the circuit, descend the Radical Steps or take the gentler town path back down to the riverside. The area around Devil's Bridge is perfect for a post-walk picnic or a paddle. On warmer days, the river becomes a popular hub for swimming and jumping into the deep pools under the bridge. It is an incredibly inviting and accessible walk that packs a lot of magic and history into a short distance.

Walk Characteristics

Suitable for childrenDog-friendlyCircular routeSwimming spotRiver/streamJumping/cliff jumping spotSmooth/steady terrainWalking

Parking

Free parking

Route Map

Recommended parking included

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