
Buttertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road
England, europe
8.85 km
528 m
hard
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
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
hardThe steep road to Kjeåsen, the world’s most inaccessible farm
🇳🇴 Norway
# Kjeåsen: Norway's Most Remote (and Epic) Mountain Farm Perched like an eagle's nest 600 meters (1,969 feet) above the stunning Simadalsfjorden in Eidfjord, Hordaland county, Kjeåsen is basically the definition of "middle of nowhere" — and we mean that as the highest compliment. This legendary mountain farm has been clinging to its clifftop home since around 1650, and honestly, the isolation is part of its charm. Getting there is half the adventure. The fully paved 5.3km (3.29 miles) road was only built in 1975 to support hydroelectric projects, and it's earned the nickname "the world's most expensive farm road" for good reason. Trust us, this isn't your average country drive. The route is seriously intense: a narrow, winding single-lane road that climbs with gradients up to 30% as it snakes through towering pines and misty mountain air. But here's the wild part — about 2.8km of the journey cuts straight through a hand-carved tunnel with zero lighting. Yep, you're relying entirely on your headlights to navigate through total darkness. Plus, it's one-way only, with traffic coordinated on the hour going up and every half hour coming down, so you might need to hang tight and wait your turn. Fair warning: the tunnel's off-limits for pedestrians and cyclists, and if you're heading up, aim to arrive by 5 pm to respect the residents' peace. It's quirky, it's intense, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
hardHow long is the road from Dudinka to Norilsk?
🌍 Russia
Cruising above the Arctic Circle? Buckle up for the Dudinka to Norilsk road in Russia! It’s a 88.3 km (54.86 miles) stretch of paved road connecting Dudinka, the Taimyr capital on the Yenisei River, to Norilsk – a major mining town, famed as the world's northernmost city. Don't let the "paved" part fool you. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Think rugged terrain meets extreme conditions. The asphalt's laid over permafrost, so expect an uneven surface. Plus, you'll be riding alongside a gas pipeline. Weather here? Unpredictable is an understatement. Summer temps can nosedive into winter conditions in a heartbeat. Snow blankets the area for 250–270 days each year, with snowstorms thrown in for good measure. And prepare for three months of total darkness! Winter temps can plummet below -30°C. Heads up: Norilsk and Dudinka are closed cities, controlled by the Russian Security Service. You’ll need to apply for special permission well in advance if you're a foreigner planning to drive it.
extremeWhere is Puerto de Tiscar?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Jaen province of Spain, headed for a mountain pass called Puerto de Tíscar. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure that climbs to 1,189 meters (almost 3,900 feet!) in the eastern part of Andalusia. Locals revere the Virgin of Tíscar, giving the pass its name, and you'll feel like you're on a pilgrimage of your own as you tackle the A6206, also known as the Quesada-Pozo Alcón road. Don't let the fully paved surface fool you – this road is a beast! We're talking over 300 curves packed into just 30.3 km (18.82 miles) from Quesada to Pozo Alcón. Expect steep slopes hitting a maximum gradient of 16.0% in places! It's narrow, winding, and you might even encounter larger vehicles braving the route. So, why take this road when the A-315 offers an easier path? Because the views are insane! You're smack-dab in the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, surrounded by lush pine trees and endless olive groves as you climb the Quesada slope. Pro tip: skip the scorching summer afternoons and snowy winter days. Spring or autumn is prime time to experience this somewhat lonely but visually stunning drive. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget!
moderateA Dramatic Balcony Road Above the Stunning Lac du Bourget: Col de la Chambotte
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Chambotte: France's Most Thrilling Balcony Road Perched at 650m (2,132ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Chambotte is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives you can experience in the Alps. The Route de la Chambotte (D991B) stretches just 7.2km (4.47 miles) from Chindrieux to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte, but trust me—every single curve packs a punch. This is a fully paved road, which is good news, but here's the thing: it's *narrow*. Like, genuinely tight in places. You'll find yourself navigating hairpin turns along cliff edges with nothing but air (and an absolutely stunning view) on one side. A few unlit tunnels puncture through the rock face, adding to that heart-pounding adventure feeling. And fair warning—some stretches have minimal or zero guardrails, so this isn't the drive for white-knuckle nervous drivers. But if you're up for the challenge, the payoff is spectacular. What makes it all worthwhile? Lac du Bourget spreads out below you like something from a postcard—France's largest natural lake with those impossibly clear turquoise waters ringed by impressive mountain peaks. Created during the Ice Age and cradled in the Alpine landscape, it's genuinely breathtaking. Every twist of the road offers another jaw-dropping perspective of this glacial gem. If you're chasing an adrenaline rush with world-class scenery, Col de la Chambotte delivers the goods.