The bridge is commonly attributed to the Knights Hospitaller, who held the manor of Kirkby Lonsdale in the 14th century.
A legend claims the bridge was built by the Devil in exchange for the soul of the first creature to cross it, which turned out to be a dog.
It is a Grade I listed structure, identifying it as a building of exceptional interest.
The river beneath the bridge contains the 'Devil's Basin', a circular geological pothole formed by turbulent water flow.
During the English Civil War, the bridge saw skirmishes between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces.
The bridge is built from local gritstone and limestone rubble.
It has been a popular subject for landscape artists, including J.M.W. Turner who sketched the site in 1816.
The bridge was reinforced in the 20th century to prevent further erosion of its structural integrity.
Devil’s Bridge is a historic three-arched stone bridge spanning the River Lune in Kirkby Lonsdale. Constructed around 1370, the structure is a Scheduled Ancient Monument notable for its medieval design. It historically served as a critical crossing point for packhorse traffic between the towns of Kendal and Lancaster. The bridge is no longer used for vehicular traffic, having been superseded by a modern road bridge nearby. Below the bridge, the river forms deep pools and rugged limestone rock formations popular for swimming and cooling off. The site is managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority as a public landmark. It remains a focal point for the Kirkby Lonsdale community and visiting tourists.
From the riverbank on the northern side during the late afternoon to capture the arches illuminated by the setting sun.
Park in the nearby town centre and walk down to the riverbank as on-site parking is extremely limited.
Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to navigate the slippery, uneven limestone rocks along the river's edge.
Check local river level advisories before entering the water, as currents can become dangerous after heavy rainfall.
Attempting to drive across the bridge, which is restricted to pedestrians only; ignore GPS routes that suggest the bridge is a through-road for cars.
Respect the local environment by removing all litter; the area is a popular picnic spot and prone to waste issues.
