The River Lune meanders through a timeless landscape of lush pastures and ancient stone villages, many of which feature historic churches and wonderful traditional pubs. With its Grade 1–listed castle dating back to the 12th or 13th century, Hornby is well worth a visit, as is Wray, especially during the renowned annual Wray Scarecrow Festival. Or discover Carnforth, an interesting market town with a fascinating Heritage Centre located in Carnforth Station.
The Lune valley provided poetic inspiration for the likes of Thomas Gray, John Ruskin and William Worsdworth and locations such as Crook O’ Lune, a shepherd’s crook-shaped bend in the river, moved the landscape artist J M W Turner to produce numerous rustic masterpieces.
This is a walker’s paradise and the enthusiast with a long weekend to spare might tackle the 37 mile Lunesdale Walk. For those preferring something shorter, the 16.5 mile Lune Valley Ramble from Lancaster to Kirkby Lonsdale should fit the bill.