Future of Ruskin's View depends on geotechnical survey

The footpath to Ruskin's View in Kirkby Lonsdale, described as 'one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world' by the famous Victorian writer, has been closed since September 2021. 

Campaign group Save Ruskin's View said on its website the view is 'sorely missed by both residents and visitors alike.' 

The footpath is closed because technical reports found that severe erosion and unstable land had made the area unsafe. 

Mike Buchnall, from the campaign group, said footpath access was important for locals as well as tourists: "It's not just Ruskin's View that runs from St Mary's Church."

Mr Buchnall said in the 1980s and 1990s there was work to restore the slope 'but they didn't really do a full job.'

Talking about the importance of Ruskin's View, Mr Buchnall said: "Firstly it's a huge tourist attraction, people come to St Mary's Church - but you [now] can't see down the river. For the locals, it's more about accessibility. It's quite an important link that's used a lot by locals - from the locals' point of view it's the whole footpath that is important."

Westmorland and Furness Council said it is working 'closely' with Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council to assess the stability of the slope at Ruskin's View. A spokesperson said that their officers visited the site with representatives of the town council on Wednesday, May 22. 

The spokesperson added: "It was agreed that the Town Council would be commissioning a geotechnical engineer to assess the stability of the slope and any potential risks to its use.

“We will continue to work closely with the Town Council and await the findings of this report before agreeing next steps.”

Initially the campaign, which also works with the town council, aimed to raise £1million to undertake urgent remedial works. What will be needed is now dependent on the results of this new geological survey.