Ruskin's View: A Glimpse of the Divine, and a Race to Save It

For a moment, standing at a certain vantage point in Kirkby Lonsdale, you can feel a connection to history, art, and the very soul of the English countryside. This is Ruskin's View, a panorama so stunning it moved one of the Victorian era's most influential figures, John Ruskin, to declare it "one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world."

The view, a sweeping vista of the River Lune valley, has been immortalized not only by Ruskin's words but also by the brush of one of Britain's greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner. His painting, an ethereal depiction of the Cumbrian landscape, captures the essence of the scene looking northwards from St Mary's churchyard, with Underley Hall nestled in the distance. The painting itself is a masterpiece, and in 2012, it fetched a price of over £200,000, a sum that puts it well out of reach for most of us.

But the beauty of Ruskin's View is that you don't need a fortune to own it. You just need to be there. And so, on April 4th, 2015, I did just that. With a simple Polaroid is2132 camera, I aimed to capture my own version of the scene, standing where Turner once stood, and taking in the same "naturally divine" landscape that so captivated Ruskin. The photos I took show the view in two directions—the classic northward vista that inspired Turner, and a couple of shots looking south-east, revealing a different, but equally beautiful, aspect of the valley.

The pictures reveal a tranquil scene: the River Lune, winding like a silver ribbon through lush green fields, with scattered trees and distant hills providing a soft, rolling backdrop. The sky, filled with dramatic clouds, is reflected perfectly in the river's calm surface, creating a mirror image of the heavens on earth. The vibrant yellows of daffodils in the foreground add a touch of cheerful colour, hinting at the promise of spring.

But this timeless view is, sadly, under threat. In late 2015, just months after these pictures were taken, Storm Desmond wreaked havoc on the area, severely damaging the banking that supports the footpath and the viewpoint itself. The area has been closed to the public ever since, a stark reminder of nature's power and fragility. The local town council is now in a race against time, trying to raise £1 million to repair the damage and reopen this beloved spot. The thought of this view being lost for good is heart breaking, not just for the local community but for anyone who cherishes the beauty of the English countryside.

Ruskin's View is more than just a pretty picture; it's a historical and cultural landmark, a place that has inspired generations. It's a reminder of a time when people had a deeper, more profound connection to the natural world. As we wait for the restoration efforts to succeed, these images serve as a precious record of what we stand to lose. Let us hope that this cherished corner of the world is not lost to the elements, and that future generations will be able to stand in the same spot, and feel the same sense of awe that Turner and Ruskin once did.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The 2 pictures above show the Lune Valley in a south eastern direction.

The picture above and below show the valley in the same direction and from a similar position as Turner's painting.

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The Radical Steps of Kirkby Lonsdale

For those who appreciate a walk with a rich past, the Radical Steps at Kirkby Lonsdale are an absolute must. More than just a simple pathway, these steps are a living testament to a local squabble and a man with a "radical" point of view.

Our journey begins at the top, a spot already famous for its breath taking scenery. Here, near the ancient St Mary's Churchyard, lies Ruskin's View, a panorama so stunning it captivated the Victorian art critic John Ruskin himself. But a few steps away from this well-trodden viewpoint, a different kind of history awaits.

The steps themselves are a story in stone. Built over 200 years ago in 1820, they were commissioned by Dr. Francis Pearson. His goal was simple: to reroute a public footpath that ran through his land. In an era when property rights were fiercely debated, his decision to divert a public right of way met with considerable local opposition. But Dr. Pearson was a man of firm convictions, not just about his land, but in his politics too. His 'radical' beliefs, combined with the controversy over the footpath, led the locals to give the steps a memorable and lasting name: The Radical Steps.

Descending the 86 steps is a journey back in time. The steps are a beautiful, if rugged, part of the landscape, worn smooth by countless feet over two centuries. They are steep and uneven in places, a physical challenge that reminds you of their age and the terrain they conquer. As you make your way down, you're flanked by ancient stone walls, cloaked in moss and ivy, and railings that seem to belong to a bygone era. The air is cool and damp, filled with the scent of earth and the sound of the nearby river.

The descent culminates at the banks of the River Lune, a peaceful and scenic reward for your efforts. Here, the river flows serenely, its surface reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees, a perfect contrast to the strenuous path you just took. Looking back up at the steps from the riverbank, you can truly appreciate their steepness and the engineering feat they represent.

While the beauty and history of the Radical Steps are undeniable, it's important to note their accessibility. The steepness and uneven nature of the steps make them unsuitable for those with walking difficulties or disabilities. They are a true hill walk, a physical challenge for the able-bodied and a reminder that some of the best views require a little effort.

These photos, taken on a crisp April day in 2015, perfectly capture the steps' character. They show the verdant surroundings, the rugged beauty of the stone, and the varying perspectives you experience on your journey down to the River Lune. They serve as a wonderful memento of a unique historical landmark, a place where a man's convictions literally shaped the landscape.

So next time you're in Kirkby Lonsdale, take a moment to explore the Radical Steps. You'll not only be treated to a fantastic view, but you'll also be walking in the footsteps of history.

The pictures below were taken on the 4th April 2015 with a Polaroid is2132, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The wall that runs the length of the stairs means that quite often the steps can be damp and slippery even on dry days, the wall blocking sunlight and wind from drying the steps.

The River Lune is seen running along the bottom of the picture, the steps leading down to a path the runs alongside the river towards Devil's Bridge.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.