Buttertubs Pass: One of the Most Scenic Drives in the Yorkshire Dales

If you’re planning a holiday in Swaledale, or you’re already staying in one of our beautiful Yorkshire Dales holiday cottages, a drive over Buttertubs Pass is an unmissable part of your trip. This iconic mountain road connects Swaledale and Wensleydale, winding through wild moorland, dramatic limestone features, and unforgettable panoramic views.

Whether you love scenic drives, walking in the Yorkshire Dales, or discovering local legends, Buttertubs Pass has something special for you.

Buttertubs Pass is a high-altitude road that climbs between the villages of Thwaite in Swaledale and Hawes in Wensleydale. Reaching over 1,700 feet at its summit, it’s one of the most stunning roads in England and offers unmatched views across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Named after the limestone potholes known as the “Buttertubs”, the road has become famous for its rugged beauty and exhilarating curves — making it a favourite with drivers, cyclists, and photographers alike.

Near the top of the pass, you’ll find the Buttertubs potholes — deep limestone shafts that drop as far as 20 metres. According to local lore, farmers on their way to market would lower their butter tubs into these holes to keep them cool on hot summer days.

Today, visitors often stop at the top to peer into these eerie, natural formations and soak in the surrounding views.

Winding between steep hillsides and open moor, Buttertubs Pass is regularly featured on lists of the UK’s best scenic drives. It gained national attention when it featured in Top Gear, and again during the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ.

If you’re driving, take your time — the road is narrow and exposed in places, but every bend brings a new photo opportunity.

After crossing the pass from Swaledale, you’ll reach the lovely market town of Hawes, where there’s plenty to enjoy. Visit the Wensleydale Creamery to sample their famous cheese, explore the Dales Countryside Museum, or tuck into a hearty Yorkshire lunch at one of the welcoming cafes or traditional pubs. And don’t miss the local fish and chip shop — it’s a hidden gem serving up crispy, golden chips and perfectly cooked fish that’s so good, you’ll swear you’re by the sea!

Combining Swaledale and Wensleydale in one day makes for a rich, varied experience — and Buttertubs Pass is the perfect route to tie it all together.

• Check the weather: The road can be icy or misty in poor conditions, especially in winter.
• Drive cautiously: It’s a single-track road in parts (when you cross the cattle grids), with steep drops and blind bends.
• Park safely: There are small laybys near the summit where you can stop to take in the view.
• Wear good shoes: If you’re exploring the potholes or heading off for a walk, the terrain can be uneven and wet.
• Bring binoculars or a camera: Wildlife sightings and sweeping vistas await!