The Dales are limestone country: green valleys divided by drystone walls, linked by passes that climb straight over the tops. A loop from Skipton takes in the two finest dales and the best driving road in the north of England.
INEOS Grenadier
Steep dale passes like Buttertubs reward torque, and there is room for boots, dogs and picnics.
Check availabilityThe route, stage by stage
- 01
Skipton to Malham
Up Airedale to Malham Cove — a 260ft limestone amphitheatre a short walk from the village.
- 02
Ribblehead & the Three Peaks
Past Settle to the Ribblehead Viaduct beneath Whernside, with Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent on the skyline.
- 03
Hawes & the Buttertubs Pass
Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, then the Buttertubs — a moorland pass over into Swaledale, all crest and camber.
- 04
Swaledale to Richmond
Muker, Reeth and the Norman keep at Richmond to finish.
Stops worth making
- Malham Cove
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes
- Buttertubs Pass
- Richmond Castle
Driving notes for visitors
- Cattle grids and unfenced moorland roads — livestock roam freely.
- Dale passes are gated and can close in winter snow.
- Village lanes are tight; fold your mirrors in Muker and Reeth.
Remember: drive on the left, the national speed limit on single carriageways is 60mph, and roundabouts give priority to traffic from your right.