This week’s walk takes us through beautiful Kirkby Lonsdale with Michelle, founder of Not Just Travel by Michelle Nurdin. Her story is one of returning to what she has always loved, building a business shaped by experience, connection and the place she calls home.
A Full Circle Moment
Michelle first stepped into travel straight after school, spending almost a decade working in a local travel agency. She loved the work, but the lure of a higher salary led her into customer service and, later, high intensity sales. Her career became everything. The hours, the pressure and the constant targets brought her close to burnout more than once.
When an opportunity arose to start her own business, she made a decision that felt both brave and familiar. She bought a travel franchise and stepped back into the industry she had never stopped caring about. Michelle draws heavily on her previous experience, using everything she learnt in customer service and sales to build strong relationships and offer a true concierge style service to her clients.
Finding Home in Kirkby Lonsdale
Michelle moved to Kirkby Lonsdale around fourteen years ago. Throughout her corporate years, the town became her refuge. After long stretches working away, the peace and stillness here felt grounding. Now, with her own business, her connection with the place has only deepened.
A large part of her work is with local clients. She is involved in community fundraisers, attends a variety of networking events and speaks warmly about the strong, supportive women she has met along the way. Kirkby Lonsdale has backed her wholeheartedly and she certainly gives that same energy back.
Community at the Heart of Business
The town’s independent spirit makes it an ideal home for small businesses. Most of Michelle’s clients are from the area and many came through simple word of mouth. Local groups such as Kirkby Lonsdale Ladies have played a big role in her journey, offering support, encouragement and genuine friendship.
The resilience of the town showed itself again last December (2024), when a major fire forced residents from their homes, caused significant disruption and tragically took a life. The collective response was immediate, with fundraising, practical help and coordinated recovery work bringing people together. It reinforced how powerful strong community bonds can be, especially for the local businesses who sit at the heart of it. The big part of our walk was to enjoy this beautiful town through the impassioned and considerate eyes of Michelle. A better guide I could not have wished for.
Crafting a Niche: Supporting Solo Travellers
A distinctive part of Michelle’s business is her focus on solo travellers. They often face challenges that others rarely consider, from higher costs to uncertainties about travelling alone. Michelle works with tour operators who do not penalise single travellers, recommends cruise lines with social options and even holds meet ups for people who are looking for compatible travel companions. Her Lonsdale Cruise Club has become a lovely local fixture, especially for those who want company without giving up their independence.
The Walk: Kirkby Lonsdale’s Best Loved Views
Our route starts at St Mary’s Church and follows a gentle two mile loop. We pause at Ruskin’s View before descending the Radical Steps, then wander along the River Lune towards Devil’s Bridge. From there we return through the cricket field and back to the market square. It’s friendly underfoot, suitable for most people, with only the steps adding a little challenge. A visit to the Kirkby Lonsdale Tourist Information office is a must – it’s a treasure trove of information, fun activities and locally made arts and crafts.
Choosing a Different Pace
Michelle and her husband had visited the town for years before moving here permanently. The choice was simple: a better balance and a life that felt more aligned. She shares small habits that help her manage the demands of running a business on her own, from batch cooking to using research trips to expand her knowledge and stay inspired.
Travel in a Changing World
The last few years have reshaped how people travel. Cancellations, restrictions and unforeseen events have shown why having a consultant matters. Michelle often helps clients navigate insurance claims, last minute changes and the unexpected issues that can arise on holiday. She is also attuned to emerging trends, from the rise in cruising to the growth of experience led travel and the reopening of destinations like China.
Honouring Place, People and History
Kirkby Lonsdale’s long history is woven into the fabric of the town. It appears in the Domesday Book and holds a market charter dating back to 1227. The Volunteer Tourism Information Centre, run by a dedicated team, celebrates local makers, offers historical tours and supports primary school projects that help children understand the place they live in. It is a great resource and show us how this community’s identity is shaped.
Final thoughts
Michelle’s story offers a few gentle lessons for anyone rebuilding or beginning something new
• Return to what you love, even if you took a detour
• Use your experience, whatever its form, to serve people well
• Root yourself in community and let it help you grow
• Shape a niche around genuine need
• Protect your balance and wellbeing
Life Shared Along the Path
As we walk, the conversation weaves through campervan trips, the ice cream at the Milking Parlour, Norwegian autumns, the magic of Thailand and the steady company of her two border terriers. The work we do is only ever part of a much larger story, and it’s so nice to get a chance to share the other sides of this fabulous lady’s life.
Step Into the Episode
If you enjoy hearing how people build lives and businesses that feel true to them, this walk through Kirkby Lonsdale offers a gentle blend of landscape, community and honest conversation. Lace up and join us.
Want to contact Michelle Nurdin to plan your next trip? Here’s how you can:
https://michellenurdin.notjusttravel.com/
www.facebook.com/NotJustTravelTravelByMichelle
