
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
moderateWhere is Pic de Carroi?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near La Massana and Andorra la Vella in the western part of the country, you NEED to check out the road to Pic de Carroi. Nestled high in the Pyrenees, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at just under 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles), don't let the distance fool you. This baby packs a punch with an average gradient of over 14%! You'll definitely be feeling the burn, and your car might too. Speaking of feeling it, you'll be WAY up there. We're talking serious elevation, so be prepared for some breathtaking panoramic views. Word on the street is the road is paved, so no need for a monster truck. Just be sure to check local conditions, especially in winter, as it's likely closed. But trust me, if you're after a memorable driving experience in the Pyrenees, this should be on your bucket list!
hardWhere is Cleuson Lake?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Lac de Cleuson, a shimmering alpine lake nestled high in the Swiss Valais canton. You'll find this beauty in the Conthey district, hanging out way up in the mountains near the Refuge de Saint-Laurent. Seriously, this place is remote and ridiculously gorgeous. The Cleuson dam, built in the late 40s for hydroelectric power, holds back around 20 million cubic meters of water – pretty impressive, right? Its massive wall looms over everything, a testament to its sturdy reinforced design. Now, about the road... Get ready for a thrilling ride! Starting from Nendaz, you're in for about 11km of mostly paved road that turns to gravel near the very end. This climb is *steep* – we're talking sections hitting 28%! Throw in some narrow stretches, tons of hairpin turns, and tunnels, and you've got yourself an unforgettable drive. Heads up, though – the final stretch is usually closed to public vehicles, reserved only for authorized traffic. Keep in mind that from November to May, this road is totally snowed in. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The road offers incredible views of the Nendaz Valley stretching out below, with the distant Vaud Alps gracing the horizon. And right by the lake, you'll find the charming Chapelle catholique de Cleuson (Saint-Barthélémy), the highest chapel in the area. Trust me; this is a Swiss adventure you won't soon forget.
extremeTuxer Ferner Haus: The brutal 30% gravel climb in the Zillertal Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# The Road to Tuxer Ferner Haus: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Tucked away in the Zillertal valley of Tyrol, Austria, there's a road that'll test even the most seasoned mountain drivers. The route to Tuxer Ferner Haus climbs to a jaw-dropping 2,615 meters (8,579 feet), serving as the lifeline for one of the world's most incredible ski destinations—the Hintertux Glacier, where you can actually ski year-round. The road starts at Sommerbergalm and winds its way up 4.7 kilometers through some seriously dramatic Alpine terrain. But here's the thing: those 4.7 kilometers pack an absolutely brutal 624-meter elevation gain. We're talking an average gradient of 13.27%—and that's just the average. The steepest sections? Try 30%, which is absolutely insane on a gravel surface. What you're driving on is basically loose stones and rocky rubble. There's no asphalt here, just a technical access trail that's technically open only during that narrow summer window in late August. The surface is notoriously tricky—those loose rocks will have your wheels spinning if you're not careful, especially as you climb higher into the thinner air. Beyond the gradient and surface conditions, Mother Nature doesn't make this easy. The Alps throw relentless wind at you year-round, and even mid-summer can surprise you with sudden snow and freezing temps. Your vehicle's cooling system will be screaming on those brutal climbs, and the descent demands serious engine braking on those hairpin switchbacks to keep your brakes from overheating. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with serious torque and specialized tires. One wrong move here has real consequences—this is the kind of drive that demands your complete focus and respect for the mountain.
moderateWhy is it called Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Austrian Tyrol, heading up, up, UP into the Ötztal Valley. You're on the Panoramic Glacier Road (or Ötztal Glacier Road if you're feeling German), a 15km stretch of pure alpine bliss. Then, BAM! You hit the Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel, named after the legendary ski racer. This isn't just any tunnel; at 2,830m (9,285ft) high, it's said to be the highest road tunnel in Europe! It's a 1.729m paved tube connecting the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers, both rocking huge car parks. Built back in '82, it's designed for two lanes each way, so even buses and trucks (up to 38 tons) can handle the 11% incline. But hey, a word of warning: this is serious mountain territory. The weather can flip on a dime, so be prepared for anything, especially snow. Snow chains are a smart move, and keep an eye out for potential road closures due to avalanche risk. Steel tracks may be required throughout the year. But trust me, the views are worth it!