Where is this walk?

River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale

January 24, 2018

The River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale has a beautiful stretch of riverside walking to the south of Devil’s Bridge. The outbound walk passes a trig point and some quiet country lanes.

The Walk

I knew very little about the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale before undertaking this walk. I have only viewed it whilst crossing it on the A65 and spending time admiring it from the butty van at Devil’s Bridge. The Lune Valley though is lovely, at least near Kirkby Lonsdale. The river is wide and not fast flowing but it is peaceful and relaxing to walk beside. Unusually the banks, if not taken by fishermen, are easily accessible and safe. Being on the edge of the Dales the panorama is superb as the hills from Barbondale to Ingleborough are presented in a linear form. I would go as far to say there are similarities to the Cairngorms when viewed from the A9.

However the jewel on the walk is the lovely, completely unspoilt, village of Whittington complete with spectacular  church, pub and quaint, quiet streets. The village is a splendid example of somewhere that is off the beaten track in an unspoilt but attractive rural area. I find it like going back in time. I enjoy Kirkby Lonsdale as well. In particular have a wander through its narrow streets and take the steep steps leading down to the river.

Recommend

I would always recommend a weekend break in Kirkby Lonsdale. Ignore the general blurb about being twixt Dales and Lakes and just enjoy the Lune valley for what it is.

Navigation Tips on the River Lune

The sketch map shows a trig point near Sellet Hall. It is not on access land and a little off the public right of way…but no harm done and it is a good view.

2 Comments
  • Barbara says:

    The pub is being refurbished and hopefully it will be open for my January 2016 walk.

  • Josie says:

    Thank you so much for this Kirby Lonsdale walk. My husband and I visited earlier this week and it was exactly as you said. A lovely place to walk. Unfortunately the pub in Whittington looks as though it has closed down, but we did get an excellent bacon butty and mug of tea from the van at Devil’s Bridge. We will definitely return to explore further.

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