How Ruskin’s View was reopened after three years of closure

When a council closed a popular riverside viewpoint and walk for health and safety reasons the world was robbed of a place you’d struggle to find “more naturally divine”.

The natural phenomena of erosion saw the River Lune cut deeply into the bank and threaten landslip forcing council officials to err on the side of caution for the past three years.

Locals and visitors alike lost “one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world”, as the view was described by the Victorian poet, social commentator and art critic John Ruskin, a scene from The Brow, in Kirkby Lonsdale, and across to the backdrop of the river valley.

It was after a visit in 1875 that he wrote: “Whatever moorland hill, and sweet river, and English forest foliage can be seen at their best is gathered there. And chiefly seen from the steep bank which falls to the stream side from the upper part of the town itself. I do not know in all my own country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine, or a more priceless possession of true ‘Holy Land’.”

St Mary's Church above the viewing point Image: Cumbria Tourism The view was painted by JMW Turner in 1822, but it was already famous, with the poet William Wordsworth describing it as a place not to be missed in his 1810 Guide to the Lakes.

Since then what became ‘Ruskin’s View’ has inspired visitors, artists and writers alike for generations.

So when it closed it was a blow to them and the town’s businesses which rely on visitors for their livelihoods. It was feared that access to Ruskin’s View may be lost permanently forever cutting off a valuable network of footpaths that link community amenities, including the Rugby Club and St Mary’s Churchyard and walking routes for both residents and visitors.

Nobody took the blow lying down and immediately a mission was launched to restore and reopen the iconic view and footpath, preserving a treasured piece of Kirkby Lonsdale’s cultural heritage and a valuable public access which locals say has benefitted the physical and mental wellbeing of residents for decades.

Paul Cassell A ‘Save Ruskin’s View’ campaign was launched with the aim of raising £1million. Every raffle prize, lemonade stall, bake sale, concert, sponsored event, pledge and donation made a difference and the total of £150,000 pledged was enough for vital exploratory work to be carried out.

Councillor Paul Cassell, chairman of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council, explains: “It was in 2021 that someone was walking along the path and reported a dip, a half circle just behind Ruskin’s View. We reported it to the county council which advised shutting it on health and safety grounds. Everyone was dismayed and initial estimates said it might need £2million to rectify the problem.

“But we formed a technical team of councillors and experts in the field, led by Malcolm Perrin, and it did a brilliant job coming up with an alternative plan that will save a fortune. The time and commitment the team has shown, without any pay, has been honourable.”

Digital inspection nails were installed to measure any possible ground movement. Thankfully, in the past six months, they recorded as little as one millimetre of movement and the data was presented to the council. This allowed the reopening of The Brow from Radical Steps to the first viewpoint and seating area in time for the August Bank holiday weekend.

Taking time out to enjoy the view “We had to prove beyond reasonable doubt that it was safe and we did that and while it isn’t fully reopen we have done as much as we possibly can for now,” Coun Cassell says.

Attention is now falling on the path beyond the viewpoint with strengthening work to be carried out up to December and the path reopened, they hope, in the spring.

“Long term, the river bend needs to be looked at,” says Coun Cassell. “The river is constantly changing and water causes erosion. The trees and vegetation also need attention. We might need a wall, like the one at Underley, to redirect the water on the outside of the meander, we must ensure it looks good while serving a purpose.

“The Friends of Ruskin’s View managed to get charitable status and their fundraising was great but it’s nowhere near enough for what is ultimately required. We don’t know what it is going to cost but are hoping to pay for the second phase.

The information plate at the viewing platform “Ask anyone. People come to Kirkby Lonsdale for three things, Ruskin’s View, the market town and Devil’s Bridge, so it has been a shame the view has been shut for so long. But it is nice that so many people care about our community. So many different groups have put a lot of time and effort into events and fundraising and as locals we are proud of what we have for visitors.”

Businesses in Kirkby Lonsdale welcomed the re-opening as a major boost for the popular market town, which is nestled between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

Allan Muirhead, chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Community Interest Company (CIC), 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.

Ruskin's View Image: Cumbria Tourism “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.”

Debbie Morton, owner of The Sweet Shop which was established in 1902 and is one of the oldest original shops of its kind in the UK, said: “We are very excited to welcome visitors back to Kirby Lonsdale to enjoy the fabulous Ruskin's View. The town and shops will also benefit from the increased footfall.”

Jac Beeson, co-owner of Abraham’s Store in Kirkby Lonsdale, who oversees the town’s community-run information and gift shop, 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 to 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.

“This has been a huge effort from members of the community and visitors, local businesses and brilliant volunteers. The involvement and support that has been demonstrated just shows how important access along The Brow is for the community and visitors alike.”