Yorkshire Dales Grand Tour: Buttertubs, Dentdale and Ribblehead
Spend a full day linking the Dales’ best-known high roads and valley approaches. Dentdale and Kingsdale lead into Ribblehead before the route crosses Buttertubs and returns through Swaledale and Wensleydale.
Driving roads near Hawes. Nearby visits are optional. · 89 miles · 179 minutes estimated driving · Circular
Photo: @ Chris Heaton / Geograph
Highlights along the way
Buttertubs Pass
A narrow high crossing links the Hawes side with upper Swaledale.
Ribblehead Viaduct
The railway viaduct stands close to the road corridor; a closer visit requires suitable parking and a walk.
Before you set off
A long drive on narrow upland roads needs breaks. Sheep, blind crests and seasonal visitor traffic can make actual travel much slower than the routing estimate. Check current road closures, vehicle suitability and weather before travel. Driving time excludes stops and live traffic. The route follows through-roads; all visits off the line are independent optional detours.