Child walking along a rock on the edge of a river with a stone bridge behind and trees above under blue skies

Kirkby Lonsdale Riverside Walk

This super easy family friendly circular walk takes you to all the best bits of Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

And when I say best bits, I don’t just mean Devil’s Bridge, Ruskin’s View and the Radical Steps. I mean the ice cream and the play park!

Looking for a short walk in Kirkby Lonsdale?

Then look no further! For under two miles, you will find Devil’s Bridge, Ruskin’s View and the Radical Steps and all just in a stone’s throw from the middle of Kirkby Lonsdale!

You might have driven past Kirkby Lonsdale hundreds of times if you’re headed to the Lake District from Yorkshire. I know I have! But have you ever stopped? Well here’s our petition for you doing just that! This walk will take you to all the best bits and even better, you get to explore the pretty Cumbrian market town too.

Yes, for we have taken a step into Cumbria! The town lies JUST on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Devil’s Bridge just makes it inside! So a hybrid of Westmorland Dales, Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales National Park!

Confused? Well let me help you out…

Child walking down some steps holding onto a handrail with green trees and bushes surrounding them

The Radical Steps

Walk Details for Kirkby Lonsdale Riverside

Distance: less than 2 miles.

Terrain: This is all on surfaced paths and is easy to navigate.

Parking: New Road pay and display car park opposite Booths and next to the park.

Public Transport: It is possible to get the bus to Kirkby Lonsdale. Check out the bus timetable on the Dales Bus Website.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control.

Location: Kirkby Lonsdale, Westmorland.

Toilets/ Baby Change: Yes, in the centre of Kirkby Lonsdale and by Devil’s Bridge.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: The centre of Kirkby Lonsdale! See our favourites below.

Child climbing over a stile with a footpath sign and woods in the background

The first sign you’ll encounter along the way

How to walk to Kirkby Lonsdale’s Riverside

Directions to be used in conjunction with a map.

  1. Beginning from New Lane car park, head onto New Lane. Booths will be to your back and the park to your right. Turn right onto New Lane and walk towards the market square and Main Street.

  2. Turn left onto Main Street, then follow it round as far as The Sun Inn. Immediately after the Sun Inn, to your right is a pathway to St Mary’s Church (Church Street). Head down that and through the gateway into the church yard.

  3. Follow the path along the left side of the church, passing the entrance. On the wall of the church is a signpost for Ruskin’s view, head in the direction of the arrow! You will see the steps heading up to an octagonal building. This is a grade II listed structure that once belonged to the Vicarage gardens.

  5. Last walked August 2026.

Bluebells and primroses in grass

Bluebells and primroses!