Whilst the Yorkshire Dales boasts countless spectacular locations, each more impressive than the last, there’s one particular route in the Yorkshire Dales National Park that stands out as undeniably England’s most celebrated high road.

Over time, this stunning mountain pass has become enormously popular with residents, visitors, heritage enthusiasts and earth scientists alike – all captivated by the route’s striking natural landscape and curious nomenclature.

The lengthy twisting road runs from Simonstone near Hawes through to the vicinity of Muker and Thwaite in Swaledale, snaking through the magnificent North Yorkshire hillsides.

What’s more, the journey features a strikingly beautiful hidden treasure at its centre – 20 metre deep limestone sinkholes that are utterly mesmerising (and which explain the origins of this renowned route’s distinctive name).

The moorlands, valleys and peaks of the Buttertubs Pass are frequently tackled by keen cyclists, and the spectacular route itself featured in 2014 during the Tour de France Grand Depart which Yorkshire had the honour of hosting, reports Yorkshire Live.

Motorists who have navigated the scenic roads of the Buttertubs Pass have described it as the ‘best drive in the whole country’ and insisted that photographs cannot capture the true magnificence of this Yorkshire treasure.

The route is thought to derive its unusual name from folklore suggesting farmers would pause at the summit of the challenging ascent on sweltering days whilst travelling to market in Hawes.

They would allegedly store their butter in the deep recesses of the impressive limestone potholes lining the main carriageway to keep it chilled.

An alternative explanation for the name suggests the potholes themselves bore a resemblance to butter tubs, hence their designation.

Even Jeremy Clarkson – the renowned former Top Gear host who’s well-versed in motoring matters – has previously described Buttertubs Pass as “England’s only truly spectacular road”.

Whilst navigating his vintage Ford Escort RS Cosworth through the pass’s precipitous gradients and hairpin curves during an episode of Clarkson’s Car Years, the automotive authority declared Buttertubs Pass among his “all-time favourite roads”.

Situated at a height of roughly 528 metres (1,732 feet) above sea level, this picture-perfect thoroughfare isn’t suitable for nervous drivers, featuring precipitous descents and tight corners set against an utterly captivating landscape.

One Tripadvisor review of the Buttertubs Pass reads: “Outstanding views… This must be one of the best driving routes in the whole country. Views across the Dales are spectacular.

“The road itself is well maintained with few pot-holes to dodge. There are a couple of laybys where you can pull-in and soak up the majesty of the surrounding countryside.”

Another motorist captivated by the drive said: “Wow! Been to the Yorkshire Dales before but not driven through the Buttertubs Pass.

“Astounding, awe inspiring, beautiful and it makes you feel very very small and humble. As you can probably tell, we believe it is an absolute must see if you’re in that part of the world”.

While one impressed traveller wrote: “Amazing drive. Views spectacular. Proper driving road. Photographs do not by any means do this drive justice. You can stop and take in the views and have a picnic, unless you carry on to the TanHill pub for lunch.”

Things to do nearby

Visitors undertaking this stunning journey will find no shortage of attractions close by. The Tan Hill Inn – a 17th-century establishment recognised as England’s highest pub – sits just a 20-minute drive from the remarkable Buttertubs Pass.

Meanwhile, this picturesque driving route lies a short 10-minute journey from Hardraw Force Waterfall, England’s tallest single-drop cascade.