Devil's Bridge - Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria UK
Posted by: 
martlakes
N 54° 11.908 W 002° 35.465
30U E 526676 N 6005680
The bridge is a very old one, and quite narrow - about the width of one cart. The area by the River Lune is a busy place with tourists, bikers, walkers, divers and dog walkers. Just downstream is a 'new' road bridge carrying the A65.
Waymark Code: WM36DC
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/18/2008
Views: 72
Devil's Bridge is a 3 span medieval arched bridge over the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale. It's a popular meeting place for motorbikers on Sundays, picnickers on fine days, visitors at any time, plus the occasional canoeist or scuba diver. The river bank provides some good dog walking opportunities.
Young and foolish folk quite often jump off the bridge! According to a dive website the river is only 6m deep, which is not a lot given the bridge is nearly 20m high! Limestone ledges also project from the sides giving a narrow target area to land in.
The stone work is in good condition and the ribbed arches rise gracefully up and over the river. Three arches are needed because the River Lune changes its volume/height greatly in times of flood.
The bridge is foot traffic only now. Car parking on the west side, toilets available. Bikers park on the east side and everyone meets in the middle of the bridge! Long established burger and ice cream vans do an excellent trade throughout the year. From the bridge it is a 5 minute walk into Kirkby Lonsdale itself.
Length of bridge: 70m
Height of bridge: 18m
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Pedestrians
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
Limestone gorge with River Lune
Date constructed: 12th Century
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes, but no carts
Name of road or trail the bridge services: Footpath
Location:
Kirkby Lonsdale
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