Restoring Ruskin’s View: The £30,000 Boost To Bring A Yorkshire Gem Back To Life

If you’ve ever been to Kirkby Lonsdale, you probably know about Ruskin’s View. It's this gorgeous spot painted by JMW Turner way back in 1822. And even the famous writer John Ruskin called it “one of the finest views in England, and therefore the world.” Big praise, right?

But here's the problem: the path that leads to this gem, known as The Brow footpath, has been crumbling away. And when it started sinking towards the River Lune, things got serious. So serious, in fact, that the footpath had to be closed in September 2021. Suddenly, one of the area’s most popular attractions was off-limits.

What’s Being Done To Fix It?

Luckily, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) has stepped in with a much-needed £30,000 grant. This money is going to Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council and the charity The Friends of Ruskin’s View to help get the footpath sorted. And it’s not just about making things look pretty again; it’s about making them safe and accessible for everyone.

Michael Devlin, Chief Executive of YDMT, explains why they’re getting involved:

“We’re delighted that we have been able to support the first stage of this important project. Ruskin’s View is nationally recognised; it is a stunning view, but also a vital community asset. Facilitating projects like this reaffirms our aims to support the people, landscape, and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.”

Who’s Behind The Project?

The Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council actually owns Ruskin’s View and The Brow footpath. They’ve already managed to reopen the first stretch of the path, including the area where you can see Ruskin’s View itself. But the next step is to tackle the entire length of the footpath, which is where this grant comes in handy.

Paul Cassell, Chairman of the Town Council, says:

“I am delighted with the grant received from YDMT, which is vital in funding the monitoring and a range of physical works that are needed to reopen the whole of the footpath, which is an important local facility.”

But it’s not just the Council doing the heavy lifting. There’s also The Friends of Ruskin’s View, a group formed after the closure in 2021. They’ve been tirelessly raising money through donations, events, and even selling merchandise. They officially became a charity in February 2024, which helps them keep the fundraising going strong.

As Mike Burchnall, Chair of The Friends of Ruskin’s View, puts it:

“As a charity set up to raise funds for the restoration and reopening of the footpath, we welcome this grant from YDMT. When added to the money raised through fundraising events, donations etc., it provides a huge boost to the funds available for the next stage of works.”

Why This Matters

Apart from being a stunning view, Ruskin’s View is a big deal for the local community and visitors alike. The Brow footpath connects the town to places like Kearstwick and gives easy access to spots like St Mary’s churchyard and the nearby Rugby Club.

Plus, with Kirkby Lonsdale being a charming tourist destination, having a key attraction closed off is a huge hit. Not just to the locals but also to visitors looking for that perfect countryside experience.

What’s Next?

Now that the funding is secured, the work continues. The hope is to fully reopen the footpath, making Ruskin’s View accessible to everyone once again. And who knows? Maybe the restored path will attract even more people to appreciate this little slice of Yorkshire beauty.

Want to support the project? The Friends of Ruskin’s View are always looking for help. Whether it’s through donations, attending their events, or even just spreading the word, every bit helps.

And if you haven’t visited Ruskin’s View yet—well, maybe it’s time to put Kirkby Lonsdale on your must-see list.