By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
The brighter and longer days make it a great time to take your treasured classic for a run out in the Yorkshire countryside. I’d like to share with you two short drives in the Dales that I have enjoyed in recent weeks.
Tan Hill Inn to Hawes
First up is a spectacular drive starting from Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn and finishing at Hawes in Wensleydale.
At 1,732 feet above sea level the route south through Swaledale takes a single-track road on tight bends and over blind brows through a heather-filled landscape.
Drive with caution as you take bends, pass moorland before enjoying views of dry stone-divided fields and the pleasant approach to the village of Keld.
Turn onto the B6270, before taking a right after Thwaite and onto the famous Buttertubs Pass. This is a steep climb with hairpins before the road reaches the welcome break of a ‘viewpoint’ lay-by with wonderful views of the Dales.
After reaching the summit there is another swathe of moorland before you drop into the town of Hawes.
It is a spectacular 13-mile descent with fantastic views and the welcome of a choice of café and pubs at the end.
Skipton to Kettlewell
In the last fortnight I took a more low-lying route from Skipton to Kettlewell, via Grassington and Kilnsey
Starting in Skipton centre, head north across the A59 Grassington Road roundabout and follow the B6265 in a gradual climb. The quiet road passes a section of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway on your left as you head towards the Dales villages of Rylstone and Cracoe.
After about 9-miles you reach Threshfield – from here short diversions east can take you to Linton Falls and the market town of Grassington.
From Thresfield follow the B6160 heading for Kilnsey in Upper Wharfedale. A picturesque valley road passes the towering Kilnsey limestone cliff on your left as you take the final 2 ½ miles to Kettlewell.
My second drive may not boast hairpin bends and passes, but the 14-mile route offers an attractive drive passing pubs, restaurants, trails and the banks of the River Wharfe.
Do you have a favourite Yorkshire drive? Why not share your own ‘classic drive’ in the comments option or via Facebook and Twitter?