These drives are generally around 50 miles in length (though the Tour De France route is longer), and are designed to be driven in around 2 to 3 hours.
The routes are varied, taking the driver on some of the main routes in the region, but also on some little travelled back lanes. These roads can be very narrow, in some cases you should estimate at an average speed of around 20 MPH.
As is the case with the Yorkshire Dales in general, each route offers a variety of terrains, landscapes and conditions. All the roads can be driven in a standard car, 4 wheel drive not required, in good weather conditions. In Winter, the weather can change rapidly in the Dales especially on some of the remote high roads. If visiting in Winter you should listen to weather forecasts and ask advice from locals before departing on any of these drives.
In terms of which roads are appropriate for larger vehicles, the Yorkshire Dales Official website www.YorkshireDales.org.uk has a great map showing road hierarchies and which roads can be driven by which vehicles-
Details of drives-
Lower Wharfedale and Yorkshire’s Lakeland
A Journey through Langstrothdale and Coverdale
Backroads of Wharfedale and Nidderdale
High Roads of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale
To Wensleydale by Buttertubs Pass
Malhamdale and Wharfedale’s Limestone Country
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Hello. In a few weeks my partner and I will drive from Ambleside to York (in a day), and we’d like to take the opportunity to see the spectacular scenery of the Dales. Are you able to suggest a route through the National Park that would take in the best of the scenery?
Thanking you in anticipation.
Gary Russ