The Lune Valley
The Lune Valley begins at the Lancaster Estuary and leads towards Kirkby Lonsdale, bordering the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales. Its picturesque villages such as Wray, Halton and Caton and its lush green landscape have, for centuries, inspired many writers and artists.
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“I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.”
19th century art critic, social theorist, painter and poet John Ruskin
From the far corner of the churchyard of St Mary’s in Kirkby Lonsdale, follow the signs to Ruskin’s View where the path opens into Church Brow, high above the River Lune. There you can feast your eyes on a breathtaking panorama of the Lune Valley and Underley Hall – the famous, heavenly Ruskin’s View.
This scene was painted by the artist JMW Turner in 1822 and the picture so impressed the 19th century art critic, social theorist, painter and poet John Ruskin, that he wrote: ‘I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.’
In 1875, Ruskin described the panorama as ‘one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world’.
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The countryside of the Lune Valley is perfect for walking, cycling or driving, and there are plenty of places to stop and refuel at welcoming villages, relaxing picnic spots and country pubs.
Discover the Lune Valley from Lancaster with Discover Bowland's Eco Escapes: Lancaster and the Lune Valley
