Buttertubs Pass

The Yorkshire Dales will be mentioned a lot on this blog! I just wrote about Tan Hill Inn which is to the north of Swaledale, heading up hill out of Keld. If you head out of Keld and drive a couple of miles, just after Thwaite there's a turning to the right heading up hill, signposted 'Hawes'. This superb road heads up and over the hills to Wensleydale. Before Hawes you can stop at Hardraw Force Waterfall. And before that, up in the hills you find the Buttertubs.

Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales

(above) The Buttertubs and the road heading back towards Wensleydale

What are the Buttertubs? A geological feature - limestone potholes by the side of the road. They are apparently about 20 meters deep, so you don't want to slip and fall in. And the name Buttertubs? Farmers on the way to market (before the days of cars), heading over the pass, would store butter there on hot days because 20 meters down in the potholes it is always cool.

Only parking space for a few cars here. There are some potholes on both sides of the road. I mean, it's not the kind of place you are likely to spend hours - more like a few minutes and a few photos!

Buttertubs Pass between Swaledale and Wensleydale

(above) at the Buttertubs, view of the road heading towards Swaledale

The Buttertubs, Yorkshire Dales

(above) Our kids checking out the Buttertubs

The Buttertubs

(above) You probably shouldn't do this, not the best idea to be clambering around here.

But it's not just the potholes, not just the actual Buttertubs - it's a beautiful drive over the hill between the dales. These pics were taken in summer 2018 when the weather was amazing. Many years ago I cycled over Buttertubs pass .. several times. I am sure I have a photo somewhere from those days. A great road for a bike ride! Well, most of the Yorkshire Dales is good for a bike ride!

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