Detour #63: Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire, UK
Jeremy Clarkson is a Yorkshire lad, so you can trust that he knows the local roads. He’s also pretty well travelled so when he describes the Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales as “England’s only truly spectacular road” he’s probably not wrong.
It’s a favourite for shooting cars for good reason. Fast and flowing with the most beautiful views over the Dales. Chuck a drone in the air and you’re guaranteed heroic footage.
Start your journey in Hawes, where you can stock up on Wensleydale cheese, and go north, climbing up through Fossdale to Simonstone where the pass proper begins. The road isn’t especially wide and is contained alternatively by unforgiving dry stone walls or skimpy plastic barriers. But nonetheless as you climb to the 714m peak you’ll find good sight lines and gentle corners that make it all-too-easy to find yourself travelling at speed.
It’s a short and steep descent into Thwaite and the overall length is just seven miles, so once you’ve driven it a few times for the thrills make sure you do it again for the views.
If that’s not enough to inspire a trip to the Dales, just watch Clarkson drive his old Cossie on the pass below.
