Best winter drives in Yorkshire: The two Yorkshire scenic winter drives named among the UK’s seven most spectacular routes

Two of Yorkshire’s most beautiful wintertime drives have been recognised in a list of the country’s top seven scenic routes.

Yorkshire’s Buttertubs Pass ranked first on the list of the UK’s most scenic winter drives, compiled by motoring association MotorEasy.

Buttertubs Pass

Once described by Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson as “England’s only spectacular road,” Buttertubs Pass crosses the high moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale.

Buttertubs PassButtertubs Pass
Buttertubs Pass
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Many will recognise the stunning road from the Grand Depart of the 2014 Tour De France, when it was bathed in June sunshine.

Yet it is just as spectacular in winter, with stopping points at the summit, and opportunities to visit the limestone potholes that are believed to have given the pass its unusual name.

The story goes that as farmers rested at the top of the climb on a hot day - on route to Hawes market - they would keep the butter they had produced cool by lowering it into the potholes.

Read More
Red squirrels frolic in the Dales and gritters take to Buttertubs Pass as Yorksh...

The Long Causeway, Lancashire to Yorkshire

The Long Causeway, which connects Lancashire and Yorkshire, was the other Yorkshire route that made the list.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This Bronze Age track turned major trading route offers plenty of thrills for motorists as they take the seven mile drive over the West Pennines.

There are plenty of stopping points along this route, where motorists can take in 360 degree views and take a wander in the delightful scenery.

Aside from a few houses, the journey is completely rural and with Cliveger at one end, and Hebden Bridge at the other, there’s plenty to take in once you climb back down.

The full list of the UK’s most scenic winter drives:

Buttertubs Pass

The Long Causeway, Lancashire to Yorkshire

A686 Haydon Bridge, Northumberland to Penrith, Cumbria

A149 from Hunstanton to Cromer, Norfolk

The Snow Roads Scenic Route, Scotland

Aberystwyth to Rhayader, Wales

Sperrin Mountains, Northern Ireland