Kirkby Lonsdale sits right at the edge of what’s comfortably achievable in a day from our Dunsop Bridge base – around 20 miles – but for riders wanting to sample the Lune Valley’s gentler scenery alongside a genuinely handsome market town, it’s well worth the effort.
Getting There
The route typically follows the Trough of Bowland before dropping north towards the Lune Valley, joining the river a little south of the town itself. As with our Lancaster route, the first half involves proper climbing over the Bowland fells, while the second half along the valley floor is considerably gentler – a good combination for an e-bike, front-loading the hard work while your legs are freshest.
Kirkby Lonsdale
The town is known for its Georgian architecture, independent shops and the famous “Ruskin’s View” over the River Lune – a viewpoint praised by the writer John Ruskin and painted by JMW Turner. It’s a genuinely lovely spot to rest and take in the scenery before the ride back.
Devil’s Bridge
Just outside the town, the medieval Devil’s Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the Lune Valley, and a popular meeting point for cyclists and motorcyclists alike on summer weekends. It’s worth timing your visit outside of the busiest periods if you’d prefer a quieter stop.
Planning the Ride
At around 40 miles round trip with a significant amount of climbing over the Bowland fells, this is one of our more demanding recommended routes. It suits riders with reasonable existing fitness who want to make full use of a day’s e-bike hire, rather than being a first outing on an e-bike.
An Alternative: Split the Trip
If the full round trip feels ambitious, some riders choose to stay overnight in Kirkby Lonsdale and split the ride across two days – giving you time to properly enjoy the town rather than rushing back before dark.
See our hire pricing or contact us to plan your route to Kirkby Lonsdale.