Best Kirkby Lonsdale Walks
Kirkby Lonsdale sits on the intersection where the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria meet. Its location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, just a stone’s throw from the Lake District National Park and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, makes it a perfect base for exploring Britain’s most beautiful countryside.
As proud owners of two beautiful self-catering holiday apartments in Kirkby Lonsdale, we’ve come to know the area well. When you live in a place as naturally beautiful as this, it’s hard not to get out and explore the many walks, trails and paths nearby. Below we’ve compiled a list of our favourite Kirkby Lonsdale walks with options to suit different abilities for you to enjoy during your visit.
Walks From Kirkby Lonsdale
Devil’s Bridge Circular Walk
Distance: 7.7km
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Best for: a peaceful riverside walk
If you’re looking for one of the best walks from Kirkby Lonsdale, this scenic route offers peaceful countryside, riverside paths and views of the Lune Valley. Starting on the bank of the River Lune just down from the parking area near Devil’s Bridge, this circular route journeys from Kirkby Lonsdale to the quaint village of Whittington before following a riverside path back toward Devil’s Bridge. It is perfect for those looking for a mid-length stroll with varied scenery.
Ruskin’s View
Distance: 2.4km
Time: 30 minutes
Best for: a scenic stroll
This short but rewarding Kirkby Lonsdale walk starts at the parking area near Devil’s Bridge.
The path follows the River Lune before it veers to the left and heads up the ‘Radical Steps’, built in 1819 by Francis Pearson and called Radical by the locals, due to Pearson's radical political persuasion. At the top of the 86 steps, the path is signposted "Ruskin's View 100 yards".
Upon reaching Ruskin’s View you will be rewarded with views of the surrounding panorama of river, meadow, woods and hills. The view here was described by John Ruskin, the art critic, writer and historian, in 1875 as ‘one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world’.
Walks Near Kirkby Lonsdale
Hutton Roof Crags
Best for: nature lovers
Ideal for those looking to explore the area beyond walks in Kirkby Lonsdale, the trails around Hutton Roof Crags offer a rewarding experience. Just a short distance from town, this area contains some of the best areas of limestone pavement in Britain.
There are two waymarked circular routes and an audio trail on Burton Fell and Lancelot Clark Storth (white route 1.5km, red route 2.6km) accessible from the Clawthorpe Road. These walks near Kirkby Lonsdale take you through varied terrain rich in rare plants and wildlife.
Hutton Roof Crags is open access land and is served by a number of public rights of way and informal paths. Perfect for those seeking quieter walks in Kirkby Lonsdale or nearby, Hutton Roof Crags offer a wilder, more rugged walking experience with stunning natural beauty.
High Bentham Circular Walk
Distance: 8km
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Best for: a quiet ramble
This peaceful countryside route is a great alternative to the more popular Kirkby Lonsdale walks, offering open fields, farm tracks and riverside views just a short drive away. Starting from the top of the car park in High Bentham, this circular route is ideal for those staying in Kirkby Lonsdale wanting a satisfying half-day hike.
Levens Deer Park
Distance: 4.8km
Time: 1 hour
Best for: a family-friendly stroll
Just a 20-minute drive from Kirkby Lonsdale, the Levens Deer Park walk starts and ends just across the road from Levens Hall where you can park for free in the car park. The deer park is beautifully maintained and full of wildlife, and the walk is straightforward on clear gravel paths. Spot the herd of black fallow deer and the Bagot goats as you meander alongside the River Kent. This route is perfect for little legs and ideal for a peaceful outing that’s easy under foot.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Distance: 7.2km
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Best for: unique scenery
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland walks near Kirkby Lonsdale, just a 15 minute journey by car. The trail leads through ancient oak woodland, typical Yorkshire Dales scenery, stunning waterfalls and other geological features.
Starting from the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail car park, the circular trail is open seven days a week and follows a well-defined footpath which runs close to the edge of the two rivers. The walk is easy to follow and passes several spectacular waterfalls including Pecca Falls, Hollybush Spout, Thornton Force, Beezley Falls, Rival Falls, Baxenghyll Gorge and Snow Falls.
This is a fairly strenuous walk with a large number of steps along the full route and is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
More Challenging Walks Near Kirkby Lonsdale
Yorkshire Three Peaks
Best for: experienced hikers
Only a 30 minute drive from Kirkby Lonsdale the three peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside are among the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Every year thousands visit to reach the top of at least one or to conquer all three in one go.
The Three Peaks
Distance: 38.6km
Time: <12 hours
The classic challenge walk – 24 miles, three peaks, 12 hours to complete the circuit.
Ingleborough
Distance: 16.5km
Time: 5 hours
A route to the summit of Ingleborough from Clapham taking in some fantastic limestone scenery including the caves of Ingleborough, Gaping Gill and the impressive Trow Gill.
Pen-y-Ghent
Distance: 10km
Time: 3 hours
A classic circuit from Horton-in-Ribblesdale with good paths, great scenery and the impressive Hunt and Hull Pots on the way down.
Whernside
Distance: 13km
Time: 4 hours
Starting from the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct this route takes you to the highest point in Yorkshire.
Scafell Pike
Best for: peak baggers
Scafell Pike, standing at 978m, is the tallest mountain in England and a must-visit for keen hikers. Located in the Lake District National Park, it offers breathtaking views and a true sense of achievement for those who reach the summit.
There are three main routes up the mountain. Each start from a different side and it’s well worth looking at your options beforehand to choose the best route for you. Before setting out, remember to check the mountain weather conditions.
While not a walk from Kirkby Lonsdale, it’s within 1 hour 30 minutes driving distance, making it a great day trip for walkers based in the area.
After exploring the stunning countryside on one of the many scenic walks from Kirkby Lonsdale and the surrounding areas, there’s no better way to unwind than with a stay at our beautiful self-catering holiday apartments in the heart of town. Whether you’ve tackled a longer trail or enjoyed one of the gentler walks, The Old Hayloft Kirkby Lonsdale is here to welcome you with everything you need to enjoy a true home-away-from-home experience. Inside you’ll find a contemporary and relaxing living area, comfortable bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for unwinding and recharging after a day outdoors. Best of all, you’re just steps away from local amenities, independent shops and a fantastic choice of cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.