Top 5 Mountain Passes around Askrigg

Buttertubs Pass is particularly unique due to its distinctive 20-meter-deep limestone potholes near the summit, which gave the pass its name. Legend says farmers used them to cool butter. It also gained international fame as a categorized climb in the 2014 Tour de France. You can find more details about this challenging climb at Buttertubs Pass Climb from Hawes.

Yes, the area is renowned for challenging cycling. Buttertubs Pass Climb from Hawes is a prime example, reaching over 1,740 feet (530 meters) with gradients up to 20%. Kidstones Pass also offers a challenging ascent, with an average grade of 8% and sections up to 15%, and was also part of the 2014 Tour de France.

Many passes in the region boast spectacular scenery. Newby Head Pass is known for its expansive views across the Dales, often feeling isolated due to its exposed nature. Buttertubs Pass also provides breathtaking panoramic views across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with vast meadows and rugged cliffs.

The passes offer diverse natural beauty, including vast moorlands, dramatic valleys, and distinctive limestone formations. The most notable geological feature is the series of 20-meter-deep limestone potholes at Buttertubs Pass. You'll also encounter an abundance of wildflowers and diverse fauna across the Dales.

Beyond cycling the passes, the area around Askrigg is excellent for hiking and mountain biking. You can explore various routes, including those leading to local waterfalls like Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force. For more hiking options, check out the Hiking around Askrigg guide or the MTB Trails around Askrigg guide.

Yes, Askrigg is a great base for hiking. You can find trails like the Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force loop, or the St Oswald's Church and Brough Scar loop, both considered easy. For more options, including moderate and difficult routes, refer to the Hiking around Askrigg guide. There are also dedicated waterfall hikes.

The spring and summer months (May to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the mountain passes, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. This is ideal for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the panoramic views. Autumn also brings beautiful colours to the landscape. Winter can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on higher, exposed passes like Newby Head Pass.

While the passes themselves can be challenging for young children or less agile dogs, the wider area around Askrigg offers many family-friendly and dog-friendly walks. Local walks to waterfalls like Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force are popular and generally accessible. Always check specific route details for difficulty and terrain, and keep dogs on leads where livestock are present.

Parking is generally available in and around Askrigg village, as well as in nearby towns like Hawes, which serves as a starting point for some passes like Buttertubs Pass. Specific car parks or roadside parking spots may be available near popular trailheads or viewpoints. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season.

Yes, several passes feature steep and challenging sections. The climb from Thwaite on Buttertubs Pass is particularly difficult, with sections averaging around 9% and reaching up to 20%. The West Stonesdale Hairpin Bends also present a sequence of steep hairpins that are very demanding, whether ascending or descending.

The mountain passes in the region reach significant elevations. For instance, Buttertubs Pass rises to between 1,690 and 1,729 feet (525-527 meters) above sea level. Other passes like Buttertubs Pass Climb from Hawes can reach over 1,740 feet (530 meters), offering high-altitude experiences and expansive views.

Askrigg village itself has pubs and cafes. While the mountain passes themselves are often remote, you'll find amenities in the villages at their base or nearby. For example, Hawes is close to Buttertubs Pass, and other villages in Wensleydale and Swaledale offer places to eat and drink after your outdoor activities.