United Kingdom · Yorkshire Dales
Five verified stages through Wensleydale, Swaledale and Malham.
86 miles · 1-2 Days · 6 rally points
The route
This verified route leaves Hawes for Buttertubs Pass and Muker, continues to Richmond, then turns west for Ribblehead and Malham. The inherited stop order has been corrected to follow a coherent road journey.
Expect single-track lanes, livestock, cyclists, walkers and rapidly changing weather. Never block a gate or passing place.
April to October offers the most useful daylight. Check Yorkshire Dales National Park and Traffic England notices before travel.
“The Dales reward courtesy, low speed and attention to every crest and dry-stone wall.”
This complete edition includes the practical tools, considered places and editorial context listed below.
Buy this Drive Pack · $39The complete route, every rally point and sequential navigation links ready to open in Google Maps.
A day-by-day sequence with distances, driving time and the stops that shape the journey.
Surface notes, corner character, suggested departure windows and the stretches that demand attention.
A premium PDF edition of the complete Drive Pack, designed for print and reliable offline use.
Interactive and printable checks for the car, fuel, bookings, weather and offline navigation.
Official road-condition links and practical departure checks gathered in one place.
Curated accommodation, restaurants, wineries and worthwhile pauses matched to the route.
Route map
The shaded area shows the landscape of the drive. Members receive the verified road, sequence and navigation.
Explore the route regionDay 1
Day 1
Days 2–3 · Member Drive Pack
Day by day
01Day 1
Heart of Wensleydale
Hawes is the highest market town in England and the home of Wensleydale cheese. Visit the Wensleydale Creamery to see the cheese being made and taste the full range , including the Wallace & Gromit variety. The town has excellent pubs, a ropemaking museum, and a Tuesday market that has run since 1307.
02Day 1
England's Most Spectacular Road
The Buttertubs Pass climbs from Wensleydale to Swaledale across open moorland at 526 metres. The road is a favourite with cyclists (it featured in the 2014 Tour de France) and drivers alike. Stop at the Buttertubs , deep limestone sinkholes beside the road , and absorb the view.
Complete Drive Pack
The complete itinerary includes exact timings, road character, every stop and the downloadable roadbook.
Beyond the road
Places selected because they belong to the journey, not because they happened to be nearby.
West Witton
An award-winning seafood restaurant in West Witton, known for its fresh, locally sourced fish and shellfish, often featuring dishes like pan-seared scallops with black pudding or classic fish and chips. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, perfect for a special evening out.
East Witton
A charming 18th-century inn in East Witton offering exceptional gastropub fare. Their menu highlights seasonal Yorkshire produce, with popular dishes including their succulent roast lamb and game pie. The cozy interior with open fires creates a quintessential Dales dining experience.
Hetton
A Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its innovative and refined modern British cuisine. Chef Michael Wignall creates exquisite tasting menus using the finest local ingredients, with dishes like smoked eel with apple and horseradish, or perfectly cooked grouse. The ambiance is elegant and intimate.
Hawes
Home of the famous Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese. Visitors can explore the museum, watch cheese-making demonstrations, and sample a wide variety of cheeses, including the classic Wensleydale, Wensleydale with cranberries, and mature cheddar. A must-visit for cheese lovers.
Masham
Located in Masham, this independent brewery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning real ales, such as Black Sheep Best Bitter and Riggwelter. The visitor centre includes a bar and bistro serving hearty pub food that pairs perfectly with their beers.
Aysgarth Falls
A rustic and charming cafe nestled by the river in Aysgarth Falls. They serve delicious homemade cakes, light lunches, and excellent coffee. Popular items include their traditional cream teas and freshly baked scones, perfect after a walk to the falls.
Jervaulx
A family-run farm producing delicious luxury ice cream from their own dairy herd. With a wide range of unique flavours like Yorkshire Curd Tart and Rhubarb Crumble, it's a perfect treat on a sunny day. Enjoy a scoop while overlooking the picturesque Dales countryside.
Skipton
A contemporary eatery focusing on wood-fired pizzas, artisanal cheese boards, and a curated selection of natural wines. Their pizzas feature creative toppings using local produce, and the cheese boards showcase the best of Yorkshire's dairy. A relaxed and stylish atmosphere.
Linton
A traditional Dales pub in Linton, offering a warm welcome and classic pub grub with a focus on local ingredients. Their Sunday roasts are legendary, and the bar stocks a good selection of local real ales. A perfect spot for a hearty meal after a day of exploring.
Grassington
A quaint and cozy tea room offering a delightful selection of teas, coffees, and homemade treats. Their specialty is a traditional Yorkshire afternoon tea, complete with sandwiches, cakes, and warm scones with clotted cream and jam. A charming stop for a break.
Airton
More than just a farm shop, this establishment offers a cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks made with produce from their own farm and other local suppliers. Their pork pies and sausages are particularly renowned, and the shop is great for picking up local delicacies.
West Witton
A luxury boutique hotel in West Witton, offering 13 individually themed rooms such as the 'James Bond' room with a round bed, and the 'Chocolate Heaven' room. Each room features gorgeous bed-linen, comfy beds, stunning artwork, Temple Spa toiletries, and a full Yorkshire Breakfast. Many rooms offer unique touches and views of the surrounding Dales.
East Witton
A charming 18th-century inn in East Witton with 15 English country-styled rooms, split between the main house and converted courtyard stables. Rooms feature exposed beams, en-suite facilities, and comfortable country furnishings. Some rooms offer wonderful views across the village to the Dales. Dog-friendly rooms are available.
Aysgarth
A 5-star luxury lodge resort in Aysgarth, offering lodges with hot tubs, perfect for couples, families, and dog lovers. Lodges are clean, modern, and fully kitted out, with amazing views of the Yorkshire Dales. An ideal setting for peace and restoration amidst activities like waterfall walks.
Skipton
Set across 1,400 acres near Skipton, this hotel offers a range of rooms including Classic, Deluxe, and Dales Rooms, many with balconies or patios providing countryside or lake views. Features include super-king beds, luxurious toiletries, and access to a state-of-the-art spa and various outdoor activities. Dog-friendly options are available.
Austwick
A Georgian country house hotel in Austwick, offering elegant rooms with traditional charm and modern comforts. Known for its warm hospitality, fine dining using local produce, and stunning views of the surrounding Dales. Ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Hawes
A charming Edwardian country house hotel near Hawes, offering comfortable rooms with period features and beautiful views of the Wensleydale countryside. Known for its traditional ambiance, excellent food, and proximity to local attractions like the Wensleydale Creamery.
Before departure
Limited in remote areas, plan stops carefully.
Patchy in valleys and remote areas. Download offline maps.
Essential, especially during peak season and weekends.
Google Maps or Waze with offline maps downloaded.
Respect local wildlife and always close gates behind you.
Continue exploring
The complete journey
