The best motorcycle routes in the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is world-famous for its beauty. Its 841 square miles are beloved by hikers, climbers, cavers, caravanners – and bikers.

Actor Hugh Laurie once said that "driving a motorcycle is like flying. All your senses are alive." And here in the Yorkshire Dales, there are some awesome places to fly, your five senses tingling.

In this article, we've compiled some of the best motorbike routes in the area. We hope it comes in handy when you're planning your next trip.

1. Britain's highest pub


Situated in Swaledale, the Tan Hill Inn has perched at the summit of a lonely hill since the 17th century. Today, it's a popular stop for hikers and bikers alike.

Any experienced Dale biker will tell you that the pub is an important part of the journey – a break from the thrills of riding single-track roads with wild moorland on each side.

There are many roads that will take you to Tan Hill Inn. If you really want to earn your supper, try setting off from Barras. After a pit stop at the Inn, you can take the Pennine Way to the village of Bowes. Along the way, you'll move from tarmac to gravel and back again.

As for the Inn itself, its altitude gives it stunning views of the Dales. Inside is a cosy, historic pub – all exposed beams, flagstones, roaring fire and hearty grub.

It's also a great place to stop over on a longer ride – it promises a room with a view to remember.

2. Buttertubs Pass: Hawes to Thwaite


Buttertubs Pass is perhaps the best-known high road in the Yorkshire Dales. It takes you from the market town of Hawes to the hamlet of Thwaite across six miles of tightly snaking roads. Along the way, the high moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale affords some truly dramatic views.

The route itself is glorious – but you'll probably want to fold it into something longer to make the most of your day. If you're after a longer ride, you can extend it by coming from the A1 or M6 along the A684.

The pass takes its name from its infamous 20-metre-deep limestone potholes. Legend has it that farmers on their way to market would lower tubs of butter into these potholes to keep them cool on hot days.

If you can bear to dismount and take a breather, there are impressive views of the road ahead. Short but deliciously sweet, Buttertubs Pass is a must-see destination for bikers in the area. Chances are you'll want to go back for seconds.

And if your journey ends in Thwaite, you can pop into the Kearton Country Hotel's cosy bar with its open fire and selection of local ales and fine malts.

3. The B6255


With more twists and turns than an Agathe Christie novel, the B6255 is a fantastic stretch of road – fantastic, not least, because it takes you past the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Built between 1869 and 1874 to carry the Settle-Carlisle Railway, the viaduct stretches 400 metres and rises 32 metres across the Ribble Valley. Today, as then, it's an impressive feat of engineering.

It's a great spot for a lunch break. Make sure you don't leave before you see a train pass over!

Even if you don't take in the viaduct, however, the B6255 is a worthy addition to any biker's itinerary. It's a winding rollercoaster of a road, whose 12 miles of ups and downs take you past some stunning views.

4. Cam Gill Road, Coverdale Valley

This route takes you from the unspoiled village of Kettlewell along a meandering single-track road.


It's a challenge in places, with some steep climbs and switchbacks. But it also features gentle bends and open stretches, affording lovely views that have stayed off the beaten track.

At the end of Cam Gill Road, you reach a fork in the road. In one direction lie the Dales. In the other, the North York Moors. Which road will you take?

Staying safe on the road

The Dales are a fantastic destination for bikers. But some of the roads see an unfortunately high incidence of accidents. Roadwise contains some useful information on how to ride safely, with a focus on North Yorkshire's roads.

On all these routes, speed limits aren't optional. The North Yorkshire Police have long been frequenting some of the most popular routes to crack down on speeding bikers.

Aside from the safety considerations, a gentler ride can be a great way to soak up the views.

How to be a considerate rider

For some riders, the peace and low traffic density of the Dales is like a red rag to a bull. But it's important not to get carried away and to use the roads considerately.

It's worth remembering that the area is a haven for many visitors. Unnecessarily noisy bikers can be a source of complaints, with some people even calling for traffic-free days .

 
You are, of course, well within your rights to explore the Dales by motorbike. But where possible, you should take steps to minimise exhaust noise.

Visit us at Stump Cross Caverns

If your motorbike takes you along the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Grassington, why not stop off at Stump Cross Caverns? You can park up here, free of charge, and explore our ancient caverns, resplendent with stalagmites, stalactites and other gorgeous rock formations.

And while you're with us, why not stop for something to eat and drink at our Time Cafe? It's a cafe with a view , offering jaw-dropping panoramas of the Dales: the perfect pit stop on your journey.

Whatever you visit us for, you can expect a warm Dales welcome. We look forward to meeting you!


Book tickets for Stump Cross Caverns today or explore our calendar of events and experiences .