Devil’s Bridge Wander

A 1.5 mile loop on the official route figure, starting and finishing by Devil's Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale. Budget about an hour so you can linger at the bridge, the viewpoint and a few town streets. Easy overall, with one proper climb.

• Start at the historic three-arched Devil's Bridge over the River Lune.
• Follow riverside paths with river views and spots to sit for a picnic.
• Climb the 86 Radical Steps, the steep set that lifts you up towards the town.
• Arrive at Ruskin's View, looking out over the Lune, the meadows and the hills beyond.
• Pass the St Mary's Church area, wander the old streets, then drop back down to the bridge.

The distance is short and the walking is straightforward, so the steps are the part that decides how hard this feels. They are steep and come as a single sustained climb, which is fine at a slow pace but worth knowing about if stairs are an issue. The route source notes an avoidance option if you would rather skip them. Elsewhere, some paths are uneven and can be wet, so shoes with grip help. There is a riverside edge to be aware of with children, and the town section involves road walking and crossings.

There is a small free parking area and roadside space by Devil's Bridge on Bridge Brow, and it can fill quickly. If it is full, use one of the town car parks and walk down to the bridge to pick up the loop. Toilets and a refreshment van at the bridge area are listed by the route source, so treat them as a bonus rather than something to count on.

Ordinary dogs are welcome on the public rights of way here as long as they are under control. Use a short lead near livestock, around people on the busier bridge and town sections, and close to the river.

You are here for landmarks and views rather than wild country: a famous bridge, a famous viewpoint and a handsome market town, all packed into a compact circuit. If you want a longer stretch of countryside underfoot, the nearby valley walks in the wider Lune and dales country give you more miles and fewer streets.