Buttertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road

Buttertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road

England, europe

Length

8.85 km

Elevation

528 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Yorkshire Dales in northern England, and you stumble upon Buttertubs Pass. Jeremy Clarkson called it "England's only truly spectacular road," so you know it's going to be good.

This baby's located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The name comes from these crazy cool, 65-foot-deep limestone potholes near the top. Legend has it that farmers used them as natural fridges for their butter on market days!

The road itself is called Cliff Gate Road (B6270) and it's totally paved. It winds for about 5.5 miles (8.85km) between Hawes and Thwaite. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is a bonus.

Heads up, though: this road isn't for the faint of heart! You've got a serious 400-foot drop on one side, super tight bends, and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 20%! And it can get slick when it's wet. Plus, the wind at the top can be wild, so hold onto your hats!

But trust me, it's worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking. This drive has it all: steep climbs, fast descents, challenging corners, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. It's no wonder it's been featured on the Tour de France, Clarkson's Car Years, Top Gear, and Wheeler Dealers! Seriously, if you're looking for an epic drive in the UK, Buttertubs Pass needs to be on your list.

Where is it?

Buttertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road is located in England (europe). Coordinates: 52.8685, -2.4454

Share this road

Road Details

Country
England
Continent
europe
Length
8.85 km
Max Elevation
528 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
52.8685, -2.4454

Related Roads in europe

Driving the unpaved 4x4 road to Fratosteanu Marehard

Driving the unpaved 4x4 road to Fratosteanu Mare

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in Romania's Vâlcea County, south of Sibiu, lies Frătoșteanu Mare, a hidden gem of a mountain pass soaring to 1,914m (6,279ft)! This is one of Romania's highest roads, and it’s a wild one. Known as Via Strategica (Strategic Road), this 8.7 km (5.4 mile) stretch of unpaved glory is a real head-turner. Picture this: a super rocky, bumpy ride with steep inclines, built by the Germans way back in World War I to link Transylvania and Muntenia. Seriously cool history! Starting from Curmătura Vidruței (1,589m/5,213ft) on the DN7A road, you'll be heading south towards Saua Repezi, passing the Belvedere Mogoș viewpoint at 1,994m (6,541ft). The views from up here in the Latoriței Mountains are unreal! Word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking large stones, multiple crossings, and a road that demands respect. Leave your 4x2 at home – a proper 4x4 is essential to avoid getting stuck. Also, keep in mind that this road is usually closed from late October to late June/early July because of snow. Plan accordingly!

Col du Cucheronmoderate

Col du Cucheron

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Col du Cucheron is calling your name! Nestled deep in the Chartreuse massif of the Rhône-Alpes in France, this baby sits pretty at 1,139m (3,737ft). Now, let's be real, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking sections hitting nearly 18%! But trust me, it’s worth it, especially when you roll through the charming village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. The D512, your paved path to glory inside the Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse, offers a couple of ways up. From Saint Pierre d'Entremont, it’s an 8.5 km trek, gaining nearly 500 meters at an average of 5.9%. Or, if you're feeling spicy, try the 4.7 km route from La Diat, packing in 334 meters of climb at 7.1%. Fair warning: the last kilometer will test you with a 10% average grade!

Road Fv341moderate

Road Fv341

🇳🇴 Norway

# FV341: Norway's Ultimate Arctic Coast Drive Ready for one of Norway's wildest rides? FV341 hugs the stunning Barents Sea shoreline in Finnmark, tucked way up in the northeast corner of the country. This is about as remote as it gets. The 40km journey from the tiny village of Svartnes down to the abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg is absolutely unforgettable. You'll wind through an otherworldly arctic landscape dominated by dramatic dark grey and black rock formations, with gentle ups and downs keeping things interesting the whole way. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*. Seriously narrow. Passing oncoming traffic feels nearly impossible, though thankfully there are pullout spots scattered throughout to help you avoid awkward encounters. The asphalt is solid, but you're definitely in a remote, rugged part of the world here. The scenery tells a story too—this region bears the scars of WWII, and the bare, windswept landscape reflects that history. The coastline views are absolutely spectacular, and Hamningberg itself is hauntingly beautiful. Once a thriving fishing community, it now stands mostly empty but has become a magnet for adventurous travelers from around the globe who want to experience its isolated charm. This drive isn't just a route from point A to point B—it's an experience. The kind of journey that sticks with you long after you've returned home. If you're craving genuine wilderness and don't mind narrow roads, FV341 delivers in spades.

Blayeulhard

Blayeul

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Le Blayeul! This beast of a road climbs to 2,172m (7,125ft) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France. We're talking serious gravel, rocks, bumps – the works! Think Massif des Trois-Évêchés majesty! Plan your trip carefully: expect it to be closed from October to June, weather depending. You'll tackle an average 10% gradient, with spikes hitting a butt-clenching 20%! Starting from the D900, it's an 11.2km climb, gaining 1,124 meters. This isn't for the faint of heart (or weak suspensions). You absolutely NEED a 4x4. Heights not your thing? Maybe skip this one. But, oh, the views! The 360º panoramas from the summit, dotted with communication towers, are totally worth the white knuckles. Just be warned: it’s remote. So, if you're an experienced off-roader craving isolation and killer scenery, Blayeul is calling your name!