Businesses in Kirkby Lonsdale say today’s re-opening of a popular tourist spot – after a three year closure – is a major boost for the popular market town nestled between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
Ruskin’s View was first made famous by the Victorian poet and art critic John Ruskin, who described the scene featuring St. Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale and the backdrop of the River Lune as “one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world“. It was later immortalised in a painting by one of Britain’s most famous landscape painters, J.M.W. Turner and even Wordworth praised it as a place “not to be missed” in his 1810 Guide to the Lakes.
Access to the iconic beauty spot has been closed off since September 2021 as a result of erosion making the river’s embankment unsafe to walk along without reinforcement. But the ‘Save Ruskin’s View’ campaign was launched to help fund the total £1million repairs and the £150,000 raised so far has enabled access to be reinstated along The Brow from Radical Steps to the first viewpoint and seating area from today, Friday 23 August.
Chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Community Interest Company (CiC), Allan Muirhead, says:“Ruskin’s View is Kirkby Lonsdale’s most famous landmark – synonymous with this part of Cumbria and a major heritage attraction which attracts people from both within the county and much further afield. It’s an integral part of the Kirkby Lonsdale story and a reason for people to visit.
“The reopening of the viewing platform is fantastic news for both the local community and the countless tourists who seek out this iconic spot for that all important photo opportunity to cement their holiday memories! In turn, Ruskin’s View plays a vital role in supporting our local visitor economy. So this is a very welcome first step to getting the full footpath reopen for the benefit of local residents and tourists alike.”
Co-owner of Abraham’s Store in Kirkby Lonsdale Jac Beeson oversees the town’s community-run Information and Gift Shop. He adds: “We are all over the moon to see that Ruskin’s View is once again visible and accessible to the public.
“Historically, we know that people make a journey specially to see Ruskin’s View for themselves and it’s a great way to introduce them to the town and showcase everything that Kirkby Lonsdale has to offer, including our fantastic range of independent shops, eateries and places to stay.
“Credit goes to the local community for pulling together to form the Save Ruskin’s View campaign, working closely with Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council to provide the technical support needed to get to this important stage. Kirkby Lonsdale is a truly resourceful town which is always willing come up with unique, local solutions to the challenges we face and we’re excited to welcome people back to enjoy this precious part of our cultural heritage.”
Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council has confirmed that the footpath along The Brow will remain closed because of weak and unstable ground to the north end. Further monitoring and ground investigation is ongoing in an effort to re-open the full footpath as soon as possible.
