The River Lune starts it's life near the village of Newbiggin, up in the Cumbrian hills then flows down through the Tebay gorge with the Lakeland fells on one side and the Howgills on the other. From there it flows down to Sedbergh as the surrounding countryside becomes less harsh and the valley widens. At Kirkby Lonsdale it provides a well known beauty spot and gathering place on it's banks at Devil's Bridge. This is also a very attractive little market town with many small interesting shops and a large variety of eating (and drinking) establishments.

The River Lune then links Kirkby Lonsdale and the historic city of Lancaster meandering through some of England's most stunning scenery. Along the way there are delightful villages to discover like Tunstall, where the church has historic links to the Bronte sisters, Melling, Hornby, Claughton (pronounced Clafton) where St Chad's church bell tower used to house what was believed to be the oldest dated working bell in England and finally through Caton close to which is the delightful Crook o'Lune popular riverside picnic site. Nearby is one of the very best views in the area - Gray's Seat which was named after the poet Thomas Gray who first described the view in 1769. It was also recommended by William Wordsworth in his 'Guide to the Lakes' and painted by JMW Turner. The viewpoint is at the centre of the River Lune Millenium Park cycle route and footpath and sculture trail that follows the river ot from Lancaster to the Lune Valley at Caton, linking into other footpaths including the Lune Valley Ramble, the Lancashire Coastal Way and the Lancaster Canal allowing you even more opportunity to explore this delightful countryside.

Contact Shirley Harvey

Tel and Fax: 015242 21260
Mobile: 0787 0635854

Email: shirley@lunevalley.freeserve.co.uk